Private capital
Investing in established private businesses
Some investors want to own part of a solid, established private company but don’t have the time or contacts to find one, buy it and keep an eye on it. That’s the work we do for them.
- Who it’s for
- Private investors, and established companies looking for capital partners
- Kingston’s role
- Finding the business, completing the purchase and overseeing it afterwards
- Investor’s role
- Passive: you don’t run the business day to day
Why investors come to us
Our day-to-day work puts us in touch with owners of established businesses who are thinking about selling. Many of those businesses never appear on a public listing.
Through our private capital work, investors can take part in selected acquisitions that we find, evaluate and complete. After closing, the business continues to be run by its management team, and we provide oversight and regular reporting.
We also work the other way round, introducing established companies that need capital to grow to investors who may be a good fit.
How it works
A simplified view. The details are set out separately for each opportunity and should be reviewed with your own advisors.
Provide equity
You review each opportunity on its own merits and decide whether to take part. You don’t manage the business.
Finds, buys, oversees
We find and assess the business, negotiate and close the purchase, and oversee it after closing.
Keeps operating
The company is run by its management, with reporting and decision-making rules agreed at the start.
What to weigh before investing
Owning part of a private company is very different from owning public shares.
Your money is tied up
LiquidityThere’s no market for private company shares. Your investment is usually committed until the business is sold or refinanced.
One business, one set of risks
ConcentrationEach investment depends on one company, its customers and its management.
Debt adds risk
LeverageAcquisitions are often partly financed with borrowing, which increases both the potential reward and the risk.
Get your own advice
EssentialReview every opportunity with your own lawyer, accountant and financial advisor before committing.
Important information
Kingston Investments is an M&A and corporate finance advisory firm. It does not run a public investment fund, does not hold committed capital and does not guarantee returns. Nothing on this website is an offer to sell, or a request for an offer to buy, any security. Any opportunity is presented individually and only where permitted by law. Investors should get independent legal, tax and financial advice.
Other ways we can help
Confidential conversation
Interested in private company ownership?
Start with a confidential conversation about what you’re looking for, how long you can invest and the kinds of businesses that interest you.