Backing management buyouts
For management teams who want to own the business they run, and for owners who'd like their team to take it on.
A management buyout (MBO) is often the most natural succession route: the people who already run the business day to day become its owners. Customers and staff see continuity, and the owner sees the business carried on by people they trust.
The challenge is usually funding. Most management teams can't raise the full price themselves. That's where a partner like INFRANOVA can help — providing capital, structure and operating support alongside the team.
How we back management teams
We can support an MBO by acquiring the business with management rolling over or investing alongside us, so the team has real ownership and shares in the value they create.
- Capital to fund the purchase alongside management
- Flexible structures, including vendor finance and management rollover
- Board support, financial controls and monthly reporting
- Hands-on help with growth plans and bolt-on acquisitions
Who we help
We work with the owners of established, founder-led UK businesses — often people who started or inherited the company, built it over decades and now want to plan what comes next. Some want to retire completely. Some want to step back gradually. Some want a partner with capital and operating experience to take the business further than they could on their own.
What they have in common is that they care about what happens after they sell. They want their staff looked after, their customers served properly and the name above the door to mean something for years to come. That is exactly the kind of owner we want to work with.
What we look for
We keep our criteria simple and we share them openly, so you can judge quickly whether a conversation is worthwhile. If your business doesn't fit neatly, talk to us anyway — we consider every enquiry on its merits.
- Based in the UK
- Enterprise value of roughly £2m–£10m
- 10+ years trading
- Profitable, with consistent cash generation
- A skilled workforce and loyal customers
- No single customer ideally above 15–20% of revenue
How a sale works with us
Selling a business shouldn't mean months of uncertainty before you know where you stand. We aim to give you a straight answer early, and a clear timetable after that.
- Initial screen: we'll tell you within days whether there's likely to be a fit.
- First conversation and site visit: we meet you, walk the floor and listen.
- Indicative offer: a clear view on value, explained openly, before any lengthy process.
- Due diligence: typically 4–8 weeks, run with as little disruption to the business as possible.
- Completion and handover: a structured transition, typically 6–24 months, at a pace that suits you.
What happens to your staff, customers and name
We buy businesses to build them, not to strip them. Your skilled workforce is the business, and protecting good people is central to how we create value. We don't plan to close sites or cut jobs to hit a number.
The relationships you have built with customers and suppliers are protected through the handover, and we introduce ourselves to them only when you're ready. Your business keeps its name, identity and heritage — we preserve what works and build on it. Our commitments are written down in our Owner's Charter so you can hold us to them.
Why owners like this route
For the outgoing owner, a backed MBO combines a fair price with continuity. The people who know the business best stay in charge, and a structured handover lets knowledge pass on properly.
Questions owners ask us.
Start a confidential conversation.
Tell us a little about your business. All conversations are strictly confidential.