Impact Retail Group's management team buys in through MBO
What's the deal? Impact Retail GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s management team has completed a management buyout of the Leicester-based marketing services business. The deal, announced September 15, 2026, sees Megan Brennan, Bruce Goddard and Abbie Sharman acquire shares. Terms were not disclosed.
What does the company do? Impact Retail Group provides creative, retail and marketing services to the global cosmetics industry. It works with major beauty brands on in-store, retail and promotional solutions.
What changes? Jo South becomes managing director, while Jane Barber continues as finance director. Mark Sharman, the existing majority shareholder, retains a significant stake and stays on as chief executive officer.
Why it matters: The structure hands the next generation of leaders greater ownership while keeping the founder involved. It is a common template for succession without a full sale to outside buyers.
Who advised? Pierce Corporate FinanceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, led by partner Steve Bell with tax partner Dominic Ball and tax manager Josh Donohoe, advised on the deal. Legal advice came from James Cowell at Freeths LLPDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
South said the MBO lets the team "build on the strong foundations created by Mark and the wider business over many years."
Sharman added that the transaction "provides the right structure for them to take greater ownership of its future," adding he was pleased to retain "a meaningful stake."
The signal: Owner-led businesses increasingly use management buyouts to pass control internally, preserving culture and customer relationships while incentivising incoming leaders. Keeping the founder on as a shareholder and adviser softens the transition and secures continuity.
Read more: pierce.co.uk
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
