Success story · November 2025
Interim General Management for post-acquisition expansion in the agri-food sector
A three-month project to ensure a smooth executive transition and launch the company’s international expansion plan following an M&A transaction.
Client and Sector:
Our client, a leading Portuguese company in the agri-food sector (dairy) and a market leader in the production of high value-added products, was undergoing a crucial period of transformation: its acquisition by a European private equity fund following a spin-off from a large multinational corporation.
The Situation / Need (The Pain):
The organisation was facing a critical challenge arising from the M&A transaction: the need for immediate executive leadership to steer the company through this new phase as an independent entity. They required a Chief Executive with a proven track record (Accountability), capable of ensuring operational stability, taking charge of management and implementing an ambitious growth plan from day one.
The EPUNTO Approach and Solution (The Methodology): Within less than two weeks, EPUNTO deployed an Interim Manager from our pool of executive talent to take on the role of Chief Executive. Over a three-month period, the executive integrated into the company with clear objectives: to ensure an orderly transition following the acquisition and to design the new strategic plan for commercial expansion.
Under the supervision and mentorship of Patricio Gil Olmedo, a Partner at EPUNTO, the project focused on stabilising the organisation, professionalising the management structure and laying the foundations for entering new international markets. The executive proved so well-suited to the role that the project culminated in a ‘Try and Hire’ arrangement, resulting in the client offering him a permanent contract.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main challenge in this project?
The challenge was to lead the post-M&A transition of a spin-off and turn it into a successful independent company, whilst launching an international expansion plan. All this within a complex environment that required a ‘plug-and-play’ executive to take charge from day one.
Why was an interim manager chosen rather than a traditional recruitment process?
Speed and certainty following the M&A transaction were critical. The private equity fund could not wait the 6–9 months required by a standard process. It needed top-tier, highly qualified talent who could guarantee immediate results. The solution proved so successful that it turned into a ‘Try and Hire’ arrangement in just three months.
What was the most significant impact during the first 90 days?
In the first quarter, our Interim Manager succeeded in fully stabilising post-acquisition management, aligning the team with the new ownership and drawing up a detailed strategic plan for entering new key markets, such as the Maghreb and the Mediterranean region.
How did EPUNTO ensure the transfer of knowledge at the end of the mission?
This case is the perfect example of a successful transition. The executive was such a good fit that the client decided to appoint him on a permanent basis. The interim manager became the permanent Managing Director, ensuring the full sustainability and continuity of the project he himself had defined.
What unique feature did EPUNTO bring to this solution?
The speed of the appointment (less than two weeks) and the precision in selecting a Chief Executive with specific experience in both the agri-food sector and the management of private equity funds. We provided a leader capable of managing the present (stabilisation) and building the future (expansion) simultaneously.
