When a private equity (PE) firm buys the controlling interest in a private business, the purchase often includes an earn-out provision which calls for the owner to remain active in the business for some period of time. The use of an earn-out provision can seem like a win-win for both parties, because it allows the PE firm to buy the company for a lower purchase price and provides the business owner with the opportunity to secure a substantial additional payment if the company achieves certain agreed financial performance targets after the sale.  The problem with this rosy picture is that earn-out provisions are a common cause of disputes and litigation over whether the earn-out requirements were met after the purchase and whether the owner is entitled to the additional payment.

This post focuses on conflicts that frequently arise between PE firms and owners over earn-out provisions and suggests changes for both PE Firms and owners to consider, which may reduce or eliminate these post-purchase conflicts.  
Continue Reading PE Firms: The Earn-Out Conundrum—Avoiding Post-Purchase Conflicts With Private Company Sellers