Client stories
Agon Systems’ transition to an employee ownership trust
Overview
About Agon Systems
Agon Systems is a retail loss prevention specialist based in Eastbourne, Sussex, with more than two decades of experience supporting well-known retailers across the UK and Europe to respond to retail crime.
The business helps shape the future of security in retail environments – making stores safer for customers, and more profitable for businesses.
Opportunity
Supporting Agon Systems’ next stage of growth
Agon Systems’ former owners, Sean and Lisa Welch, identified an opportunity to transition the business to an Employee Ownership Trust.
The move marked a pivotal moment for the business – creating a new platform for growth, while supporting its long-term vision and continued success.
What We Did
Advising on the transition to employee ownership
The transaction was led by Corporate Partner Kathryn Paisley, with support from Corporate specialists Daniel Halls and Jonathan Laws – with completion secured ahead of the major changes to Capital Gains Tax relief for sellers to Employee Ownership Trusts which were announced as part of the 2025 Autumn Budget.
Impact
Establishing an employee-owned structure supporting long-term growth
Agon Systems’ transition to an Employee Ownership Trust structure marks a pivotal moment for the company’s future – providing a platform from which it can continue building relationships with well-known retailers in the UK and Europe as it enters its next phase of growth.
Reflections from Agon Systems:
Commenting on the transition, Sean Welch at Agon Systems said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Knights for all their help and hard work with getting this deal over the line.
“It’s an important step for us as a business – one which will help us to do more as we continue to combat the global challenge of shoplifting and the impact this has on both retailers and customers.”
Reflections from Knights:
Reflecting on the transaction, Kathryn Paisley, Corporate Partner at Knights, added:
“We are proud to have supported Agon Systems on their transition to an EOT. This new structure aligns perfectly with the business’ long-term vision and will undoubtedly provide a new platform for Agon’s growth and continued success.
“We’ve worked alongside Sean, Lisa and the team for years and it was enormously satisfying to see all their hard work come to fruition in the transaction. We’re looking forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength in the future.”
Key results, in review:
- Completed Agon Systems’ transition to an Employee Ownership Trust.
- Supported a retail loss prevention specialist with more than 20 years’ experience.
- Created a platform for continued growth across the UK and Europe.
- Secured completion ahead of major Capital Gains Tax relief changes.
- Brought together specialist corporate, tax, finance and banking advisers.
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