KBS Corporate Brochure

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THE UK’S NO.1 COMPANY SALES ADVISER

Established for over 25 years, our bespoke, personal approach is a proven success in every type of transaction across all industries and sectors. Our accomplished team, with decades of experience, complete more UK company sales than any other business adviser. THE UK’S NO 1 COMPANY SALES SPECIALIST

(Source: LSEG)

WHY KBS CORPORATE?

We are entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes, and we know exactly what considering an exit from your company feels like. We’ve been there and done it.

That means we are ideally positioned to provide you with the correct advice at every stage of the exit process. We have encountered all scenarios, and we know how to navigate and overcome challenges along the way. High-value, complex transactions require top-level expertise such as ours. Our service is trusted by vendors and an unrivalled range of buyers throughout the world. We have exclusive relationships with an extensive depth of acquirers spanning across all sectors.

We provide the most comprehensive buyer reach within the company sales industry and utilise superior marketing techniques, technological investment and ‘big data’. Our expertise covers creative exit plans, investments and alternative routes. And we remain acquisitive ourselves – KBS Corporate is a key part of the K3 Capital Group, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial professional services company.

EXPERIENCE Our director-led team has successfully completed thousands of company sales across all sectors over more than a quarter of a century members in the UK and overseas.

UNDERSTANDING Our expertise and knowledge of business sales means we are ideally placed to fully understand all your objectives.

AWARD-WINNING We continue to impress the industry, with recognition from several authorities having resulted in numerous accolades.

As the market leader in company sales, we listen, we are transparent, we are trusted, experienced and proven. Above all else, we are determined to deliver a transaction that is right for you. THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN Our bespoke, proprietary software uses ‘big data’ and algorithms to generate the industry’s most comprehensive buyer reach.

ESTABLISHED Since being founded in 1998, we have enjoyed continuous growth and created a rich history of completing successful company sales. We are part of an expanding group with over 750 team members in the UK and overseas.

Our unique approach continues to impress the industry, with KBS Corporate being recognised by several awarding bodies. The innovative approach and personal service we implement has resulted in numerous awards and accolades, year after year. AWARD-WINNING ADVISERS

UK CF ADVISORY OF THE YEAR - 2024

UK COMPANY SALES FIRM OF THE YEAR - 2024

MID-MARKET CORPORATE FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR

UK CORPORATE FINANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR - 2023

UK COMPANY SALES ADVISORY OF THE YEAR

CORPORATE FINANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR

Independently verified by LSEG (formerly Refinitiv), we have become firmly established as the leading mid-market company sales adviser in the UK – and now in the whole of Europe too. Not only have we topped the chart for most deals completed by a UK-based adviser for the last seven years in succession, but also in H1 2024 we rose to fourth place globally. THE UK’S NO.1 COMPANY SALES ADVISER

330+ OVER 300 UK DEALS COMPLETED IN 2023

FULL YEAR 2023

ADVISER

DEALS

K3 CAPITAL GROUP PLC

336

GRANT THORNTON

29,415 CORPORATE ENQUIRIES RECEIVED IN 2023

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

ROTHSCHILD & CO

BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

HOULIHAN LOKEY

KPMG

Ernst & Young

LAZARD

2,977 BUYER MEETINGS ARRANGED FOR OUR CLIENTS IN 2023

CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL

Deloitte

BDO

JP MORGAN

OAKLINS

RSM Corporate

LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL

JEFFERIES LLC

788 OFFERS SECURED FOR OUR CLIENTS IN 2023

DAIWA SECURITIES GROUP INC

BAKER TILLY INTERNATIONAL

GOLDMAN SACHS & CO

Source: London Stock Exchange Group Global M&A Mid-Market Financial Advisory Report (Q4 2023)

K3 Capital Group has also been named as the overall leading UK company sales adviser by volume in 2023 by both Experian and Pitchbook. Credit reporting and data company Experian confirmed in their 2023 M&A review that K3 Capital Group was the number one adviser nationally , as well as regionally within the South East, East of England, Midlands, Yorkshire, North West, North East in 2023, and named amongst the most active advisers in all other regions in England, Scotland and Wales. M&A intelligence specialists Pitchbook, named K3 Capital Group the top adviser within the UK and Ireland , as European dealmaking as a whole reached record highs in 2023.

