Case 05 · Managing Director

ØT Gruppen From years of attempted sales to a completed business transfer

After approximately one year of work the sale was completed in September 2024 — a process the ownership group had previously worked on for several years.

IndustryTimber merchant business
My roleManaging Director
MandateSale preparation & sale
Period2023 – 2024

Background

When I joined ØT Group as Managing Director in September 2023, the ownership group had spent a number of years exploring different options for divesting the timber merchant division.

Despite several attempts over an extended period, no transaction had been completed.

The business had a solid foundation, but required further professionalisation, clearer articulation of value creation and a focused sales process.

The assignment

My mandate had two parts:

01 Prepare the businesses for sale

Strategic review, stronger reporting and optimisation of the organisation and processes.

02 Complete a successful transaction

Positioning towards potential buyers, dialogue with stakeholders and execution of the sales process itself.

The work included:

  • Strategic review of the businesses
  • Strengthening reporting and management information
  • Optimisation of organisation and processes
  • Positioning towards potential buyers
  • Dialogue with stakeholders
  • Execution of the sales process

As Managing Director, I held overall responsibility for the entire process.

The result

After approximately one year of work, the sale was completed in September 2024.

The transaction concluded a process the ownership group had worked on for several years. At the same time, it created a strong foundation for the business’s continued development under the new owners.

Integration

After completing the sale, I was responsible for the integration process. The new organisation had to be established and operational within just five weeks.

This included:

  • Organisational integration
  • Management coordination
  • Implementation of new processes
  • Collaboration between the businesses involved
  • Ensuring continued operations through the transition period

I subsequently remained with the business to support the integration and ensure a stable transition.

My role

  • Managing Director
  • Responsible for sale preparation
  • Responsible for the sales process
  • Responsible for buyer dialogue
  • Responsible for the post-transaction integration process

What does the case demonstrate?

Preparing businesses for sale Identification and articulation of value creation Execution of complex business sales Leadership through change processes Integration after acquisition Experience with businesses requiring special preparation before sale Focus on people, operations and the transaction
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