buyout

A buyout is a transaction in which a party purchases ownership rights to an asset or business, typically to acquire control or exit a stake. In corporate finance, buyouts often involve acquiring a controlling interest and may be funded through a combination of debt and equity.

Common forms include leveraged buyouts (LBOs), where the purchase is financed largely with borrowed funds; management buyouts (MBOs), where the company’s current managers acquire ownership; and employee buyouts (EBOs) or employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), where employees gain ownership. In some cases, partnerships or joint ventures are dissolved through a buyout, with one partner buying out another’s stake. A buyout clause in a contract allows one party to terminate the agreement by paying a specified amount.

Valuation, financing, and due diligence are typical steps, followed by negotiations and the transfer of ownership and governance rights. Transactions may involve changes in leverage, management, and strategic direction.

Risks and considerations include the potential for high debt levels in leveraged buyouts, conflicts of interest in management buyouts, and possible impacts on employees, suppliers, or other stakeholders. Regulatory issues can arise, including fiduciary duties, securities rules, and antitrust considerations. Buyouts are a common tool in private equity and corporate restructuring, used to reorganize ownership and control without pursuing a full merger or acquisition. In some contexts, a buyout also refers to contractual termination by payment rather than a sale of the business itself.