Aquire a Company - Buyer
Capital and Trust prefer to be engaged by acquirers. We operate on a success only basis, so if we are unsuccessful in providing companies that meet your acquisition criteria then there is no fee, regardless of how many times you meet them pre signing of Heads of Terms. We can help with acquisition models, advise on acceptable caveats / buyer protection and help structure transactions that work for all parties, so transactions are successful and significantly increase the value of the acquiring business.
There are a number of stages to consider when buying a company. Whether you are a national consolidator or someone setting out to acquire for the first time, our breakdown of the acquisition process essentially highlights the things to watch out for:
Step 1: Clarity
We will talk through the different characteristics of a selling firm to understand exactly the type of firm you are looking to acquire.
Step 2: Evaluation
We will need to understand your business, your background, your budget and your expectations of potential targets enabling us to introduce firms that match your requirements.
Step 3: Education
As we have been through the M&A process multiple times, we are here to help. We will take you through the process step by step and ensure you understand the realities of the current marketplace.
Step 4: Search
Our team of brokers will then search their geographical areas in order to identify and introduce firms that are the perfect match.
Step 5: Offer
We will assist with structuring deals to ensure that you only pay what a company is worth. Once an initial offer has been accepted, we can help draft a ‘Heads of Terms’ document.
Step 6: Due Diligence
After a seller has entered into exclusivity, this is your chance to ensure they are who they say they are by conducting your due diligence. We can recommend solicitors that are extremely knowledgeable in the wealth management sector to help conduct this.
Step 7: Completion
Once you are satisfied with the results of due diligence, and you have the funding readily available, the deal can complete.
Step 8: Post Completion
Post deal, we will be available to assist you with any questions or post-completion requirements you may have.
Sell a Company - Seller
We operate on a success only basis, so if we are unsuccessful in providing companies that meet your criteria then there is no fee, regardless of how many times you meet them pre signing of Heads of Terms. We help you to find the right buyer by identifying the main key features of your business and the main drivers behind your decision to sell. We can also give you an early indication of exit price and key terms.
There are a number of stages to consider when selling a company, our breakdown of the selling process essentially highlights the things to watch out for. The sale process usually follows these steps:
Step 1: Initial Conversation
At first contact, we will have an in-depth discussion with you to identify what you are looking for in a potential acquirer and find out more about the shape and size of your business.
Step 2: Overview
We will then write up an overview on the business and discuss with you the acquirers we think you would match with. Once you are happy with this, we will then send your overview to the acquirer to look at.
Step 3: First meetings
Once the acquirers have decided whether they would be happy to have an initial discussion, we will arrange first meetings for you with these firms. These are usually face to face, but can be conference calls if required.
Step 4: Follow up meetings
After your first round of meetings, we will discuss with you the pros and cons of each acquirer. We will then determine who you would like to see again to delve deeper, and book in these meetings.
Step 5: Offer stage
Once you have asked all the questions needed, the acquirer/s will make you an offer. We will then help you break these down to work out which offer is best for you.
Step 6: Heads of Terms
When you decide to sell to an acquirer and accept their offer, you will sign a Heads of Terms, this is the first stage of a sale and means you will be in an ‘exclusivity period’ whilst contracts are negotiated
Step 7: Sale and Purchase Agreement
We will be there to guide you throughout the due diligence period, and we are able to recommend lawyers that specialise in the space.
Step 8: Completion
Once you have signed contracts and sold your business, we will still be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have.