Private equity and buy-outs

Private equity transactions are pivotal moments for growth, transformation, and value creation. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, we understand the intricate dynamics of buyouts and private equity investments, helping clients navigate the opportunities and challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether representing institutional investors, management teams, or investee companies, we deliver commercially astute, tailored advice that aligns with strategic ambitions and fosters lasting success.

Facilitating smooth, strategic transactions

Our private equity and buyouts team, led by experienced partners, excels at managing complex mid-market transactions with precision and insight. Highly familiar with sectors such as technology, life sciences, retail and fashion, and real estate, we provide guidance that ensures transactions are not only completed effectively, but designed for sustainable growth.

We frequently collaborate with our intellectual property and commercial specialists to support investments into IP-rich enterprises, maintaining comprehensive protection and optimal commercialisation of valuable assets. Our multi-disciplinary, cohesive approach enhances value and mitigates risks, giving clients a significant competitive advantage.

In venture capital structuring, our team’s depth of knowledge means clients receive guidance that supports every stage, from initial investments and follow-up funding rounds to strategic exits via trade sales or secondary buy-outs. Founders, investors, and companies seeking robust funding arrangements are amongst the broad range of clients we serve in this field.

They have deep experience in understanding the requirements of both investors and investees and developing appropriate legal frameworks to meet these.

Our practice spans diverse transaction scenarios, including management buy-outs (MBOs) and buy-ins (MBIs), public-to-private transactions, debt funding, meticulous due diligence, tax-efficient planning, and structuring employee benefit schemes. By thoroughly understanding each client’s unique objectives, we build targeted solutions that facilitate seamless transactions and lasting value creation.

Our awareness of sector-specific nuances, combined with cross-disciplinary expertise, positions us uniquely to expedite smooth, successful transactions in today’s dynamic market environment.

How we help our clients

Debt funding

Due diligence

Employee benefits

Exit strategies

Intellectual property

Management buy-outs (MBOs) and buy-ins (MBIs)

Public to private transactions

Tax planning

Trade sales or secondary buy-outs

Venture capital structuring

Useful resources

Doing business in the UK

Recommended for handling technology transactions and cross-border hi-tech manufacturing agreements, among other matters.

Leading corporate practice with an international presence and strong cross-border capabilities.

A proven track record of success in handling complex and high-stakes legal matters. The team has a deep and broad knowledge of the legal landscape, both locally and globally.

A laser-like focus on the desired outcome left me feeling like we got tremendous value.

The Penningtons corporate team is outstanding – creative, diligent, highly responsive, always focused on working efficiently and effectively on behalf of clients – a delight to work with.

Recent work highlights

Sustainable forestry business acquisition

Representing Cibus Fund II (Cibus), the specialist sustainable food and agriculture fund, on the successful acquisition of UK cell-grown tree producer Alba Trees Limited.

Secure public sector IT solutions

Acting for SiXworks, a rapidly growing designer and implementer of specialist and complex IT solutions, on its investment from Chiltern Capital.

Rail cyber security fundraising

Representing RazorSecure, specialists in railway cyber security solutions, on a recent private equity-backed fundraising round to support continued growth and innovation.

Sample management software investment

Assisting the shareholders of Titian Software, a sample management software solution provider, with a significant, majority investment from Battery Ventures, a US technology-focused investment firm.

ESG and sustainability strategy

Advising the shareholders of Simply Sustainable, a London-headquartered ESG consultancy known for its deep sustainability expertise, on the majority investment from Agathos Management LLP.

Advanced electronics manufacturing services

Acting for EC Electronics, a global provider of electronic manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and product innovators, on its recent funding from Rockpool Investments.

End-to-end managed cloud services

Assisting leading managed cloud service provider Timico with Lyceum Capital’s £50 million+ acquisition of a majority stake, facilitating the company’s ongoing expansion.

Cryptocurrency trading exchange fundraising

Acting for coinpass, a London-based cryptocurrency exchange platform, on a recent private equity-backed fundraising round to assist it continued development.

Sustainable energy and utilities

Advising Sustainable Energy First, a leading sustainable energy and utilities specialist, on its investment from Birmingham-based firm Beech Tree Private Equity.

Innovative restaurant technology leader

Acting for QSR Automations, a global leader in restaurant technology based in Louisville, Kentucky, on its majority investment from Battery Ventures, a technology-focused investment firm based in the US.