MBO — Management Buyout
Definition: A transaction where the existing management team buys the company, usually with backing from a PE sponsor or debt. MBOs reward operators who know exactly where the value is hiding.
Example
In board meetings, you'll often hear something like: "Let's pull the latest MBO numbers before we make a call" — shorthand for management buyout.
When you'll hear it
MBO shows up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to management buyout — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
What does MBO stand for?
MBO stands for Management Buyout.
What does MBO mean in business and finance?
A transaction where the existing management team buys the company, usually with backing from a PE sponsor or debt. MBOs reward operators who know exactly where the value is hiding.
Where will I hear MBO used at work?
MBO comes up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. It's used as shorthand for management buyout, so people assume you already know the term.
Related terms
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