7 minutes read The M&A landscape in 2025 has been neither boom, nor bust, instead it appears more strategic and selective with quality at its centre. Even the US$72 billion Netflix/Warner merger that has just been announced, has strategy at its core – if it can get through the competition authorities. For SMEs who have had…
7 minutes read The ‘perfect’ business sale is a fast, fuss-free transaction on the right terms and with the right buyer. With tax burdens on business sales increasing, achieving the best price from the right acquirer has never been more important. Here are what we consider to be the seven key success factors to achieve a…
7 minutes read CGT: 0% Relief on EOT Sales Potentially at Risk The 0% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief on sales to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) must be considered at risk in the upcoming October Budget. EOTs Becoming a Significant Share of Business Sales This concern arises because EOTs are the fastest growing option of all…
7 minutes read Private equity firms (“PE”) have evolved from the caricature of the 1980s “corporate raiders” to become dynamic, growth-oriented investors. With a staggering £190 billion in capital that is seeking opportunities, today’s PE firms are often just as competitive if not more so, than traditional trade buyers. For business owners considering a sale, engaging…
6 minutes read Navigating a business sale is one of the most significant decisions a company owner or board will face. The stakes are high – value, risk and legacy all depend on the outcome. Choosing the right M&A advisor is critical to get the deal done and done well, but how do you choose…
5 minutes read Timing a business sale: Is now the right time? Recent tax hikes on the sale of companies have left many entrepreneurs reeling. One client told us, “I’m not selling — I’m going to wait until Labour are out in four years’ time and the CGT increase is reversed.” Another asked, “Are they targeting…
8 minutes read This article explores the key Employee Ownership Trust pros and cons to help determine whether this model is the right fit for your business. As more business owners seek value driven, legacy-preserving succession strategies, the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional trade sales or private equity exits.…
12 minutes read The Market Currently, there is a mixed outlook on mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) activity, reflecting global trends across many industries. While numerous sectors face both productivity challenges and economic headwinds, abundant capital remains available and is likely to become cheaper as interest rates ease. To be blunt, British productivity has stagnated since pre-2009,…
8 minutes read The Autumn 2024 budget delivered an unwelcome, though not entirely unexpected, increase in Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”). This policy change has had immediate and expensive ramifications for Britain’s small and medium-sized enterprise (“SME”) owners, particularly those planning to sell their businesses. If that’s you, then it’s crucial to understand the implications and review…
5 minutes read Following the widely anticipated increase in Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”) announced in last month’s budget (24%), our team has already seen a huge surge in enquiries from clients seeking alternative exit structuring options for future business sale transactions of their family firm. Questions around Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) are also growing. Many business owners…