The Zachary Difference
A Partner Who Invests in More Than Just Your Business
Post-Acquisition Focus
Fully engaged operator—not passive oversight. We roll up our sleeves and build alongside your team.
Portfolio-style management, often hands-off. Focused on financial engineering, not operations.
Business often becomes a small part of a larger organization. Decisions are driven by corporate priorities, not what’s best for your business.
Time Horizon
Long-term hold. No pressure to exit—we grow patiently and responsibly.
Short to mid-term (3–7 years). Clock starts ticking at close, exit is the goal.
Driven by internal corporate agendas. Your business may no longer be a strategic focus over time.
Approach to Culture & Legacy
Deep respect for your company’s legacy, values, and people. We build on what makes you great.
Culture often replaced by cost-cutting, new leadership, and rapid change. Driven by IRR goals.
Less emphasis on preserving culture or legacy. Brand identity and company values may fade as priorities shift.
Deal Structure
Flexible and collaborative. We tailor deal structures to fit your needs—whether it’s a full sale, partial buyout, or gradual transition. We prioritize alignment, not one-size-fits-all terms.
Structured for control. Deals are typically rigid and majority-focused, with limited room for founder input. Terms are built to serve the fund’s exit timeline and internal return targets.
Typically structured as full buyouts with limited flexibility. Founders have little say in shaping deal terms or future involvement.
Role of the Founder
Your choice—stay on, step back, or exit gradually. We support what works best for you.
Usually a brief transition period—founders are often sidelined or replaced soon after close, regardless of their desire to stay involved.
Founders are often asked to exit quickly. Continued involvement is rare, and decision-making authority usually ends at close.
Employee Impact
We protect and invest in your team. We believe people are the foundation of long-term success and prioritize employee growth.
Reductions common. Headcount, benefits, and morale often sacrificed for efficiency.
Changes in leadership, roles, or direction are common. Loyalty and legacy team members may feel overlooked.
Support & Partnership
Strategic, hands-on guidance. We’re in the trenches with you - not just monitoring from a board seat.
Limited day-to-day support. Value mostly comes through financial oversight.
Support is limited and usually aligned with broader corporate goals—not tailored to your company’s specific needs.
Industry Fit
Built for main street and lower-middle market companies. We value proven models over trendy hype.
Focused on larger deals or scalable returns. Often overlook smaller community-rooted companies.
Driven by internal objectives or market positioning. Less focus on understanding your business or the people behind it.
