Meridian Corporate Finance and Moore Barlow have collaborated to advise on a management buyout of a Solent based firm as it embarks on the next stage of its growth journey.
Headquartered in Hampshire, the company specialises in the supply and installation of products to the construction industry and has been in business for more than 20 years. The company boasts a well-established and long-standing client base supplying all aspects of the construction industry, from housing developments to commercial and leisure projects.
The management buyout will see the business put in place foundations for further growth, building capacity and setting a pathway for the existing shareholders to transition out of the business over the coming years. The existing management team will continue building the established brand as well as pursuing their growth strategy and product expansion plans.
The deal was led by a team of local professional advisers; Philip Mettam, director at Meridian Corporate Finance, Kirsty Bowyer, senior associate at Moore Barlow and Cathy Revis, head of tax and transaction support at Fiander Tovell.
Philip Mettam, Director at Meridian, who led the transaction, commented: “The pandemic has led many business owners and directors to look at their longer-term plans, both at a corporate and personal level. Meridian was engaged to help structure and deliver a solution that allowed the transition of control and day to day responsibility away from the exiting shareholders and into the hands of the management team. We worked closely with Moore Barlow and Fiander Tovell to create a truly holistic structure that not only dealt with the immediate movement of shares, but also put in place incentivization packages for key individuals and set the company in good stead to grow and develop the next generation of talent. The business is now setup to allow the shareholders a gradual exit from their day-to-day responsibilities over time, minimising the disruption and impact that rapid changes in ownership can sometimes cause, and setting out a measured and supportive succession plan to the next generation.”
Kirsty Bowyer, senior associate in the corporate team at Moore Barlow was supported by solicitors Dean Outten and Isabelle Balch. Commenting on the deal, Kirsty said: “We’re seeing an increase in demand from business owners and shareholders who are looking to kick-start sustainable succession plans and facilitate the smooth handover of their company. A management buyout is a popular option as it allows the existing management team to secure equity in the company and minimises disruption for employees and customers as there is little change to day-to-day operations.”
