ThinCats supports EOA with tips on use of debt for funding EOT transactions
ThinCats, the leading alternative finance provider to mid-sized SMEs, has produced a booklet in association with the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) on how using external debt can facilitate the transition to employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Called Funding the Employee Ownership Transition the booklet covers the benefits for owners and employees of selling a business to an EOT, the various options for funding the change in ownership and the key information that lenders will require when assessing proposals to lend to an EOT.
The document is published as the latest research reveals that the number of employee-owned firms has doubled since 2020 reaching more than 1,300 firms in total.
James de le Vingne, chief executive, EOA “Businesses can sometimes be reluctant to consider external finance as an option for funding EOT transactions and there is a perception that there aren’t lenders out there willing to provide the funding.”
“This document provides inspiration and examples of funding routes that could work for businesses and, in doing so, ensure their future viability and the prosperity of their new employee owners.”
Ravi Anand, MD, ThinCats “We are seeing increasing interest from businesses seeking funding to support EOT transactions – a trend which advisers tell us is likely to strengthen as we move closer to the next general election.”
“EOT transactions are not necessarily more complex to fund than other transactions, such as management buyouts, however, they do require skills in cashflow lending which is where traditional lenders often lack expertise. We hope this document helps owners recognise that selling their business to their employees may be a more attainable route than they might previously have realised.”
