Corporate Finance

Calm waters ahead with our team of specialist advisers.

When acquiring a business, it is essential that you engage specialist advisers who will remain objective and practical throughout the process. Acquiring a business can be a turbulent process and one which can become contentious if not managed correctly. Our team of specialist advisers will make certain that the business acquirer is guided through the process, and remains fully informed throughout the transaction.

We offer:

• Target company identification and approach
• Negotiation of terms of the acquisition and contracts
• Due diligence
• Advice on appropriate tax efficient structures
• Arrange appropriate finance
• Deal management and completion

No obstacles, just a smooth transaction.

A business is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it and what a seller is willing to sell it for.

When looking to sell a business, it is in the best interests of the seller to make sure the business is groomed for sale to achieve the best possible price. A deal involving a well-groomed business will complete quicker and with fewer complications. Many disposals fall over due to bad housekeeping by the seller.

Due diligence will uncover any skeletons in the cupboard and any inadequacies in the businesses recording and management information systems and procedures. It is much better to rectify any internal failings prior to the business being marketed for sale and disclose from the outset those which cannot be resolved.

It is our role at Shaw Gibbs to capitalise the value of your business whilst mitigating any risks during transactions.

A well informed and independent business valuation is essential in a variety of circumstances. They are often required by a company’s Articles of Association for some shareholder events but may also be necessary for a range of different reasons, such as:

• Shareholder dispute resolution
• Divorce
• Exit planning and divestment
• Strategic decision making

Shaw Gibbs can provide independent and detailed business valuations across a range of industries. We take a comprehensive approach, researching the M&A market as a whole, as well as specific transactions and sector information that relate to the industry the business operates in to arrive at a reliable and well informed valuation for your business.

Where valuations are necessary for the purposes of court proceedings or HMRC requirements, we also have a team of specialists with substantial experience in acting as expert witnesses or preparing valuation cases to present to HMRC.

Unearth your true potential.

A thorough review of a business debt and capital structure can often identify opportunities to make the business more financially efficient. Too often existing borrowing facilities are renewed without a robust review of their sustainability, suitability and the benefits they deliver.

In periods of growth and recession, companies often require an injection of funding. This may be to restructure, relocate or invest in plant and machinery. At such times you need access to a pool of funders that can match your requirements.

At Shaw Gibbs, we understand the importance of securing the right type of funding with the appropriate funder, to meet the ever changing needs of a business.

No stone is left unturned.

When acquiring a business it is critical that you gain full knowledge of any factors that may affect the value of the business now and in the future, such as:

• Legal claims against the business from employees, customers etc.
• Unidentified or unreported tax liabilities
• Funding and future funding requirements
• Competitive products and services
• Customer reliance
• Management information and management information systems
• Plant and equipment and its state of repair and longevity
• Terms and conditions of key contracts

You need to feel confident that there are no hidden skeletons and that the business you are buying is what you believe it to be.  Our team conducts a thorough and robust investigation into any potential target companies, giving you the assurance needed to complete a successful deal.

Management Buy In (MBI) occurs when a manager or a management team from outside the company raises the necessary finance, buys it, and becomes the company’s new management.

As lead advisers we protect the interests of our clients to ensure the deal progresses efficiently, with minimum disruption. This helps to ensure there are no nasty surprises and that the right funding is secured.

There is a danger that the management becomes distracted during the deal process to the detriment of the business. Our corporate finance team has years of experience managing deals on a daily basis so you can remain focussed on the day to day activity with the assurance that the deal will progress efficiently.

Management Buy Out (MBO) is where the management working within an organisation feel they would be in a position to raise the necessary finance to purchase the business and take ownership.

As lead advisers we protect the interests of our clients to ensure the deal progresses efficiently, with minimum disruption. This helps to ensure there are no nasty surprises and that the right funding is secured.

There is a danger that the management becomes distracted during the deal process to the detriment of the business. Our corporate finance team has years of experience managing deals on a daily basis so you can remain focussed on the day to day activity with the assurance that the deal will progress efficiently.

It’s about working together.

Our team has guided a number of firms through acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures throughout the region. We understand the issues, problems and complexities that can often arise, such as:

• Establishing appropriate funding structures to minimise difficulties post transaction
• Establishing values to ensure no overpayments
• Undertaking full tax reviews to minimise tax on acquisition
• Selecting appropriate targets to ensure an appropriate cultural fit.

Finding the right partner for you.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a business, restructure or refinance, finding the right funder and type of funding is complex, time consuming and a potential minefield.

We will introduce you to the right type of funder and structure a deal that meets your individual requirements whether that’s by bank finance, private equity, venture capital funding or business angel funding.

If you are not yet ready to recruit a full-time Finance Director (FD) or, you are looking for an objective party to assist with strategic planning then our outsourced FD service is for you. 

We provide commercial and operational support for companies that need the expertise of a part-time interim FD. You will retain complete control of your business whilst drawing on our considerable experience to help you to achieve your goals.