You are looking for a successor, or a partner for what comes next
The process
If you recognize yourself in one of them, a first conversation is worth having.
Wealth
Everything is in the company
Your financial security, and your family’s, rests on a single illiquid asset.
Growth
It outruns your means
An acquisition, a machine, a market to open — and cash flow no longer covers it, or you need a partner to help you evaluate.
Business transfer
It is not ready
Your children will not take over, or not now, and your managers cannot fund a buyout.
Shareholding
A partner wants out
A long-standing shareholder wants to step away and the buyout has to be financed.
Isolation
You decide alone
The heavy decisions rest on you, with no board and no counterweight to share them.
Approaches
Buyers are already calling
Acquirers are contacting you and you have neither the framework nor the advice to judge their offers.
Four steps, stated at the first meeting.
-
01
Exploration
A confidential conversation about your situation and your goals, including whether we believe Capital d’expérience is the right fit. No exchange of documents or confidential information is required at this stage.
-
02
Structuring and initial offer
Based on our initial conversations around transaction structure, your desired role, and receipt of certain financial information, we present you with an initial non-binding offer.
-
03
Diligence
If the offer is accepted, we undertake due diligence. While rigorous, we ensure the process remains confidential and minimizes disruption to your business.
-
04
Investment
The transaction is completed and we immediately embark on the post-closing transition and integration plans agreed upon prior to closing.
What changes
- Part of the company’s value becomes your liquid wealth.
- A board is put in place, meeting quarterly.
- Financial reporting gets structured: cadence, format, metrics tracked.
- You are no longer alone carrying the heavy decisions.
- A growth plan is written down, objectives and means included.
What does not change
- We do not cut headcount; teams remain in place with roles respected.
- The name, the brand and the roots of the company are kept.
- Your commitments to customers and suppliers hold.
- Your values remain the frame of the company.
The testimonial
Two minutes with Patrick Perus,
on his vision of succession.
Patrick Perus — Founding Partner
Frequent questions
Depending on the nature of the transaction, Capital d’expérience may take a controlling stake in the equity of the company. This largely relates to strategic decisions — for example, budgets, acquisitions or financing — with limited implication in the day-to-day operations of the business.
We adapt our approach to the needs of the business, but ultimately we favour a transaction where there is meaningful re-investment by existing shareholders or management, to ensure we are all aligned and have a say.
We work with you to shape a role which meets both our objectives, before the transaction is completed. This might range from continuing to lead the business for a portion or all of the duration of our investment, to a short-term transition, or something in between.
If you want to step back, we are able to rely on our network of operating executives to step in and ensure continuity.
Nobody can tell you seriously without looking at your numbers. Value depends on your recurring profitability, on how much of that profit actually turns into cash, on your competitive position, on your dependence on a single customer or a key person, and on the multiples paid in your sector. We can provide an indicative range shortly after receiving historical financial statements, with no cost or commitment on your side.
No. It is the most common fear, and a legitimate one. A first conversation happens between you and the partners, wherever you choose. Nothing goes to a third party without your written consent. No public communication is made, even after the transaction, without your approval of the wording.
A first conversation, with no commitment
It happens between you and the partners, wherever you choose. Nothing leaves the room without your written consent. If you prefer, we sign your confidentiality agreement before the first exchange.