Leveraged a buyout with no money down is a popular way to finance business acquisitions by using seller finance. Though well-known for their use in large transactions, they are commonly used in smaller acquisitions as well.
Thanks to some popular media stories, leveraged buyouts have gained a reputation for financing an acquisition without using your own money. But is this portrayal accurate? In most cases, an LBO is financed with a mix of debt and equity.
The equity portion usually comes from the buyer’s own funds, or from third-party investors such as venture capitalists or private equity firms. The debt portion is typically provided by banks or other financial institutions.
So while it is possible to finance an LBO without using any of your own money, it is generally not considered advisable. When done correctly, an LBO can be a powerful tool for acquiring a business. But if not managed carefully, the high levels of debt can quickly lead to financial trouble
What is a leveraged buyout?
A leveraged buyout (LBO) is a type of business transaction in which a company acquires another company using a significant amount of borrowed money. The borrowed funds are typically used to finance the purchase, and the resulting company is typically highly leveraged, with a large amount of debt relative to equity. LBOs can be used to finance a business acquisition of public companies, private companies, or divisions of larger companies. In an LBO, the Acquiring Company typically uses a holding company to complete the transaction.
The holding company then becomes the new owner of the Target Company, and the Target Company’s assets are used as collateral for the debt. LBOs can be an effective way for a company to grow its business by acquiring an existing business.
However, they can also be highly risky, as the new company can quickly become overloaded with debt if it is unable to generate sufficient cash flow to cover interest payments. As a result, LBOs are typically only completed by experienced investors with a strong understanding of both the risks and rewards involved.
How are leveraged buyouts financed?
Financing for a leveraged buyout is typically provided by a combination of equity and debt. The objective of an LBO is to use as much debt financing as possible in order to minimize the amount of equity contributed by the buyers. This leveraged structure amplifies returns on investment for the buyers but also increases financial risk.
The type of financing used for a leveraged buyout varies depending on the size and complexity of the acquisition. Larger transactions have access to a wider variety of financing options than smaller acquisitions. Common sources of leveraged buyout financing include banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and private equity firms.
Equity for a leveraged buyout is typically provided by the buyer, although in some cases it may be contributed by the seller as part of the transaction.
Small transactions (up to 5 million)
Small transaction are usually referred to for acquisitions valued at up to five million pounds. These types of transactions are financed usually by using a combination of these options:
1. Buyers equity (equity injection)
The objective of a leveraged buyout (LBO) is to use as much debt financing as possible to fund the acquisition of a target company, with the goal of minimizing the amount of equity that the buyer has to contribute. The type of financing used for an LBO can vary, and will often depend on the size and scale of the opportunity.
For example, larger acquisitions will often have access to a wider range of financing options and equity injections, including both traditional bank loans and more creative forms of debt such as bonds and mezzanine financing. In contrast, smaller deals are typically financed with a more limited pool of capital, which may limit the buyer’s ability to secure favorable terms. Ultimately, the goal of an LBO is to minimise the buyer’s equity contribution in order to maximise returns.
2. Seller financing
Seller financing is a type of loan in which the seller of a property, such as a house or piece of land, provides financing to the buyer. This type of financing is often used as an incentive to encourage buyers to complete a transaction, and it can be structured as a term loan. Seller financing is becoming increasingly popular, as it can offer buyers a number of advantages.
For instance, it can allow buyers to avoid the hassle and expense of traditional bank financing. In addition, seller financing can often be obtained at competitive rates. As a result, seller financing can be an attractive option for both buyers and sellers.
3. UK Government Future Fund
The Future Fund was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it provides a much-needed injection of capital for UK-based companies. The scheme is open to companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, and it requires at least equal match funding from private investors. So far, the scheme has been a success, with over £1 billion of funding being raised.
The Future Fund is an important part of the government’s plans to support businesses through the pandemic, and it is helping to ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to do business.
