corporate finance 21 From strength to strength


Mid-market deal activity has held up well across the Thames Valley and M&A specialist Simon Jordan from the Thames Valley office of Crowe Clark Whitehill explains why this is. Jordan recently joined the corporate finance team at the national audit, tax and advisory firm as a partner, bringing with him 14 years of transactional experience


While the economy continues to look uncertain, there remains plenty of opportunity for transactions – with many owner-managers seeing now as good a time as any to consider selling. Many have been waiting for some time to make that sale and now they are that much older and ready to retire, while others are simply fed- up of waiting any longer and have more realistic price expectations.


The Thames Valley has held up well throughout this difficult economic period, with the region’s economy benefitting from a number of fast-growing businesses that have withstood the worst of the recession – as evidenced by determined management teams executing management buyouts (MBOs) and acquisitive CEOs implementing buy-and- build strategies.


That said, many companies are continuing to find life challenging and, in these scenarios, Crowe Clark Whitehill is able to support businesses through refinancing, as well as assisting them with disposal programmes.


For business owners who are planning an exit strategy, the good news is that there are buyers out there. Although the economic climate is tough, there is a strong appetite for lower mid-market deals from private equity houses with funds that need a home. These types of buyers are looking for quality, sustainable businesses, which are able to carry bank debt.


Crowe Clark Whitehill is providing corporate finance advice and transaction support to ambitious businesses across the region. We are an extremely experienced team, able to offer advice on all manner of deals, including buy and builds, business sales, MBOs and buyin management buyouts (BIMBOs), as well as debt and equity fundraising.


Immediately prior to joining the Thames Valley office of Crowe Clark Whitehill, I was with HMT Corporate Finance, providing corporate finance advice and transaction support to a number of private equity houses and venture capital fund managers, such as Primary Capital, Octopus Investments and Vine Street Capital. Among my most recent deals were seven bolt-on acquisitions in the technology sector for Penta and Clydesdale Bank- backed Six Degrees Technology Group.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JUNE 2012


National Loan Guarantee Scheme, where banks can raise up to £20b of funding (guaranteed by the Government) to lend directly to smaller businesses at a lower cost than would otherwise be the case.


This positive and encouraging marketplace has led to our expansion in the region. In addition, one of my ex-colleagues, Wes Fell-Smith, joined our London office last year. The fact that we have worked closely together in the past means we will be well-placed to collaborate across both offices in servicing the corporate finance business needs of the Thames Valley over the upcoming months.


Thames Valley SMEs have plenty to be optimistic about– particularly in the shape of new sources of funding ...


There are good opportunities to be had by Thames Valley businesses with strong cash balances, since funding is available to support acquisition-led growth strategies, particularly when expansion takes the business into new overseas markets. Although this type of business strategy can be a rapid and effective way to grab market share both at home and internationally, it requires meticulous planning and execution.


Thames Valley SMEs have plenty to be optimistic about – particularly in the shape of new sources of funding which have become available, such as the £2.5 billion Business Growth Fund, which aims to provide better access to finance for small businesses, and the


The key to growing our business is getting to know the local Thames Valley market and the companies within it. We at Crowe Clark Whitehill pride ourselves on our involvement in the local business community and recognise that the key to success is to make sure that we understand the businesses involved in the transactions as well as the transactions themselves.


We offer proactive advice and focus on building long-term relationships with our clients at whatever stage of the business cycle they might be at.


My style has always been – and will remain – hands-on. I fully intend to be rolling my sleeves up and getting personally involved in local Thames Valley deals, as well as offering proactive quality advice, ensuring that if and when issues are identified, a sensible and pragmatic solution can be found.


For more advice on retirement sales, MBOs or trade sales, see details below.


Details: Simon Jordan 0118-9597222 simon.jordan@crowecw.co.uk


www.businessmag.co.uk


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