FC has access to sophisticated corporate research tools and to a national and international network of corporate finance intermediaries. We do not act as corporate brokers, but we do undertake retained assignments to help our clients identify suitable acquisition targets, make approaches and (where required) negotiate and implement deals.

Any acquisition search assignment will start with a detailed review of the client’s business, the logic for making an acquisition, the proposed method of financing the acquisition and the size and sector criteria. We then agree a brief and commence the research. Following agreement of a target list, we make discreet approaches, usually by telephone.

Anything is for sale – at a price. A great deal of time and money can be wasted chasing acquisitions that don’t happen because the vendor isn’t really serious about selling or has unrealistic price aspirations. We have the experience to assess a target’s reaction to our acquisition approach and advise you whether we think there is a deal to be done or not.

If there is interest we can, if required, project-manage the detailed evaluation of the target and the acquisition negotiations, and advise you on all commercial aspects, including:

• Valuation.
• Deal structure.
• Funding requirement and structure, including working capital adequacy.
• Assurance requirements, eg due diligence, warranties, retention.
• Evaluation of the management team.

We can also assist you develop a business plan for the acquired business and forecast the effects of cost rationalisation and synergy benefits.

We are experts in the acquisition process. We only provide advisory services that enable clients to benefit from our knowledge and experience. Where required, this can include a detailed, value-added due diligence review of the target company.

Over 70% of acquisitions are subsequently judged by the aquirors themselves to have been unsuccessful. We seek to ensure that our clients are in the successful minority.