Branta advised Canonbury on the debt funding required to complete its acquisition of Forerunner Catering.
Client
Canonbury
Situation
Acquisition finance requirement
Outcome
Funding secured and acquisition completed
Canonbury’s directors, Alex Collins and Daniel Lee, were seeking to acquire Forerunner Catering, an established business providing hot, nutritious meals to schools and regular meal-service customers.
The acquisition represented a clear opportunity for Canonbury to expand its operations, but required the right funding structure to support both completion and future growth.
Forerunner Catering had built a strong reputation for reliable meal provision, particularly in school and community settings.
Canonbury saw an opportunity to acquire the business, support its continued development and integrate it with its wider investment portfolio.
To complete the transaction, Canonbury needed a funding package that worked alongside the negotiated acquisition terms and provided confidence to all parties involved.
Acquisition funding is rarely just about finding a lender willing to provide capital.
The debt structure needs to reflect the purchase price, transaction timetable, deal terms, security position and cash generation of the business being acquired.
In this case, Canonbury needed a funding solution that could support the acquisition while also leaving the enlarged business in a position to trade and grow after completion.
Branta worked with Canonbury’s directors to understand the transaction, assess the funding requirement and shape the finance strategy.
We supported the debt advisory process, helped position the opportunity to funders and worked with the chosen banking partner, Allica Bank, to structure an appropriate facility.
Our role included helping align the lending structure with the acquisition terms, supporting the information flow and working with the wider adviser group to keep the funding process moving.
Funding was secured and Canonbury completed the acquisition of Forerunner Catering.
The transaction positioned Canonbury to expand its service offering and support the continued development of Forerunner Catering under new ownership.
“The support from Branta was invaluable. The team worked tirelessly to secure the right financing for us, ensuring the long-term stability and success of our new venture.”
Daniel Lee, CanonburyFor SMEs, acquisition finance needs to be structured around the transaction itself, not treated as a generic loan application.
The right funding package can be the difference between a promising acquisition opportunity becoming a completed transaction, or stalling before completion.
Branta helped Canonbury move from acquisition ambition to funded completion.
Support with structuring and securing funding for acquisitions, refinancing, growth and complex situations.
Support with business sales, acquisitions and shareholder exits.
A structured review of the options available before committing to a transaction, funding approach or process.
A short conversation can help clarify the funding structure, likely lender appetite and what needs to be prepared before approaching funders.