Buying or Selling a Business

buying or selling a business

we'll be your dedicated m&A team mate


Buying or selling a company can be a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for business owners. But embarking on the journey or being assured that you've got the best deal is difficult to know. It can be a process that's famously littered with complexity and complication.


You may need a partner who has deep experience of all the considerations required when buying or selling a business.

which M&A challenges are you facing?

Complexity

Considering to sell the most important asset you've ever built can seem daunting. The risk of getting it wrong might hold you back from beginning a sale process.

value

Will a buyer's valuation match your expectations? How do you know if your expectations are realistic? And will the value you achieve fund your future in the way that you hope?

tax

There's no getting away from the fact that you will have tax to pay when you sell a company. But how do you structure the transaction to ensure you're being as efficient as possible?

exploitation

Do you have confidence in your negotiating position with buyers? How do you know you are getting the best deal? What mechanisms can you use to make sure you're not taken advantage of?

time

You already work really hard in your business. The last thing you need is another time-consuming distraction. How do you find the time to run an effective process?

How can we help?

  • Planning

    After spending time understanding your business and requirements, we'll review and agree your objectives together to determine the best strategy for achieving your goals. Any pre-existing thoughts and plans you have will be appraised. Information to hand will be assessed for presentation to prospective parties. You may have a variety of  strategies available to you. We'll assess each one with you and make a recommendation. 

  • Structure

    We will work with you to create a structure that realises the most value. We'll do this by analysing your current and historical financial information with a view to establishing the core profitability of the business for presentation to potential acquirers. We'll work closely with you to create key documents that represent key attractions of the business to the target audience. And from our knowledge and yours, we'll work to compile a list of potential acquirers focussing on both trade and financial buyers.

  • Funding

    It may be the case that to get certain legs of a transaction to work, that certain funding structures are required. Sometimes and impossible situation can be resolved through the introduction of financing partners. But identifying the correct structure and provider type from the plethora available requires specialist knowledge. We have extensive knowledge of funding and structuring transactions to know what will work for your situation.

  • Network

    To reach a successful completion, you're going to need to know a lot of people. There will be professional work to do such as tax and legal diligence. There may be funding or risk-sharing requirements such as finding and equity partner. And of course, you're going to need to find someone to buy your business. All of this requires and deep and high-quality network of contacts, which is exactly what Branta brings.

  • Execution

    The process of executing a transaction can often take longer than you think since it's a complicated process. You're going to need to have to manage bidders and their expectations and questions, you will have to select a preferred biddder and maintain their offer, you may have a period of due diligence to go through, and of course you've got the legal and tax processes to go through. All this can sound daunting when you'll be expecting to continue running the business. We'll be on-hand at all times to help you through this period and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible so you maintain the value you're aiming for.

