What is a Recapitalization Exit Strategy?

One of the exit strategies available to company owners is called a recapitalization, or “recap”.

In a recapitalization, an investor (usually a private equity firm) purchases an equity interest in your company using a combination of cash and debt financing. They expect to grow the company and earn an attractive return on their cash investment when they sell the company at a higher price in 3-7 years. Their value creation strategy usually involves initiatives to accelerate growth, increase profit margins, mitigate business risks, and professionalize the business to make it more attractive to future buyers.

Why Recapitalize?

1. a buyout of only specific shareholders,
2. the transfer of partial ownership to the next generation, and
3. equity participation for remaining management.

When they recapitalize a business, PE firms usually acquire a majority (controlling) interest and don’t play a role in day-to-day management. They bring financial acumen, systems and growth capital, sit on the board, and participate as a strategic advisor.  They prefer to retain the existing management team, which often includes the owner. Owners who recapitalize and stay on can achieve material liquidity and maintain control over day-to-day operations. Alignment with the investor is of course very important.

Exit Strategies Group maintains relationships with Private Equity groups and other types of financial buyers across the country and is experienced in both sourcing potential equity partners and negotiating recapitalization transactions that fit our clients’ goals.