4. Conventional bank loans
Loans from banks can be a great way to finance a small business. The interest rates are usually lower than those of other lenders, and the repayment terms are often more flexible. However, the application process can be lengthy and complicated, and businesses must usually have a good credit history to qualify.
In addition, bank loans typically require collateral, such as a business’s assets or property. As a result, it is important to carefully consider whether a bank loan is the right choice for your business before applying.
Larger transactions
Larger transactions are usually more complex than smaller ones, and they often involve more parties. This can make it difficult to reach a consensus and get the deal done. In cases where the buyers are individuals, such as a management buyout, they seldom put much (if any) equity into the transaction.
Managers often partner with PE firms who provide the equity instead. This arrangement can make it easier to get the deal done, but it also means that the managers will have less control over the company.
1. Buyers equity (equity injection)
Buyers equity is a way to finance a business acquisition the funds used to finance a purchase that come from the buyers own resources. In a leveraged buyout, for example, Buyers equity would be the portion of the purchase price not financed through debt. The Buyers equity component of the transaction is usually provided by a private equity firm.
If a private equity firm is not involved, the Buyers equity comes from a group of investors, such as wealthy individuals, family offices, and other institutions. The Buyers Equity injection into a transaction provides the capital necessary to complete the purchase and takes on the risk of ownership. I
n return, the Buyers Equity holders expect to receive a return on their investment through appreciation in value or income from operations. Private equity firms typically invest Buyers Equity in middle market companies with strong management teams and growth potential. Family offices and other investors may also invest in middle market companies, but they typically have a more hands-on approach to their investments.
2. Seller financing
Seller financing can be a useful tool in business transactions, particularly when a large company spins off a part of the business. In this case, the seller company provides some funding to the buyers as an incentive. This can help to ensure that the buyers are able to secure the financing they need to complete the purchase. Seller financing can also be used to help buyers who might otherwise not qualify for traditional financing.
When used in this way, it can provide access to capital that would otherwise be unavailable. Seller financing can be a beneficial tool for both buyers and sellers in business transactions.
3. Senior financing
Senior financing is a type of loan that is given to a business by an institution. The term ‘senior’ means that this loan has a first collateral position on the business assets. Consequently, if the assets are liquidated, the senior financing loan will be the first to get paid. Senior financing is often used by businesses to expand their operations or buy new equipment.
It can also be used to cover the costs of running a business, such as payroll or inventory. Senior financing loans usually have lower interest rates than other types of loans, making them an attractive option for businesses. However, they also typically have shorter repayment terms, which means that businesses must be able to repay the loan quickly.
If a business is unable to repay a senior financing loan, the collateral – the assets that are used to secure the loan – may be seized by the lender. Senior financing can be a helpful way for businesses to access the capital they need to grow, but it is important to understand the risks involved before taking out a loan.
4. Subordinate financing
Subordinate financing, sometimes known as mezzanine financing, is a type of loan that has a lower security position against the target company’s collateral. If the assets of the company need to be liquidated, subordinate lenders will be paid after senior lenders have been paid. Subordinate financing can be provided by private equity firms as well as institutional lenders.
This type of financing can be beneficial for companies that are growing rapidly and need capital for expansion but do not want to give up equity in their company. It can also be helpful for companies that are not able to get traditional bank financing. However, subordinate financing is often more expensive than other types of loans and can be riskier for the lender.
Why must buyers put an ‘equity injection’?
In a leveraged buyout (LBO), the buyers have to put an equity injection, which is also known as equity financing. The equity injection is used to finance the purchase of the target company. In most cases, the equity injection is provided by the management team. However, in some cases, the Private Equity investors also provide the equity injection.
The only difference between LBOs of different sizes is that in larger leveraged buyouts, the management team often partners with Private Equity investors to handle the equity injection. Equity injections are generally provided in the form of cash or stock. In some cases, the management team may also provide collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) or other forms of debt financing.
