Wed, 06 Sep 2023 | BUSINESS SALE
The Specialist Blind Co (SBC) has become the latest UK company to become employee owned after transferring to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). SBC specialises in made-to-measure blinds, including remote-control blinds and home automation integration.
The deal enables owners Peter and Helen Matthews, who incorporated the firm in 2000, to realise their investment while ensuring the Surrey-based business remains in the hands of its employees.The owners opted against maximising value through selling to a third-party buyer, as well as declining to introduce third-party debt (which could have been used to accelerate payments to the firm's existing shareholders), saying they were “exceptionally keen” to keep the business in employee hands.
Following the transfer to the EOT, Peter Matthews will remain as the firm’s managing director, supported by long-term employees Cheryl Ede and Sarah Edwards. Peter Matthews said the transition to employee ownership was “an exciting step in SBC's development”, adding that the company would “continue to evolve and innovate to provide exceptional products to our valued customers."
The deal was overseen by a team from Quantuma, led by managing director Adrian Howells and manager Richard Hill, who provided lead financial advice, company valuation and tax structuring services throughout the process.
Adrian Howells commented: "Employee ownership is becoming more popular than ever, being used increasingly often to empower employees, whilst securing a tax-efficient exit for shareholders, and creating a sustainable base for future growth.”
These factors cited by Howells, among several others, have been behind a significant increase in the number of businesses transferring to EOTs over recent years, with the number of employee-owned businesses in the UK now standing at more than 1,400.
Find out more about the growth of EOTs in our recent dedicated insight on Employee Ownership Trusts in the UK
The business operates from a number of retail stores which are predominantly based in the North of England. They also have a strong online presence.
This family owned business specialises in the purchase and sale of used vehicles, delivering exceptional value to customers in the UK while also serving a well established export market.
LEASEHOLD
Established in 1956, this family-owned business specialises in quality used cars and 4x4s, serving customers across the UK. Over the decades, it has built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, reliability, and consistently positive re...
LEASEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.