Cantler Hill is a family-owned business looking to buy and run one specialty manufacturer for the long term
I run operations at a 50-person software business serving over 300 universities and hospitals across the UK, Australia and Canada. It was built by its founder over many years before being sold to an individual investor, and I joined to help run it.
My work is succession in practice - keeping people who had been there far longer than I've been, holding onto customers who signed up decades ago, and making sure that the changes I make did not undo the reasons the business worked. I've helped the business grow sales and profits by double digits, keep customer retention in the high nineties, and build a group of employees who are proud of their work.
Before that I was at Boston Consulting Group, working with CEOs of F500 manufacturing companies on growth and operations. I loved working in industrials, and I want to return back to it by buying a specialty manufacturer.
I grew up in Virginia watching my grandfather build and run a small law firm for over 50 years. His grace with clients and employees, and tenacity to succeed, inspired me to become the leader I am today. When he sold his firm, my eyes opened to the possibilities of buying a business; and I plan to do so with the respect and care that he put into his.
I have an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a BA in Economics from Northwestern University.
My priority is to serve the people at the heart of the company. I strive to create a safe, positive environment that fosters growth and well-being.
My goal is to bring growth and evolution to the business in a way that respects its community and mission.
I am not out to turn a quick profit. My commitment is to the long-term success of your business.
I believe in sustainable growth through nurturing people, and I am looking to partner with a business owner who has invested in a culture that supports lasting relationships with employees and their community.
I look to partner with a company that has proven demand for what it makes and has achieved sustainable scale and profitability.
I look for a business that has a clear and compelling purpose, demonstrated through repeat customers and long-term commercial relationships.
Most owners who sell will hear from private equity firms and larger companies in your industry. As an owner-operator, I am a different type of buyer and the table below outlines the differences.
| Cantler Hill | Private equity | Competitor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of acquisitions | I'm buying a single business and will run it myself | Each business becomes one of a number of portfolio companies | Either integrated or becomes a division within a larger entity |
| Value creation | I'll grow by improving sales and operations with the team that's already there | Value comes from financial engineering, cost reduction and oversight from the board | Value comes from synergies with the parent company, which usually means cost reduction |
| Ownership period | Permanent | 3 to 5 year investment period, restricted by the life of the fund | Dependent on core business strategy |
| Commitment | 100% full-time, on site and running the business | One of several portfolio companies; occasional board-level involvement | One of many divisions; focus stays on their primary business |
| Owner tie-in | Owner can leave immediately or after a short handover period | Owner typically tied in for 2 to 3 years | Owner typically tied in for 2 to 3 years |
Selling your business is an important decision, and my aim is to make the process straightforward and respectful of your time. Nothing here commits you to anything until the closing documents. Every stage is confidential, and I will not approach your employees, customers or suppliers without your agreement.
Before anything else, I want to get to know you. I want to understand your story, what has motivated you to build this business and what your plans are moving forward. This is also a time for you to get to know me and decide if I would be the right fit to care for your company and employees.
Assuming mutual interest, I will take a few weeks to learn more about your business with the goal of providing a non-binding letter of intent and a framework to move forward.
Once we have mutually agreed upon a letter of intent, we will work together to build a growth and transition plan that is compatible with your personal, economic, and professional goals.
In the last phase, we will finalize legal documentation, financing sources, and deal terms. Once the transaction has closed, we will work together to ensure a seamless transition of ownership to continue the work of building the business for the long term
I created a valuation tool to give an estimate of what your company is worth. There are a dozen questions about your business, and I will provide a confidential valuation.
If you are thinking about what comes next, or would just like to understand your options, I'd welcome a conversation. There is no pressure or obligation.
All conversations are confidential.