Here are a few reasons why lenders demand an equity injection:
1. Collateral protection
Lenders always want to be sure that their investment is protected in the event of a default. Consequently, they will never finance 100% of an acquisition’s assets. This is because there is always a risk that the assets will decrease in value. If lenders financed 100% of a transaction, any decrease in asset value would inevitably lead to a loss. Instead, lenders protect their financial position by asking buyers for an equity injection.
The equity lowers the lender’s risk, allowing lenders to preserve their capital and charge lower rates. Most lenders ask for a 10% injection, though there are situations where it can go down to 5%.
This equity protects lenders for 5% – 10% of the transaction value. By requiring buyers to invest their own money in the deal, lenders can be sure that they will not lose everything if the deal goes bad.
2. Buyers commitment
Buyers who make an equity injection into a transaction are demonstrating a commitment to the success of the deal. By using their own money, rather than just borrowing from lenders, they are aligning their interests with the lenders. In other words, both the buyer and the lender have a vested interest in seeing the business succeed.
This alignment of interests helps to ensure that buyers will make decisions that are in the best interest of the business, rather than taking unnecessary risks. For example, a buyer who has made an equity injection is much less likely to make careless decisions that could jeopardize the company’s future.
Equity injections therefore provide an important layer of protection for lenders and help to ensure the success of transactions. There are a few issues that could arise from this type of deal. Let’s assume that the business loses value due to market conditions. In this case, the buyer has no skin in the game and may be inclined to simply walk away from the deal, leaving the lender holding the bag.
This scenario creates a great deal of risk for the lender and very little reward, which is why most lenders are hesitant to support 100% of a deal. Another potential issue is that the buyer could simply hand the assets over to the lender and move on if the business starts to struggle. This would leave the lender with a company that is in trouble and may not be able to recoup their investment.
As such, it’s important for lenders to carefully consider these risks before agreeing to finance a 100% purchase.
What type of business can you buy with no money down?
It is possible to buy a business with ‘no money down.’ This situation is possible in two scenarios:
1. Asking price is lower than asset value
In principle, a buyer can acquire a business with ‘no money down’ if the seller’s asking price is lower than the value of the company’s assets. For this strategy to work, the seller has to sell the company for 90% of the assets value (or less).
This scenario opens an important question: Why would an owner sell their company at a price that is well below the asset value? Aside from family-related transactions (e.g., sales from parents to their children), the only other reasons involve companies facing severe problems. Asking prices that are lower than asset value often occur when businesses are in financial distress and need to unload the company quickly.
In these situations, it is often best for the buyer to steer clear and look for a healthier business. Otherwise, they may end up taking on more problems than they bargain for.
2. Seller offers 100% financing
There are a few reasons why a seller might be willing to finance 100% of a sale. The most common reasons are that the owner is selling a business that has problems, cannot be financed through conventional lenders, or cannot find buyers interested in buying it with normal terms. In each of these cases, the seller is effectively taking on all the risk by offering 100% financing.
As a potential buyer, you must ask yourself if it’s a good transaction. If the business has major problems, it may not be worth taking on the risk. However, if the business is healthy but just had trouble getting financing, 100% financing could be a great opportunity.
You’ll need to do your due diligence to figure out which situation you’re dealing with before making an offer.
Are there disadvantages to buying with no money down?
A leveraged buyout with no money down may sound like a great deal, but there are disadvantages to consider before entering into such an agreement. First and foremost, a company that can be acquired with no equity injection is likely to be very troubled. Due to the risk, these transactions should be considered only by individuals with substantial industry experience and turnaround knowledge.
Otherwise, you could end up acquiring someone else’s problems. In addition, a 100% debt-financed transaction will leave the new owners with very little room for error. If business conditions deteriorate, they may find themselves quickly overwhelmed by debt service obligations. For these reasons, leveraged buyouts with no money down should be approached with caution.
Read more: Praetura Group acquires Zodeq
Seasoned professional with a strong passion for the world of business finance. With over twenty years of dedicated experience in the field, my journey into the world of business finance began with a relentless curiosity for understanding the intricate workings of financial systems.