In the business world, a management buyout process happens when the management team at a company acquire the company by buying out the current owner. This process is often preferable to a trade sale – one, for example, seen in the recent £7bn takeover of supermarket chain Morrisons – often leaving a company with new, external owners unknown to shareholders.
This guide aims to outline the foundations of a strong, successful management buyout process that could prove lucrative to employees and investors alike. The fulcrum of any buyout process is a perfect balance between strong, supportive management and complete knowledge of the business.
Build a quality team
There’s no chance of a management buyout without a strong management team. A healthy team dynamic, internal relationships and brand knowledge will go a long way, proving much more to potential investors than just previous performance and future potential.
Making sure you have the right leadership in place is of paramount importance. Your team needs to have a detailed, thorough understanding of the business, its clients, and its target market, alongside an attitude that reflects an eagerness to learn and improve.
Furthermore, your team must establish strong relationships with investors. Keeping things honest and transparent will promote a culture of respect and integrity, building trust on both sides.
Be prepared to talk
Draft a plan with your teammates to identify the unique selling points of your brand. Identify what makes you stand out from your competitors and identify aspects of your work that investors could get excited about. Any team hoping to go ahead with a management buyout should be supported to feel confident in their ability to do so.
All companies have their challenges, so it’s also wise to consider these and look for ways to talk about improvement strategies. With a clear hypothetical process and goal outlined, investors will be convinced by your drive to succeed.
Create a clear business plan
It’s not all about earnings, cash flow and profit, but these elements need to be at the core of your business model. Support your plan with evidence of historical growth in revenue and the key driving forces behind it. Key performance indicators, whether they’re found in one-off events or recurring patterns, will be essential to focus on.
Overall, if you feel ready to attempt a management buyout, you just need to make sure that you and your team are equipped with the necessary knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm.
