Corporate Finance | Payroll | IT

Whatever the transaction, we work closely with Management Teams, Directors and shareholders. We provide advice to family businesses on business valuations, structuring deals (sales, acquisitions and management buy outs), finance raising and strategic planning. Our approach is hands on and personal. We are focused to get the best deal for our client.

Valuations

Most business owners from time to time ask themselves the question, how much is my business worth? It is an important question which has far reaching implications for your future lifestyle and retirement. There are a number of circumstances that require a proper valuation of the business including:

• Purchase/sale transactions
• Buying out a shareholder or partner
• Passing the business to your children
• Setting up an employee share ownership scheme
• Tax and Estate Planning

Every valuation results in a range of figures, however, those figures on their own may not tell the whole story as valuations require expert analysis and understanding of the facts behind the figures. Whatever the reason for the valuation we can provide an expert judgement backed by strong industry knowledge to support your own judgement.

Business Sales

The sale of a company usually represents the most important and valuable transaction in the life of its owner, which is why it is important to find someone that will provide hands on, practical advice and who is focused towards getting the best deal for the owners. We have invested in sophisticated databases that enable us to locate companies that are acquiring businesses and the prices they are paying.

To get the best price, the business should prepare in advance and we can help you with your preparation managing the whole process from clarifying shareholder wants and needs through to delivering the completed deal. Our project management skills distinguish us from many other players in the sector.

Business Acquisitions

Buying a business can be the quickest route to growth. It is essential to pay the correct price and ensure your acquisition is well planned and executed and that you are appraising the right target businesses. We are able to carry out extensive research and through our experience are able to initiate discussions with potential vendors. We are also regularly in touch with the principal high street banks as well as many more less well known sources and are therefore in an excellent position to obtain the most appropriate form of finance for your deal. Our hands on approach will ensure that the process is well managed and that after the acquisition we can help you integrate the new business into your own to secure the best value from your purchase.

Due Diligence

• Vendor

  When a company is being prepared for sale it needs to have an in-depth report on it's financial health for prospective purchasers. This is called vendor due diligence. We are able to provide comfort to buyers and sellers with an independent review of the business performance and prospects. This adds credibility to the facts and figures provided in the information memorandum and early identification of critical issues provides the option to fix them prior to going into the market place. Vendor due diligence is provided for the benefit of the vendor only.

• Purchaser

  Any business that is considering an acquisition needs to fully understand the target business, it's critical success factors and strengths and weaknesses. Financial due diligence provides peace of mind, by analysing and verifying financial data. It uses past trading experience to form a view of the future and identifies any gaps or inconsistencies. We are able to give advice on the financial warranties in the sale and purchase agreement and act as a independent accountant in resolving completion account disputes.

Finance Raising

A company's need to review its financing requirements could be triggered by a wide range of circumstances, for example;

• Acquiring a business
• To finance organic growth
• Refinancing facilities that have matured
• To change business strategy
• To acquire property
• To raise seed or start up funding

We use our extensive knowledge of banks and other finance houses to direct you to the most appropriate source of funds. Our advice is objective and independent. We are able to assist you with the preparation of feasibility studies, business plans and forecasts, as well as reviewing risk assessments and advising on cost structures. As with all our corporate finance work we give hands on practical advice in a timely and cost effective manner.