The driving force behind Founders Trust, Matt Williamson brings extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, and capital markets. His track record includes managing significant investments for insurance companies, institutional investors, and private family offices, as well as leading banking teams in completing IPOs on major international markets. This expertise positions Founders Trust as a leader in facilitating successful transitions and exits for founders seeking to secure the legacy of their companies.
Mr. Williamson serves as a distinguished Board Member and CEO at Founders Trust, where he collaborates with a team of seasoned professionals boasting an impressive track record. These senior members, including Mr. Williamson, have collectively co-led over $4.0 billion in acquisitions and possess a cumulative 80 years of CEO, Chairman, and C-level experience. Renowned and respected leaders in their respective fields, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the organization, spanning various relevant sectors.
Educationally, Mr. Williamson holds a Master’s Degree in Mathematics of Finance from Columbia University, New York, where he earned two scholarships for his exceptional academic achievements. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban & Regional Development, further enriching his understanding of business and finance.
A highly sought-after speaker and moderator, Mr. Williamson frequently shares his insights and expertise at private equity and family office conferences. His deep understanding of finance and business strategy makes him a valuable resource for industry peers seeking guidance in navigating complex financial landscapes.
In his personal life, Mr. Williamson is devoted to his family, cherishing moments with his spouse and three children. Their home eschews television in favor of fostering meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Preferring solitude over social gatherings, they engage in enriching activities such as teaching their children critical thinking and business skills, as well as indulging in hobbies like archery, shooting practice, and reading classics together.
Beyond his professional and familial pursuits, Mr. Williamson is preparing to release a forthcoming book on successful exits and the pivotal transition from family business to Family Office. This book promises to offer valuable insights into this important aspect of business management and succession planning, further solidifying Mr. Williamson’s reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Preserving Company Legacy and Values
Mr. Williamson and Founders Trust recognize the hard work and dedication of business owners in building their companies from scratch. Their mission is to help these owners achieve a successful exit while preserving the company’s legacy and values. Unlike traditional buyers, who often prioritize short-term gains and disregard the impact on employees and culture, Founders Trust offers a different approach.
By giving employees a stake in the company and incentivizing them, Founders Trust ensures that everyone involved has a vested interest in the company’s success and growth. This shared ownership model fosters a sense of stewardship and encourages long-term commitment to the company’s goals.
Founders Trust is not solely driven by financial returns but rather by the quality and potential of the companies it acquires. This approach allows for sustainable growth and creates a permanent home for the acquired companies, preserving their legacy and culture.
Recognizing that each exiting founder has unique needs and goals, Founders Trust tailors transition plans to accommodate their circumstances. Whether the founder wishes for a short transition period or desires to retire completely, Founders Trust works closely with them to ensure a smooth transition while preparing existing employees to take on leadership roles.
Tailoring Solutions to Individual Company Needs
Founders Trust has honed processes to prepare individuals within acquired companies to take over as owner-managers, a challenging but refined endeavor over decades. While external talent may be brought in, preference is given to internal candidates, offering existing employees and executives opportunities for advancement. During the transition period, Founders Trust oversees activities such as strategy formulation and budget setting, providing support and reinforcement as needed.
In addition to overseeing the transition, Founders Trust offers support in various areas such as legal, accounting, marketing, branding, online presence, and sales team development, tailoring advice to the specific needs of each company. Transparent communication with founders ensures solutions align with their timelines and desires. Some founders may prefer a longer transition period, while others wish to remain involved in the business without the administrative burden of ownership.
Founders Trust targets small to medium-sized privately-owned companies with successful management in place and a strong operating track record. Start-ups are not within their scope, as they prioritize companies with proven management and profitability. Former owners often remain involved in advisory roles or as board members, contributing as they see fit.
Streamlining the Acquisition Process
Founders Trust prides itself on transparency throughout its acquisition process. Once the company identifies a potential target, a brief pre-due diligence phase occurs. Matt Williamson, explaining their approach, emphasizes the importance of clarity when presenting an offer. He states, “When we decide to submit an offer, it will be transparent and thoroughly explained. There will be no ambiguous points left for negotiation or future consideration.” He underscores the significance of this transparency, noting that many other buyers may not follow such a clear-cut process. In contrast, Founders Trust ensures that their offer is well-defined, detailing the rationale behind it and how it is calculated—a critical distinction that fosters trust and confidence in their approach.
Mr. Williamson advocates for transparency and upfront communication as essential components of a successful M&A strategy. By adhering to these principles, buyers can streamline the acquisition process, mitigate potential challenges, and foster stronger relationships with sellers and stakeholders.
Advice for Success in Mergers and Acquisitions
As an expert in mergers and acquisitions, Mr. Williamson offers valuable advice to those aspiring to succeed in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of establishing clear criteria for potential acquisitions and being forthright with sellers and stakeholders from the outset. By openly communicating their criteria and pricing parameters, buyers can efficiently determine whether a company aligns with their objectives, thereby avoiding wasted time and resources for all parties involved.
Global 100 Recognition
Founders Trust has achieved remarkable recognition, being named to the esteemed 2024 Global 100 as the Best Middle Market Acquiror. Specializing in acquiring middle market and lower middle market companies, Founders Trust distinguishes itself as a long-term investor committed to enduring stewardship and stability, thus preserving each founder’s reputation in the community and their long-term legacy.
The Global 100, comprising only 100 of the world’s leading firms, is a testament to Founders Trust’s exceptional reputation and impact within the industry. Votes from global readers spanning over 163 countries worldwide underscore the significance of this achievement, highlighting Founders Trust’s position as a true leader in its field.
Conducted by EMG Publishing, a renowned publishing house renowned for producing prestigious awards programs, the Global 100 Awards program celebrates excellence on a global scale. By setting the benchmark for distinguished industry leaders, high-caliber teams, and exemplary organizations, this program recognizes those who exemplify the highest standards of achievement.
Mr. Williamson expressed gratitude for the award, emphasizing the profound care, dedication, and energy exhibited by each member of the team towards their mission. Being recognized as part of the Global 100 is not only an honor but also a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team at Founders Trust.
The award program employs a unique and proprietary selection process, evaluating winners based on their domestic and international work against a comprehensive set of criteria. This rigorous process ensures that only the most deserving organizations are recognized for their excellence and contributions to their respective fields.
