Nicholas Spezio, Director of Transaction Services at Expo Group, discusses the world of private equity and venture capital. Private equity firms invest capital into mature businesses with long-term growth potential, often seeking a controlling stake. Venture capital firms, on the other hand, invest in early-stage companies in exchange for equity. Spezio emphasizes that private equity investors are attracted to recurring revenue-based businesses, while venture capitalists are interested in early-stage investments. He also discusses the timing of selling a business and the challenges that entrepreneurs face when transitioning to being an employee after selling their business.

• Private equity firms invest in mature businesses, while venture capital firms invest in early-stage companies.
• Private equity investors are attracted to businesses with recurring revenue streams.
• The timing of selling a business depends on the owner's future plans and goals.
• Entrepreneurs should carefully consider their reasons for selling and the long-term implications before making a decision.
• Integration post-acquisition can be a laborious process, requiring financial and operational due diligence.
• Working capital calculations can be contentious in deals, and sellers should be prepared for adjustments and negotiations.

Tulips & Company, a corporate film agency, was founded in 2002 by Laure Cousin and Charles Drouin. They started the business in the attic of Laure's house with a focus on creative storytelling. Over the years, they grew the company and gained recognition through awards. In 2018, they decided to sell the company to its employees in a unique way. They created a new company called Ortus, owned by the employees, which gradually buys shares in Tulips using profits from the company. This allows the employees to become shareholders without taking on debt. The transfer of ownership will be complete in 10 years, with the employees owning 65% of the company.

• Tulips & Company was founded in 2002 as a corporate film agency with a focus on creative storytelling.
• The founders, Laure Cousin and Charles Drouin, decided to sell the company to its employees in a unique way.
• They created a new company called Ortus, owned by the employees, which gradually buys shares in Tulips using profits from the company.
• The transfer of ownership will be complete in 10 years, with the employees owning 65% of the company.

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE shares her journey of owning and growing a waste management business, O'Donovan Waste Disposal, after her father's passing. She discusses the challenges of taking over the business at a young age and the close-knit dynamic of working with her siblings. Jacqueline highlights the importance of a strong work ethic and cohesion within the family. She also talks about the growth and success of the business, becoming an employer of choice, and leading the industry in sustainability and digitalization. The conversation concludes with the decision to sell the business and the process of finding the right buyer. Jacqueline O'Donovan shares her experience of selling her waste management company and transitioning to a new chapter in her career. She emphasizes the importance of relationships and due diligence in the selling process. Jacqueline discusses the challenges of finding the right buyer and valuing the business. She also talks about her current ventures, including her PR marketing agency. Jacqueline encourages women to be confident and assertive in their careers.

• Taking over a family business at a young age requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
• Building a successful business involves continuous learning, innovation, and staying ahead of the competition.
• Creating a positive work environment and being an employer of choice can attract top talent and contribute to business success.
• Selling a business requires careful planning, finding the right buyer, and maintaining a good relationship with advisors throughout the process. Building strong relationships and conducting thorough due diligence are crucial when selling a business.
• Finding the right buyer who understands and appreciates the business is essential.
• Valuing a business can be a complex process, and it's important to have a clear understanding of the factors involved.
• Transitioning to a new chapter in one's career can be exciting and challenging, but maintaining a strong work ethic and adaptability is key.
• Jacqueline O'Donovan's current ventures include a PR marketing agency and investments in various industries.
• Women in business should be confident, assertive, and supportive of one another.

Connect with Jacqueline O'Donovan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-o-donovan/

Connect with Barnaby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnabycook/

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