The Person Behind the Firm

John Maddox is the Founder of Perseverantia Equity Partners, an entrepreneurial investment business established to acquire, lead and grow one exceptional business for the long term. His career has combined financial leadership, operational management and business transformation, with a particular focus on privately owned and private equity-backed businesses.

As Chief Financial Officer of two private equity-backed businesses, John has worked closely with management teams, investors and advisers through periods of significant growth and change. His experience includes preparing a business for a private equity exit, leading the financial workstreams associated with a successful trade sale, and helping integrate businesses following acquisition. During one post-acquisition integration, he assumed broader operational responsibility, acting in a quasi-Managing Director capacity while leading the integration programme.

Alongside his executive career, John has advised founders and leadership teams across a range of SMEs through his own consulting practice, providing strategic and financial leadership during periods of growth, succession and change. He has also served as a Non-Executive Director on behalf of a private investment firm for a portfolio asset, and is an active angel investor, giving him experience from the perspectives of owner, investor and operator.

Today, Perseverantia Equity Partners is focused on partnering with owners of established, profitable businesses headquartered in the South East of England. John is seeking the opportunity to acquire and personally lead one exceptional business within a practical commuting distance of his home in West Sussex. The business can trade across the UK or internationally — what matters is that John can be present at headquarters, providing continuity for employees, customers and suppliers while building on the legacy already created by its owner.

"John believes the most successful acquisitions are built on trust rather than transaction alone. His aim is to give business owners confidence that the company they have spent years building will continue to thrive under committed, hands-on ownership, preserving its culture, reputation and relationships while creating opportunities for future growth."