Letter to Family Business Owners

You’ve spent a lifetime building a successful business. At some point the thought of taking chips off the table enters your mind. Maybe it’s been a fleeting thought. Or maybe it’s something you’ve devoted considerable time to. In any case, it’s daunting to consider selling a lifetime’s work.

Usually, what halts the process isn’t a question over price or value but concerns about what will happen to your people, your reputation or the culture you’ve built. These are very understandable worries as the two most common buyers are competitors or private equity groups.

Competitors will always have their “own way” of doing things, leaving your employees, customers and your good name vulnerable. Private equity firms pose other challenges. They tend to add debt and look for efficiencies to juice profits before selling your business off to another buyer. 

I am different and I offer a unique third option. I am seeking to purchase all or part of exceptional family businesses and give them a permanent home. I have no intent of ever selling any businesses I acquire.

Family business is in my DNA. I'm very fortunate to be part of a 120-year-old family business. I've seen first-hand the power of "having your name on the building". It creates a greater sense of integrity, respect and genuine care for all who interact with your business. I believe the family-business approach, combined with very long time horizons, will produce exceptional results. 

I have no interest in flipping businesses, nor do I want to operate them with new ways of doing things. Therefore, I am seeking companies with a unique set of characteristics. 

• A proven track record with a very high likelihood of being in business decades from now.

• Owners wanting to stay on as management or existing management teams. 

• At least $1 million in pre-tax profits. 

I understand that the decision to sell a family business is a financially and emotionally huge one. While many companies won't be a fit for my structure, the ones that do fit will have the highest chance of thriving for generations, with their legacy intact. If the description of my approach resonates with you, I encourage you to contact me below. All communications will be confidential as you will be speaking directly with me.

I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your business. 

Sincerely

Henry Parry-Okeden