Leading Resolutions helps clients deliver large-scale transformation and technology change programmes. They have deep expertise advising clients on complex IT transformation and business change programmes and are seen as a trusted advisor to the boards of large and mid-sized corporates including easyJet, the AA and Currys.
Watersheds assisted the shareholders with succession and exit planning, and, after extensive preparatory work, and having tested the market with trade buyers, suggested a Management Buy Out as the optimum exit route.
Watersheds partner Wendy Lam said that business owners are often unaware of the potential of their own management team to acquire the company, and are nervous about their ability to finance a deal, as well as potential conflicts of interest.
“One of the ways we can add value to a succession plan is by bringing potential private equity firms to the table, alongside trade, while advising the owners on how to get their business “sale ready” so there is the confidence to invest,” said Wendy Lam.
“Understandably, running a successful exit process, talking to multiple different parties, can be difficult and overwhelming for anyone without extensive experience. We were glad to help navigate through the sometimes difficult path of balancing the needs of the shareholders, the management team and the private equity backer to arrive at a result everyone was happy with. The final outcome is a win-win for all parties, and Leading Resolutions has a promising future ahead.”
Shareholder Jeff Motto said “Choosing the right partner to support such an important step in our personal and Company’s life was essential. We engaged Watersheds because we were confident the outcome we wanted would be achieved and we could rely on them to deliver results.
“When it seemed that International M&A activities were going to be depressed during a time of economic uncertainty, we benefitted from Watersheds’ broader view of the market and the considered and knowledgeable advice we received. Through the strength of its relationships with its network and the tenacity of its people, we feel we have arrived at the best outcome.
“Watersheds’ experience in structuring, negotiation and managing the process ensured all goals were aligned, which meant the management team’s experience of fundraising was “right first time”, maintaining momentum and goodwill between all parties. We are delighted to have been supported by Watersheds through this journey.”