Roundworks IT
Acquirer / Funder
Luke Watts
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
TMT - IT Services
Location
UK
Overview
RoundWorks IT shareholder buyout
Supporting a founder exit and continuity of ownership
- Business: RoundWorks IT
- Sector: Managed IT services
- Location: East Midlands
- Transaction: Shareholder buyout led by Luke Watts
- Deal value: Undisclosed
The business
Founded in 2016, RoundWorks IT provides managed IT support and services to businesses across the East Midlands and beyond, including cyber security, cloud solutions and business communications.
Shareholder objectives
The co-founders had different plans for the future of their ownership in RoundWorks IT.
The shareholder buyout provided an exit for one co-founder while allowing Luke Watts to take full ownership and continue leading the business. Continuity for the company and its customers was an important part of the transaction.
Our role
Eastwood Anglo advised Luke Watts and RoundWorks IT, managing the process from the initial valuation through negotiation and transaction structuring.
We then acted for Luke and the company throughout the deal, working alongside the legal and tax advisers to progress the shareholder buyout to completion.
Martin Brierly and George Ottewell of Flint Bishop acted as legal advisers to Luke. Actons advised the exiting shareholder and Bates Weston provided tax advice.
The transaction and outcome
The completed shareholder buyout gives Luke full ownership of the business and provides an exit for his fellow co-founder. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
The transaction allows the business to move forward under Luke’s leadership while retaining its established approach to customer service.
Tom Eastwood, Director at Eastwood Anglo, commented: “I’m glad that we reached a successful outcome for Luke and the RoundWorks IT team. Alongside some careful negotiation, we managed the process from our initial valuation through to structuring the transaction. We then acted for Luke and the company throughout the deal, working alongside the legal and tax advisers to progress the buyout to completion. We congratulate Luke on completing the buyout and wish him and the RoundWorks IT team every success for the future.”
Luke Watts, Managing Director at RoundWorks IT, commented: “Thank you for all your help in getting the transaction completed. What looked like a simple transaction on paper has been far from it. I’m glad its done and thank you for your patience and perseverance throughout. I am genuinely so, so grateful. So thank you.”
Considering a shareholder buyout?
When shareholders have different plans for the future, a buyout can provide a practical route for one owner to exit while another continues to develop the business.
Eastwood Anglo provides director-led advice on valuation, transaction structure and the process through to completion. To discuss your plans, contact us for a confidential conversation.