insights

by Chris Ray 08 Mar, 2024
Legal due diligence is a crucial part of any business transaction, especially mergers and acquisitions. It is a comprehensive examination of a company from all angles to ensure that there are no hidden liabilities or potential legal issues that could arise post-acquisition. The process typically begins with the receipt of a legal due diligence questionnaire from the buyer’s solicitor. This questionnaire serves as a roadmap for the due diligence process, outlining the various areas that need to be inspected.
A man reviewing a legal document. The background is austere blue to show seriousness.
by Chris Ray 19 Jan, 2024
If you own a small or medium-sized business and have ever applied for a loan or credit facility, you may have come across the term "personal guarantee." Simply put, it's a legal contract between the lender and the borrower that states that one or more individuals will act as a guarantor for the loan, should the business be unable to repay it. In this blog post, we'll explore what personal guarantees are, why lenders require them, and how you can deal with them to protect yourself and your business.
Lots of jigsaw pieces on a table which require sorting out. This is going to be complicated!
13 Jul, 2023
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Pre-Packed Administrations: A Dive into the Advantages, Disadvantages, and Essential Role of Independent Evaluator Reports
A person exploring the snowy mountains in Switzerland
06 Jul, 2023
Branta's M&A Advisory Services Help Facilitate Strategic Acquisition by HeiQ
Two health professionals in discussion where they are in sharp focus and the world is a blur around
22 Jun, 2023
Discover how Piota Apps, a mobile app development company struggling to commercialise, turned things around quickly and started generating £2m ARR with the help of Branta. This success story is a testament to the power of networking, expert advice, and customised strategies. Learn how seeking expert advice and guidance can change the course of a business and help you achieve your goals. Read on to find out more about Piota's turnaround and the role played by Branta in this inspiring journey.
Photo down the corridor of a clean and modern office
08 Jun, 2023
Our client, a leading operator in the property and facilities management sector, is seeking to expand their portfolio in the property maintenance industry by acquiring companies in London. With a focus on property maintenance, including but not limited to maintenance, cleaning, block management, and facilities management, our acquisition criteria includes London-based companies. We are also open to distressed businesses. Enterprise value up to £2m will be considered. Our client has a strong track record of successful acquisitions and integrations. They have the resources and expertise to support the growth and development of the businesses they acquire, while maintaining the high standards of service and quality that customers expect. Our client is also very happy for the existing management team or owners to stay on in the business post-acquisition. If you know of any potential targets or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have and provide further information about the acquisition strategy. At Branta, we understand that selling your business can be a complex and emotional process. That's why we work closely with our clients to develop a tailored strategy that meets their unique needs and helps them achieve their goals. If you are a business owner considering selling your business, or even worried about financial distress, please contact us today. We believe that every business has the potential to succeed, and we are committed to helping our clients unlock that potential. Let us help you achieve your business objectives today.
An office in which two people are discussing lines of code on a screen
05 Jun, 2023
Branta is pleased to announce its role in helping the shareholders of Allteks Limited sell their distressed business to Soda IT Support . Allteks is a UK-based technology company that provided IT support and consulting services to businesses. When Allteks began to experience financial distress, the shareholders knew they needed professional assistance to help them navigate the complex process of selling a distressed business. They turned to Branta for help. Branta worked closely with the shareholders to understand their objectives and develop a strategy for selling the business. The team conducted a thorough analysis of the business and identified potential buyers who would be interested in acquiring Allteks despite its financial difficulties. Soda emerged as a potential buyer, and Branta worked to negotiate a favourable deal on behalf of the shareholders. The team structured a transaction that not only allowed the shareholders to exit the business, but also ensured that the employees and customers of Allteks would be taken care of under Soda's ownership. "We are thrilled to have helped the shareholders of Allteks sell their distressed business to Soda IT Support," said Antony Fanshawe of Branta. "This was a complex transaction, and we are proud of the work our team did to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved." The sale of Allteks to Soda allowed an exit route for the shareholders. The employees of Allteks were also able to retain their jobs, and the customers of the business continued to receive the high-quality IT support and consulting services they had come to expect. "At Branta, we understand that selling a distressed business can be a challenging and emotional process," said Antony Fanshawe. "That's why we work closely with our clients to develop a strategy that meets their unique needs and helps them achieve their goals." Branta is a leading corporate finance boutique that provides tailored financing and M&A solutions to companies in a wide range of industries. Our team of experts has the experience and expertise to structure customised solutions that help our clients achieve their business objectives. If you're a business owner facing financial distress or considering selling your business, contact Branta today here . We can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate these complex challenges and achieve a successful outcome.
11 May, 2023
Selling your business can secure a wonderful future, but it takes meticulous planning to achieve the best possible financial outcome. From preparing your business for sale, to negotiating with private equity companies and reducing your tax bill, we're interviewed by AJB Wealth about some key points to consider.
by Chris Ray 20 Apr, 2023
Acquire this profitable adhesive tape manufacturer and distributor that has been in business for over 50 years. With an invigorated focus on sales strategy, there is further scope for substantial revenue and profit growth with Project Vermillion.
A one-page snapshot of the key statistics in the UKF market for buying and selling companies
by Antony Fanshawe 16 Jun, 2022
Corporate finance is a scary place. Prices are dropping, volumes are shrinking, and it feels like everyone's getting ready to sell.
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