We have years of extensive experience in helping add value to a broad range of companies to grow. This comes from always having focussed on the lower mid-market and working closely with management teams in a variety of sectors, geographies and underlying market conditions. This has provided us with a breadth of experience: investing in and growing companies; helping shape strategies; developing management teams and understanding how and when to exit.
Over the years we have helped refine growth strategies, improve digital capabilities, globalise businesses, re-brand, perform bolt-on acquisitions, improve operations and build out management teams. In part, our ability to implement this effectively comes from the network we can access. We have a strong group of contacts from a wide array of organisations that we utilise to further add-value and aid growth.
We understand how important people are in any successful business and finding management teams that have the ambition, skills and enthusiasm to partner with us is key to all our investments. We work closely with teams to help bring the best out of them and encourage them to make bold decisions to accelerate growth, enabling companies to flourish.
We are flexible investors, looking at each opportunity on a case by case basis and tailoring our approach accordingly. We recognise that every business is different and work closely with our partner companies to structure deals to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
We do not have boxes to tick and are comfortable looking at deals with majority cash-outs for Founders or that have elements of an MBI. If you have a growing niche business, then we will create a deal structure that works for all parties.
We have, and always will, focus on the lower mid-market. We have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these businesses but also the opportunity to make super returns. Our focus on profit and value means we always have one eye on maximising exit proceeds for all stakeholders.
Prior to investment
Prepare a value creation plan which sets out how to support management and how to develop the business organically. Form a preliminary market view of competitors that could be acquired. Look to identify people who can come in at the appropriate point post completion to bolster management.
Initial period post completion
Over the first 6 to 12 months of the investment, the Lonsdale Team work closely with management to develop the strategy. Regular contact with the CEO, advise, aid and act as a sounding board through what is typically a period of rapid and significant change.
Growth Phase
Help define the overall plan, determine what resources are needed, make introductions from its networks and act as a sounding board throughout the process. Help the team negotiate and structure each deal.
Exit
Work with the Board and management to identify the likely timing and process for exit. Ensure that management succession. Ensure a competitive process and maximum return on money.
We have a flexible investment approach, looking at each opportunity on a case by case basis and tailoring our approach accordingly. We recognise that every business is different, and work closely with businesses to structure deals to meet the needs of all stakeholders.