Should the Seller move offices?

April 15, 2026

by a searcher from University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School in Danville, CA, USA

I'm about to acquire a company. Should the seller move from his office to another office on day 1 to ensure the team knows who's in charge? Or should I move into the junior office and keep his office in place for a few weeks or months? The transition is that the seller is giving 1 month full time, and 2 months part time.

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Reply by a professional-advisory
from University of Utah in Sandy, UT, USA

I just wrote a piece about this in my book, The Due Diligence Bible. Here is an excerpt: The Physical Exit: Reclaiming the Throne The most difficult part is often the physical office. As long as the seller is sitting in their chair, the staff will treat them as the boss. You must move the seller out of the primary office as quickly as the training allows. If they are staying on for 90 days, move them to a secondary desk or, ideally, transition them to remote consulting. Reclaim the "Big Chair" by Day 15. Change the decor, update the family photos, and make the space yours. This isn't about ego; it’s about visual cues. The team needs to see a new captain at the helm to stop the "Shadow" from casting a cloud over your new leadership. A clean break isn't mean; it’s the only way to let the business—and the seller—move on to their next chapter.

Reply by a professional
from University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, USA

Sometimes the optics are important but it really depends on the culture and the climate within the office. If the climate is amicable, leave the seller in his office for a month but move him out when he goes part time. In the military it is called Right Seat/Left Seat Ride. The outgoing commander sits in the right seat of the command vehicle for a month and he/she is in charge. The new guy is taking notes, getting intro's, learning the ropes. After that month, they switch places; the new person takes charge but has the outgoing person nearby for counsel and mitigation. However, if the climate is hostile, move him out asap so the messaging is clear...I hope this helps.

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