Management buyout completed at Impact Retail Group

Pierce Corporate Finance is delighted to have advised on the management buyout of Impact Retail Group, a specialist marketing services business supporting leading global brands across the cosmetics sector.

The transaction, led by sales director Jo South and finance director Jane Barber, will see Megan Brennan, Bruce Goddard and Abbie Sharman acquire shares in the business.

Together, Jo, Jane, Megan, Bruce and Abbie form the company's management team and will be responsible for leading the next phase of growth and development at Impact Retail Group. The transaction represents an important milestone in the evolution of the business, providing the management team with the opportunity to build on the company’s success while benefiting from the continued experience, knowledge and strategic guidance of existing majority shareholder, Mark Sharman.

Leicester based Impact Retail Group provides creative, retail and marketing services to the global cosmetics industry, working with major beauty brands to deliver high impact in-store, retail and promotional solutions. The business has built a strong reputation for combining creative thinking, project delivery and sector expertise to help customers enhance brand presence and consumer engagement in competitive retail environments.

Under the new structure, Mark Sharman will retain a significant equity stake and will continue to work alongside the management team in his role as chief executive officer, supporting the ongoing development of the business and helping to maintain the customer relationships, commercial experience and entrepreneurial culture that have underpinned Impact Retail Group’s growth.

The management buyout also supports the continued evolution of the leadership team, with Jo South taking the business forward as Managing Director and Jane Barber continuing as Finance Director. Together with the wider board, the team will focus on building on Impact Retail Group’s established position in the market and pursuing further opportunities for growth with existing and new customers.

The Pierce corporate finance team, led by partner Steve Bell and supported by tax partner Dominic Ball and tax manager Josh Donohoe advised on the transaction and supported the shareholders and management team through the structure and completion of the deal. Legal advice to the transaction was provided by James Cowell at Freeths LLP.

Jo South, managing director of Impact Retail Group, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Impact Retail Group and for the whole team. The MBO gives us the opportunity to build on the strong foundations created by Mark and the wider business over many years, while continuing to bring fresh energy, focus and ambition to the next phase of growth. We are delighted that Mark will remain closely involved as a significant shareholder and strategic adviser to the management team.”

Mark Sharman, chief executive officer of Impact Retail Group, added: “Impact Retail Group has always been built around creativity, service and strong relationships with our customers. The management team has played a central role in the development of the business and this transaction provides the right structure for them to take greater ownership of its future. I am pleased to retain a meaningful stake in the business and look forward to continuing to work alongside Jo, Jane and the wider team.”

A spokesperson for Pierce Corporate Finance said: “This transaction is a strong example of a carefully structured management buyout that delivers continuity, incentivises the next generation of leadership and allows the existing majority shareholder to remain actively involved in the future success of the business. We were pleased to support Jo, Jane, Mark and the wider Impact Retail Group team on a deal that provides a strong platform for continued growth.”