Corporate finance work should not feel vague or open-ended.
Before we start, we explain how we charge, what is included and how our incentives are aligned with the outcome.
Most Branta engagements use a combination of fixed fees, hourly work, retainers and success-based elements depending on the situation.
The right structure depends on the situation, urgency, complexity and the work required before any outcome is achieved.
We do not charge large upfront fees unless that is genuinely the right structure for the work involved.
Usually a fixed fee agreed upfront. Designed to give clarity before committing to a larger sale, acquisition, funding or advisory process.
Usually a modest retainer plus a success fee. The retainer reflects preparation and process work; the success fee aligns us with completion.
Can be structured as active retained search, success-led work, or a defined advisory project depending on how targeted and hands-on the work needs to be.
Often a retainer plus success fee, especially where the situation requires structuring, lender engagement and process management.
Typically charged on an hourly basis, fixed fee or monthly retainer depending on scope, urgency and level of involvement required.
Usually fixed fee, agreed before instruction, reflecting the urgency, complexity and information available.
Purely success-only work can sound attractive, but it does not always produce the best outcome.
Good corporate finance work requires preparation, judgement, positioning and sustained effort before a transaction completes.
A sensible retainer helps make sure the work is taken seriously on both sides and that the process does not drift.
Where the client is committed and the mandate is clear, we can stay properly engaged and focused on getting the result.
For acquisition work, we may structure the engagement differently depending on what the client wants.
A retained, proactive process where we define target criteria, identify businesses, approach owners and manage responses. Best where the client is serious about finding and completing a deal.
A lighter-touch approach where we respond to opportunities that arise. It can work, but often creates less urgency and may reduce momentum.
Where a client wants real momentum, an active retained search is usually the stronger route.
We will explain the proposed fee structure before work starts.
If a larger mandate follows an initial review, we can discuss whether part of that initial fee should be credited against future fees where appropriate.
The aim is simple: clear scope, clear fees and clear alignment.
A short conversation is usually enough to explain how we would approach the situation and what fee structure is likely to make sense.