Corporate and Commercial

MBO Services

Corporate and commercial legal advice

An MBO empowers a management team to lead, delivering stability and strategic control. Attractive for owners seeking a smooth exit, it demands expert guidance on financing, legal risks, and future business performance.

Planning an exit from your business is a big decision. A Management Buyout (MBO) can offer a practical, strategic way to hand over control to the people who know your business best – your management team.

What is an MBO?

An MBO allows your existing management team to purchase the business they already know and run. It’s a strategic transaction that can secure your legacy, maintain continuity, and reward the people who have helped build your success.

The process typically involves:

  • Planning and assessment: understanding your goals and the team’s readiness
  • Financing: identifying funding sources and structuring the deal
  • Due diligence: uncovering risks and ensuring transparency
  • Negotiation and completion: agreeing terms and closing the transaction
  • Post-completion support: ensuring a smooth transition.

Is an MBO right for you?

An MBO can be an excellent option, but it’s not right for every business. Key factors to consider include:

  • Your objectives: Do you want continuity and a trusted successor rather than a trade sale?
  • Management readiness: Is your team capable and motivated to lead the business?
  • Financial health: Does the business have the stability to attract funding?
  • Complexity: While generally less complex than a trade sale, an MBO still requires careful planning and execution.

If these align with your goals, an MBO could provide a smooth, confidential transition that protects your legacy and rewards your management team.

Why consider an MBO?

An MBO can offer:

  • Continuity and stability: your business stays in trusted hands
  • Confidentiality: fewer external parties involved compared to a trade sale
  • Flexibility: tailored deal structures to meet your objectives
  • Motivated leadership: a management team invested in the future.

Key considerations

  • Funding: securing finance is critical; we’ll help you explore options
  • Legal and tax implications: structuring the deal to maximise benefits and minimise risk
  • Management capability: ensuring the team is ready to lead.

How can we support you?

We combine expert legal insight with a commercially astute approach. From initial planning to completion, we guide you through every stage, safeguarding confidentiality and aligning the transaction with your strategic goals. Our proactive support ensures you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

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Meet Our Specialists

Discover the experienced professionals driving our service, offering clear, commercially astute guidance with a supportive, solution‑oriented mindset.

01
Liz Barton
02
Garry Karch
03
Akshay Vaghela

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Our team
Bristol

Anne-Marie Boyle

Partner & Co-Head of Bristol Office

London & South West

Declan Bradley

Partner

London

Liz Barton

Partner & Head of Corporate