SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 10
Using an earn-out
agreement
in a business sale
What is an earn-out agreement?
• A contractual pre-arrangement
• Seller receives compensation post-sale, if the financial goals are reached in a
specified period of time
• If drafted properly, it could be beneficial to both the seller
AND the buyer
How is it calculated?
• An earn-out calculates the company’s
current and potential purchase value
using predicted future revenue figures
Any examples?
• Sure! Vianet Group’s acquisition of Vendman Systems
• £4.2 million sale (payable in cash)  earn-out of £2.25 million (based on targets
achieved)
Other benefits?
• Alleviating some of
the uncertainties
surrounding the
business’s value
• Buyer can choose
whether to keep the
seller around
What are the risks?
• Manipulation of the agreement
• Short-term successes vs long-term goals
• Two bosses clashing
• Unplanned events that affect payments
Has it gone wrong in the past?
• Unfortunately, yes
• AfterMail sale to Quest in 2006
• $15 million sale vs $45 million reported
• Just missed out on the targets set out in the earn-out agreement
Silver lining – The owner set up Xero later, which is now worth billions!
How to do it right?
• Establish targets that take the post-purchase “lag” into account
• Eg. Adam&Eve sale to Omnicorn in 2012
• It helps when founders are committed to growing business further post-sale
What precautions should I take?
1
2
3
• Financial transparency will be
requested by all buyers
• Clarity is key
• Seller should seek to keep as
much control as possible
• Provisions to protect him/her
• Sometimes a guarantee of a
minimum earn-out payment is
a very viable option
With the right advice from professional services and a
structured approach to negotiations, earn-out agreements
can be a valuable way of progressing a successful sale
*Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/earn-out-agreement-bsr

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
drm1699
 
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
DUBAI (+971)581248768 BUY ABORTION PILLS IN ABU dhabi...Qatar
 
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![© ر
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![©  ر00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![©  ر
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![© ر
nafizanafzal
 
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
prakheeshc
 
NewBase 17 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase   17 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...NewBase   17 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase 17 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
Khaled Al Awadi
 
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metricsPowerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
CaitlinCummins3
 

Recently uploaded (20)

#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
#Mtp-Kit Prices » Qatar. Doha (+27737758557) Abortion Pills For Sale In Doha,...
 
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
Contact +971581248768 for 100% original and safe abortion pills available for...
 
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![© ر
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![©  ر00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![©  ر
00971508021841 حبوب الإجهاض في دبي | أبوظبي | الشارقة | السطوة |❇ ❈ ((![© ر
 
The Art of Decision-Making: Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty
The Art of Decision-Making: Navigating Complexity and UncertaintyThe Art of Decision-Making: Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty
The Art of Decision-Making: Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty
 
WAM Corporate Presentation May 2024_w.pdf
WAM Corporate Presentation May 2024_w.pdfWAM Corporate Presentation May 2024_w.pdf
WAM Corporate Presentation May 2024_w.pdf
 
How to refresh to be fit for the future world
How to refresh to be fit for the future worldHow to refresh to be fit for the future world
How to refresh to be fit for the future world
 
Elevate Your Online Presence with SEO Services
Elevate Your Online Presence with SEO ServicesElevate Your Online Presence with SEO Services
Elevate Your Online Presence with SEO Services
 
Mastering The Art Of 'Closing The Sale'.
Mastering The Art Of 'Closing The Sale'.Mastering The Art Of 'Closing The Sale'.
Mastering The Art Of 'Closing The Sale'.
 
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
A BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MYSORE MUNICIPAL ...
 
