April 15, 2025

Comerica's Approach to Closely Held Businesses

Comerica Wealth Management

Key Takeaways:

  • Expert Oversight for Complex Assets: Managing closely held business interests demands specialized skills to ensure performance, mitigate risks, and align with trust and estate goals.  
  • Dedicated Team, Proven Results: With a team managing over 500 closely held assets valued at $2 billion, Comerica delivers unparalleled focus and expertise.
  • Comprehensive Services: From governance reviews and valuations to executing buy-sell agreements and succession planning, Comerica provides end-to-end solutions for closely held business interests.  

At Comerica we recognize the profound significance of closely held business interests within the framework of wealth management and estate planning. These assets—often integral to a family’s financial legacy—are inherently complex, illiquid, and demanding of specialized expertise to ensure they deliver on the intentions of the grantor and provide enduring value to beneficiaries.

The administration of closely held business interests requires more than routine oversight. These assets must be actively managed as investments within the trust, whether through sale, in-kind distribution, or continued operation. This involves a multi-faceted approach, including thorough entity reviews, precise valuations, and proactive fiduciary management. At Comerica, we specialize in navigating this complexity with expertise and precision.

Closely Held Business Interests Demystified
Clients may own the entirety of a business or a minority interest. Regardless of the extent of ownership, our process begins with an in-depth review of governance structures, financial performance, owner rights, and risks. Each decision—whether to hold, sell, or restructure an entity—is informed by meticulous evaluation and strategic foresight. For controlling interests, options may extend to leadership transitions or even requiring turnaround consultants; for minority stakes, the focus may shift to understanding market feasibility for a sale or pursuing other advantageous strategies.

Expertise in Action
Closely Held Business Asset Managers brings unparalleled focus and diligence to this nuanced discipline. With oversight of 500 assets valued at over $2 billion, we deliver tailored solutions aligned with your family’s unique financial and business objectives. Our services encompass everything from attending shareholder meetings and voting complex proxies to executing partner buy-sell agreements and implementing management succession plans.  We are equipped to provide the foresight, flexibility, and actionable insights necessary to meet the distinct needs of sophisticated clients, from business owners and estate planning entities to C-suite executives.

Next Steps
Your closely held business is not just an asset—it’s a legacy worth preserving and enhancing. To explore tailored strategies and solutions, contact your Comerica Relationship Manager today, or request a consultation with Comerica. Let’s work together to transform complexity into opportunity.

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Follow our author on Linked In: John McQuiston, Manager, Specialty Asset Management, Comerica Trust

NOTE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Comerica Wealth Management consists of various divisions and affiliates of Comerica Bank, including Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. and Comerica Insurance Services, Inc. and its affiliated insurance agencies. Non-deposit Investment products offered by Comerica and its affiliates are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed by Comerica Bank or any of its affiliates, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Comerica Bank and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your specific situation.

This is not a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any company, industry or security. The information and materials herein have been obtained from sources we consider to be reliable, but Comerica Wealth Management does not warrant, or guarantee, its completeness or accuracy. Materials prepared by Comerica Wealth Management personnel are based on public information. Facts and views presented in this material have not been reviewed by, and may not reflect information known to, professionals in other business areas of Comerica Wealth Management, including investment banking personnel.

The views expressed are those of the author at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. We do not assume any liability for losses that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. This material has been distributed for general educational/informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation for any particular security, strategy or investment product, or as personalized investment advice.

 

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