STRATEGIC M&A ADVISORY
Build the outcome you want - before you begin the transaction
For many owners, a sale or investment may be the most important financial and personal decision they make. We help owners prepare 12–24 months ahead - strengthening value, attracting the right buyers and protecting what should endure.
WHY START EARLY
Twelve months of preparation can shape the outcome for years to come.
Buyers pay for evidence, not ambition. Starting early creates time to strengthen earnings, reduce risk, build management depth and sharpen the equity story - before diligence and negotiation begin.
01
Financial Value
Strengthen the value drivers that support a premium outcome.
02
Strategic Choice
Create credible alternatives across timing, structure and counterparties.
03
Lasting Legacy
Choose an owner or investor able to support the culture, people and long-term potential of the business you have built.
VALUE CREATION THROUGH A BUYER’S EYES
We know what buyers and investors look for.
Our advice combines strategy, proprietary research and transaction experience. We identify what buyers and investors will reward, what may undermine confidence or value, and what can still be changed before a process begins.
Quality of earnings
Sustainable, evidenced earnings with clear drivers and low risk of adjustment.
Management depth
An experienced team with clear roles, succession and the ability to scale.
Growth strategy
A credible plan with identifiable opportunities and realistic investment needs.
Market positioning
Attractive market dynamics, a defensible competitive position and credible scope for further growth.
Governance & reporting
Robust financial reporting, controls and a well-governed business.
Ownership readiness
Aligned shareholders, clear decision-making and readiness for due diligence.
FROM STRATEGY TO MARKET
Prepare deliberately. Transact from strength.
01
Define the outcome
Align financial objectives, timing, role after completion and legacy priorities.
02
See the buyer’s perspective
Test the strategy, valuation drivers, risks and likely buyer universe through the eyes of prospective buyers and investors.
03
Build & position
Deliver the priority initiatives and create a compelling, evidenced equity story.
04
Execute with choice
Approach the market with stronger performance, credible alternatives and clear decision criteria.
STRATEGIC M&A ADVICE IN PRACTICE
Distinctive outcomes built over time.
CLIFTON ASSET MANAGEMENT
Long-term advice spanning strategy, debt financing and acquisition programmes, culminating in majority investment from CBPE.
LOCKHART CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Structured a minority investment designed to preserve culture - believed to be the first Private Equity investment for an appointed representative business.
KESTREL CAPITAL
Acted as lead adviser on the first direct Private Equity investment in an Irish wealth management platform.
ASCOT LLOYD
Supported a multi-year acquisition programme of c.20 transactions and more than £4bn of combined AUA.
STRATEGY AND EXECUTION
Strategic expertise grounded in real transactions.
Dr Daniel Baade brings more than 20 years of strategy and value-creation experience across M&A advisory, corporate development and senior strategy roles.
Together with Stuart Dyer, whose 40+ years of Financial Services experience span CEO, chairman, operating and M&A roles, our senior team combines strategic judgement, deep sector knowledge and a practical understanding of how buyers and investors make decisions.
We provide strategic M&A advice to founders, shareholders and boards of established Financial Services and Technology businesses, typically in the £20m–£200m valuation range across the UK and Europe.