Mergers & Acquisitions

Acquisition enables businesses to accelerate growth and increase shareholder value, when compared to the costs and time associated with innovation, recruitment and new product development. However, it is vital to make the right acquisition and to extract value, not only from the transaction itself, but also from subsequent integration. A poor acquisition not only wastes time, effort and money, but it also sucks the energy out of a good management team.

Our M&A specialists will work collaboratively with you to ensure we gain a thorough understanding of your needs and the motivations driving your decision to make an acquisition.

Using our extensive research capabilities and sector knowledge, our team will generate a wide variety of acquisition ideas and opportunities to meet your requirements. Once targets have been identified, we will work closely with you, providing expertise and deal leadership on issues such as valuation, financial structuring and bid tactics. We aim to work as a natural extension of your own team and are always on hand to advise you at every stage of the acquisition process.

We also work with a range of Private Equity (PE) houses and private investors that have funds ready to invest across all sectors, regardless of company size. Typically, these will be strong businesses with ambitious management teams. PE, when used effectively, can prove a useful tool in accelerating growth and shareholder returns, unlocking the potential for a business and its owners, by not only providing additional financial resources, but also expertise and knowledge.

The decision to sell will often be one of the most difficult in an entrepreneur’s life. It can be driven by a variety of factors including a desire to retire, ill health, or a financial investor looking to realise gains. It can also be driven by a business out-growing its ownership structure.

In order to maximise value, it is essential to plan ahead and work with an adviser who is capable of helping you to meet your ambitions. The selling process is often complex, extensive and both time- and energy-consuming. We pride ourselves in being flexible, pragmatic and robust with a hands-on partner-led approach.

It’s never too early to start planning to sell a business. Engaging with our M&A specialists a couple of years prior to a transaction is ideal, as this timescale will enable us to help you achieve the outcome you are looking for. We can also work to shorter timeframes.

Our team of M&A specialists has enabled many high-performing management teams to realise their ambitions of owning and operating their own businesses through a management buyout (MBO), management buy-in (MBI), or buy-in management buyout (BIMBO). In doing so, we have helped them create and realise wealth.

On engagement, we will advise you on the merits, opportunities and suitability of your business, whether you are considering a MBO, a MBI, a BIMBO, or restructuring your shareholding via a hybrid structure.

The key to success is to understand the opportunity, as well as the motivations and ambitions of the stakeholders. Every situation is unique, so  it is essential to understand the needs and ambitions of everyone involved. This is often a balancing act between potential investors, vendors and management teams to create a pragmatic solution for all. Deals are driven by people, not just money. Creating the right fit that works for all parties is key to creating long-term value through a team that shares a common goal and vision. In our experience, the highest price is not the only element required for a successful deal.

Our team of M&A specialists works with clients whose businesses range in size from £1 million to £50 million and beyond. We are part of K3 Capital, Europe’s most active M&A group, and have the experience, desire and demonstrable track record of delivery to ensure that you receive a market-leading service and the best outcome.