Buying a Food Business

Acquisition Profile

We develop an acquisition profile with the client setting out all the facets of the essential and desirable criteria. Typically this includes sector, size, profitability, geography but will include many other features.

Matching Process

Using our extensive network of corporate finance contacts, the profile is then matched in the first instance against all known Businesses for sale. In addition to reviewing those for sale, it also serves to validate the client's acquisition criteria.

Proactive Search Process

Assuming a match is not found, we will then initiate a proactive search process to identify all possible targets that might fit the criteria. This search process will take days of research to build up a series of "shortlists" that will be presented together with all available information on the targets for the client to review.

Developing a fundamental understanding of our client's business is vital, if we are to identify what they are looking for. Our ability to understand these attributes is a key factor in the success of Corporate Mergers.

Approach Phase

Making the initial approach is often disregarded as unimportant; however, we take great care in ensuring that the target is 'at ease' straight away. We have many instances where the vendors have commented that "we kept your letter, replayed your phone call". To us it's important that the potential vendor feels at home both with us and eventually our client. After all, there's no such thing as a hostile bid.

Investigation, Offer and Close Phase

We will assist the client to review each target, providing opinion on value, growth, post-acquisition strategy and offer terms. Once on offer has been accepted we assist the client with preparation of Heads of Agreement, briefing lawyers and overseeing the completion phase.

We will only work with acquirers who can demonstrate they have the financial resources to take on the acquisition.