NewBase 17 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase   17 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...NewBase   17 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase 17 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1725 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
 
Innomantra Viewpoint - Building Moonshots : May-Jun 2024.pdf
Innomantra Viewpoint - Building Moonshots : May-Jun 2024.pdfInnomantra Viewpoint - Building Moonshots : May-Jun 2024.pdf
Innomantra Viewpoint - Building Moonshots : May-Jun 2024.pdf
 
MichaelStarkes_UncutGemsProjectSummary.pdf
MichaelStarkes_UncutGemsProjectSummary.pdfMichaelStarkes_UncutGemsProjectSummary.pdf
MichaelStarkes_UncutGemsProjectSummary.pdf
 
Top^Clinic ^%[+27785538335__Safe*Women's clinic//Abortion Pills In Harare
Top^Clinic ^%[+27785538335__Safe*Women's clinic//Abortion Pills In HarareTop^Clinic ^%[+27785538335__Safe*Women's clinic//Abortion Pills In Harare
Top^Clinic ^%[+27785538335__Safe*Women's clinic//Abortion Pills In Harare
 
What are the differences between an international company, a global company, ...
What are the differences between an international company, a global company, ...What are the differences between an international company, a global company, ...
What are the differences between an international company, a global company, ...
 
HAL Financial Performance Analysis and Future Prospects
HAL Financial Performance Analysis and Future ProspectsHAL Financial Performance Analysis and Future Prospects
HAL Financial Performance Analysis and Future Prospects
 
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metricsPowerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
Powerpoint showing results from tik tok metrics
 
Should Law Firms Outsource their Bookkeeping
Should Law Firms Outsource their BookkeepingShould Law Firms Outsource their Bookkeeping
Should Law Firms Outsource their Bookkeeping
 
Goal Presentation_NEW EMPLOYEE_NETAPS FOUNDATION.pptx
Goal Presentation_NEW EMPLOYEE_NETAPS FOUNDATION.pptxGoal Presentation_NEW EMPLOYEE_NETAPS FOUNDATION.pptx
Goal Presentation_NEW EMPLOYEE_NETAPS FOUNDATION.pptx
 
Toyota Kata Coaching for Agile Teams & Transformations
Toyota Kata Coaching for Agile Teams & TransformationsToyota Kata Coaching for Agile Teams & Transformations
Toyota Kata Coaching for Agile Teams & Transformations
 
Space Tech Expo Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
Space Tech Expo Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors DataSpace Tech Expo Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
Space Tech Expo Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
 

Featured

Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Kurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them wellGood Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Saba Software
 
Introduction to C Programming Language
Introduction to C Programming LanguageIntroduction to C Programming Language
Introduction to C Programming Language
Simplilearn
 

Featured (20)

How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 
ChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slidesChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slides
 
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike RoutesMore than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
 
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
 
Barbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy PresentationBarbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
Barbie - Brand Strategy Presentation
 
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them wellGood Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
 
Introduction to C Programming Language
Introduction to C Programming LanguageIntroduction to C Programming Language
Introduction to C Programming Language
 

Using an Earn-Out Agreement in a Business Sale BSR

  • 2. What is an earn-out agreement? • A contractual pre-arrangement • Seller receives compensation post-sale, if the financial goals are reached in a specified period of time • If drafted properly, it could be beneficial to both the seller AND the buyer
  • 3. How is it calculated? • An earn-out calculates the company’s current and potential purchase value using predicted future revenue figures
  • 4. Any examples? • Sure! Vianet Group’s acquisition of Vendman Systems • £4.2 million sale (payable in cash)  earn-out of £2.25 million (based on targets achieved)
  • 5. Other benefits? • Alleviating some of the uncertainties surrounding the business’s value • Buyer can choose whether to keep the seller around
  • 6. What are the risks? • Manipulation of the agreement • Short-term successes vs long-term goals • Two bosses clashing • Unplanned events that affect payments
  • 7. Has it gone wrong in the past? • Unfortunately, yes • AfterMail sale to Quest in 2006 • $15 million sale vs $45 million reported • Just missed out on the targets set out in the earn-out agreement Silver lining – The owner set up Xero later, which is now worth billions!
  • 8. How to do it right? • Establish targets that take the post-purchase “lag” into account • Eg. Adam&Eve sale to Omnicorn in 2012 • It helps when founders are committed to growing business further post-sale
  • 9. What precautions should I take? 1 2 3 • Financial transparency will be requested by all buyers • Clarity is key • Seller should seek to keep as much control as possible • Provisions to protect him/her • Sometimes a guarantee of a minimum earn-out payment is a very viable option
  • 10. With the right advice from professional services and a structured approach to negotiations, earn-out agreements can be a valuable way of progressing a successful sale *Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/earn-out-agreement-bsr