Management Buy-Outs and Buy-Ins
Management buy-out and buy-in solicitors in the East Midlands
Management Buy-outs (MBOs) and Management Buy-ins (MBIs) can be complex, and each case will be different depending on the interests and requirements of the deal and the parties involved.
It is vital to seek the expert advice of a trusted legal professional from the outset to ensure the process is as smooth as possible and all parties feel supported.
What is a management buy-out?
A management buy-out or MBO involves part or all of a company being acquired by the company’s management team through combining resources.
Usually, the management team takes full control and ownership of the company, using its knowledge and expertise to grow the company.
What is a management buy-in?
Like a management buy-out, a management buy-in or MBI involves a management team acquiring the company, however this is a management company from outside the company. The management team usually competes with other purchasers to buy the company.
MBIs are usually funded with a portion of the management team’s own capital and through external funding from banks and private equity investors.
What are the advantages of a management buy-out?
An MBO can offer several advantages. Firstly, since the underlying business remains the same and the management team already knows the company, there is less risk of failure, and it provides continuity and reassurance to other employees, existing clients and suppliers.
In addition, there is usually less due diligence required by funders and this is often handled quickly and there is also no need to disclose confidential information to external parties.
What are the challenges of a management buy-out?
Management buy-outs are not always appropriate to a particular company, and the strength and performance of the management team as well as its plans for taking the company forward are vital in its future success and all members need to successfully transition from being employees to owners.
It is also important that suitable terms and appropriate repayment schedules are in place and there is stable cash flow to ensure that if a vendor’s loan has been used to finance the MBO, it is protected.
How do you finance a management buy-out?
Management buy-outs are usually financed in the same way as other business purchases and are typically financed by a combination of cash, equity and debt.
Vendor financing can also occur, where the management buyout is financed by the seller through using EMI options, the vendor providing a loan or leaving the consideration for the shares outstanding.
What should I consider before a management buy-out?
Before initiating an MBO there are a number of factors you should consider, including:
- The dedication and credibility of the management team
- Whether the company has a strong track record of profitability and good prospects without any high-risk factors
- The availability of finance and whether the company’s future cash flows can fund and support the company
Why use Rothera Bray for management buy-outs and buy-ins?
Our dedicated solicitors can provide you with legal advice at every stage of the MBO or MBI process and ensure you have all the correct legal documentation in place to protect your interests.
We have practical experience in co-ordinating all types of corporate transactions and working with all parties involved in such deals.
We will:
- Undertake due diligence
- Plan and coordinate the deal
- Prepare and negotiate all necessary documentation required, including the sale and purchase agreement, shareholder’s agreement, and articles of association
- Advise on any conflicts of interest
- Negotiate warranties and terms
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Tim Gladdle
Partner
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Posted 9 January 2026
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Posted 7 January 2026
We had an excellent experience working with Amelia. She helped us with setting up trusts for our properties, gifting a property, and preparing our wills, all handled with great professionalism and clarity. Everything was completed to a tight deadline and Amelia ensured the process ran smoothly from start to finish. She also linked us with an accountant and arranged the necessary documentation for related activities and ongoing financial management, which made everything seamless and stress-free. We felt well supported throughout and would highly recommend Amelia’s services.
Matt R
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
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Posted 5 January 2026
The final run up to completion of our sale was very stressful but we were helped by Luisa, Abbey's assistant. She maintained contact with us and updated us at each stage, extremely calm, empathetic and approachable at all times. She went out of her way to find information for us and keep us informed of the progress.
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Posted 5 January 2026
We have recently instructed Rothera Bray for the sale of our house and purchase of our new home. It has been a challenging sequence of events, for various reasons outside of our control, but Abbey Freeman has guided us through it, giving us information and explanations very clearly and answering our questions in a timely manner.
Conveyancing client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We asked Rothera Bray Solicitors - West Bridgford to write our wills and received excellent service and guidance from Talita Fantauzzi. She was professional and friendly in delivering the advice we needed. We would definitely recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors and would use them for any future legal advice and work we may require.
Susan T
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Posted 5 January 2026
I had a really positive experience dealing with George on my settlement agreement. Has was friendly, efficient, and explained everything clearly in plain English, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Communication was excellent throughout. I was kept informed at every stage and any questions I had were answered promptly. The process was handled quickly and professionally. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Suzi
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Posted 5 January 2026
We recently moved house and Julekha and team were amazing. We were kept well informed throughout the selling & buying process and they worked hard to achieve a very tight deadline.
Gary Lee
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Posted 23 December 2025
I purchased my first home with an ex-partner and needed to get an equity transfer completed. The situation was very messy and chaotic involving Help to Buy. Lucy and Karen were beyond helpful in explaining everything and dealing with Help to Buy when they were being not very helpful and slow. I feel that the whole drama would be ongoing without their expertise and help. Thank you.
Kirk
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Posted 23 December 2025
We enjoyed exceptionally good service from Rothera Bray. Jackie Murphy who handled our conveyancing was outstanding. She is highly professional and dealt with enquiries promptly, often on the same day! Her communication was very good and we always felt well informed. I'd have no hesitation in calling on Rothera Bray again.
Mr Page
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Posted 23 December 2025
A brilliant experience from start to finish. A fallen through chain and a few complications on the way, but the service provided was fantastic. Rothera Bray were clear and helpful at all times. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Amy O'Neill
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Posted 22 December 2025
I can highly recommend George Cokkinos at Rothera Bray for advice on a settlement agreement. George took the time to fully understand my situation before giving clear and appropriate advice. He was transparent on fees, kept me updated throughout and handled correspondence with my former employer efficiently. The outcome was positive and the process felt well managed from start to finish.
Anonymous
Tim Gladdle
Senior Partner & Head of Corporate
Tim qualified as a solicitor in 1983, giving him 40 years of legal experience. He specialises in advising a wide range of companies on corporate affairs and transactions.
Richard Hammond
Partner & Head of Risk and Compliance
Richard Hammond is a Dispute Resolution specialist and mediator at our Lace Market office in Nottingham. Richard is also a notary public, processing client documents for international use.
Toby Preston
Partner
Toby is a Partner who specialises in corporate law and business affairs. He has been a partner for over 10 years and been involved in many high profile acquisitions and disposals. He works mainly from our Leicester and Nottingham branches.
David Tomlinson
Partner, Commercial Property
David is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Derby office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial and commercial property matters.
Erica Hurst
Solicitor
Erica Hurst is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Corporate and Commercial department and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Sandeesh Samra
Solicitor
Sandeesh Samra is a Solicitor in our Corporate and Commercial team and is based at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Liam Wicks
Solicitor
Liam Wicks is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Corporate & Commercial department and is based at our Derby office.
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