Geoff Eaton

Former ceo of Premier Foods Geoff Eaton told business leaders that if they thought strategically when considering acquisitions they could create the deal of the century and improve their businesses.

“Using the private equity model gives an incredible focus and urgency on doing what you need to improve value in the business. That isn’t something that has to be only private equity – and of course it isn’t. Any company that looks at itself as a client would, would help focus its mind on what it needed to do to fix its business.​

“We all do three-year-plans, but how many see that as our last chance to create the deal of the century? If we all had that mind-set we would probably create better businesses. If you can do that without the burden of debt, then you’re much better off and flexible to invest in ​[other parts] of your business.”​

Eaton singled out 2 Sisters Food Group as an example of a business that had dreamed big and made strategic investments.

“There are lots of examples of really good acquisitions, but I’m afraid there are far too many examples of ego-driven deals fuelled by debt.”​