Case Pizza Hut B: the exit of the buy out fund

Abstract

This is part of a case series. At the end of 2004, about four years after the management buy-out (MBO), the private equity investor Buy Out Fund (BOF) started preparing for the exit. Within two to three years, BOF would sell its Pizza Belgium shares. Stef Meulemans knew that he would probably have to sell his shares too. It could not be excluded that the buyer would install his own management team, and he would definitely not be a shareholder anymore. That was why he seriously considered taking the plunge for the second time. A secondary buy-out would be difficult, but he had no other option if he wanted to remain a shareholder of Pizza Belgium. This time five other managers were eager to join the MBO. Stef was willing to invest the proceeds of the sale of his 15% stake. The other managers could invest 50,000 euros each. Stef and the other managers had to make an interesting offer to BOF. Stef knew they would have to attract a new private equity player, but one thing Stef knew for sure: he wanted to be the majority shareholder.