Scrutton Bland - Acquiring a business in the UK

Scrutton Bland - Acquiring a business in the UK

Acquiring a business in the UK

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www. scruttonbland .co.uk

“More companies locate their European headquarters in the UK than anywhere else in Europe.” UK Department for International Trade

Whether you are looking to buy a business as an investment, or to expand distribution channels and open up new markets, investing in UK businesses is becoming increasingly popular with investors from around the World. Acquiring a business can be one of the most significant deals you will ever sign, so getting the right advice from the outset is essential. Our team of Corporate Finance and Business Advisory specialists will support you through every stage of acquiring a commercial operation in the UK. From assessing valuations and sale prices to managing the negotiation process and dealing with Terms of Agreement we will act as an extension of your team, and will be by your side from concept through to completion. We understand how stressful purchasing a business can be, with a history in helping clients to buy and sell businesses going back almost 100 years, we make it our mission to ensure that the acquisition process is as smooth as possible for you. From our offices in East Anglia we have easy access to London and from our Cambridge office we are within easy reach of all of the UK’s key regional growth hubs. We regularly work with clients throughout the UK supporting them in all aspects of corporate finance and as a member of Nexia international, we are able to provide professional advice and support to clients across the globe.

How we can help

Tax structuring The Tax implications of acquiring a business in any country can be complex but, with the UK currently offering a tax system which

can benefit overseas investors, getting the right advice from qualified advisers can help make the decision to invest in a UK based operation a profitable one. We have teams of tax specialists based in-house and who work alongside the corporate finance team providing a collaborative service for our clients.

Valuation and pricing The acquisition process can often be emotive. by providing realistic and objective valuations we can ensure that the price you

pay is relative to the UK market. Discreet and impartial, our valuation service can help those looking to invest in established UK business by flagging over-inflated valuations, or highlighting great investment opportunities.

Handling negotiations As a business owner, having an understanding of how a business works, the potential of the market and seeing opportunities for growth

A unique combination As a multidisciplinary practice we have teams of auditors, accountants, tax advisers, employee benefit and pensions specialists all in-house and who work collaboratively with our corporate finance team. This means that we are incredibly well placed to deliver all of your advisory needs more efficiently than separate advisers and more confidentially that involving multiple firms.

are all important factors in achieving your commercial goals, but when it comes to the technical side of negotiating a business acquisition specialist knowledge is often required - that’s where we can step in. As your advisers we take the time to understand what it is you want to achieve from your investment and represent your best interests throughout the process.

“We make it our mission to ensure that the acquisition process is as smooth as possible for you”

Bring buyers and sellers together Being independently owned we have the strength of a national firm, but without the restriction of corporate

red tape meaning we can act quickly, and in the best interests of our clients. Through our network of connections we are able to identify businesses which have the potential for sale and match these with our clients who are looking to buy. Like any relationship, getting the match right between partners is the difference between success and failure for an acquisition.

Contact us

Luke Morris, Partner Luke studied at King’s College, Cambridge before qualifying with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he spent six years in practice before moving to Ernst & Young. Whilst

Gavin Birchall, Partner A qualified solicitor, Gavin is a partner in our tax department advising clients on all aspects of property and business tax. He is a member of the Stamp Taxes Practitioners

there he was seconded to the Central Bank of Kuwait to provide support following the 2008 financial crisis. Having worked in Canada and the USA, Luke has a broad experience in advising businesses both in the UK and internationally on corporate finance and transactions. Luke is an Ambassador for the ICAEWs (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and is a regular speaker and media commentator. +44 7584 097633 [email protected]

Group which is a forum for practitioners who specialise in stamp duty and stamp duty land tax. Gavin specialises in advising clients on tax issues relating to corporate acquisitions, corporate restructuring and raising finance. Through our Tax+ service, Gavin regularly works with solicitors and other professionals to provide tax support and provide tax advice to their clients. +44 1206 838 400 [email protected]

Scrutton Bland is a trading name of Scrutton Bland LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales. Our registered number is OC306226

Scrutton Bland is a member firm of the “Nexia International” network. Nexia International Limited does not deliver services in its own name or otherwise. Nexia International Limited and the member firms of the Nexia International network (including those members which trade under a name which includes the word NEXIA) are not part of a worldwide partnership. Member firms of the Nexia International network are independently owned and operated. Nexia International Limited does not accept any responsibility for the commission of any act, or omission to act by, or the liabilities of, any of its members. Nexia International Limited does not accept liability for any loss arising from any action taken, or omission, on the basis of the content in this documentation and external links provided. The trade marks NEXIA INTERNATIONAL, NEXIA and the NEXIA logo are owned by Nexia International Limited and used under licence. References to Nexia or Nexia International are to Nexia International Limited or to the “Nexia International”

network of firms, as the context may dictate. For more information, visit www.nexia.com

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www. scruttonbland .co.uk

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