MOST ACTIVE IN UK & IRELAND, 2023

RANK ADVISER NAME

# OF DEALS

INCREASE IN EUROPEAN M&A IN 2023

K3 CAPITAL GROUP

287

BDO

115

GRANT THORNTON

111

RSM UK

CHRISTIE & CO

PWC

KPMG

5 %

BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

REDWOODS DOWLING KERR

HOULIHAN LOKEY

According to research by Pitchbook, European M&A “remained resilient” as deal volumes enjoyed another record year, rising almost 5% compared to 2022 totals.

FRP ADVISORY GROUP

GRANT THORNTON

ROTHSCHILD & CO

LIBERTY CORPORATE FINANCE

DELOITTE

LAZARD CORPORATE FINANCE

JAMIESON CORPORATE FINANCE

CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL

BARCLAYS

Includes transactions whereby there has been an announced or completed substantive transfer of control or ownership. Eligible transaction types include control acquisitions, leveraged buyouts (including asset acquisitions), corporate divestitures, corporate asset purchases, spinoffs and asset divestitures.

UK M&A VOLUME REACHED

UK M&A ACTIVITY FINANCIAL ADVISER RANKINGS

ADVISER NAME

RANK 2023 RANK 2022 # OF DEALS

K3 CAPITAL GROUP

292

GRANT THORNTON

193

RSM

145

BDO

142

AZETS

109

PWC

104

UK DEALS IN 2023 2,661

PKF

103

HAZLEWOODS

Source: Zephyr, Bureau van Dijk

KPMG

CAVENDISH

SOUTH EAST

EAST OF ENGLAND

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

ADVISER NAME

K3 CAPITAL GROUP

GRANT THORNTON

ENSORS

RSM

GRANT THORNTON

BDO

HAZLEWOODS

AZETS

RSM

MIDLANDS

YORKSHIRE & HUMBER

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

ADVISER NAME

K3 CAPITAL GROUP

GRANT THORNTON

RSM

HAZLEWOODS

COOPER PARRY

RSM

PKF

AZETS

NORTH WEST

NORTH EAST

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

RANK 2023

RANK 2022

# OF DEALS

ADVISER NAME

K3 CAPITAL GROUP

GRANT THORNTON

AZETS

CORTUS ADVISORY

CLIVE OWEN

RSM

UNW

BDO

GRANT THORNTON

M&A and ECM transactions whereby the disclosed enterprise value exceeds £500,000, and are based on the volume of financial advisory services transactions provided to the target, bidder, vendor, debt or equity partner. These figures do not include transactions that cannot be disclosed publicly for confidentiality reasons.

CONTINUOUS SUCCESS

We have a rich history of achieving results for our clients and exceeding their expectations. Our experienced professionals operate across all major industry sectors and have successfully advised on thousands of company sales with a broad range of buyer types including trade, private equity, MBI/MBOs, EOTs and alternative investment routes.

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Compressed Air Solutions Location: Suffolk Buyer: Teqnion

Sector: Distribution & Logistics Location: Warwickshire Buyer: OnLogistics

Sector: E-Commerce Location: Worcestershire Buyer: Deligo

Sector: Engineering Location: Tyne and Wear Buyer: Waterland

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Marketing & PR Location: Surrey Buyer: Moore-Wilson

Sector: Plumbing Location: Yorkshire Buyer: DFP Services

Sector: Energy Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Hometree

Sector: IT & Software Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Omniplex Learning

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Fire & Security Location: Northamptonshire Buyer: Compliance Group

Sector: Electrical Location: Merseyside Buyer: Safraz Khan

Sector: Powder Coating Location: Kent Buyer: BAMUK Group

Sector: Fire & Security Location: Kent Buyer: New Path

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Calibration Location: Norwich Buyer: DM Calibration

Sector: Pest Control Location: Kent Buyer: Rollins

Sector: Engineering Location: Worcestershire Buyer: Evolving Enterprises

Sector: Fire and Security Location: Surrey Buyer: New Path Fire and Security

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: E-commerce Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Safe Life

Sector: Distribution Location: Nottinghamshire Buyer: TransGlobal Freight Management

Sector: Security Location: Gloucestershire Buyer: TMA Security

Sector: Utility Infrastructure Location: Kent Buyer: LSBUD Group

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Engineering Location: Hampshire Buyer: United Living Group

Sector: Land Surveying Location: Sussex Buyer: Celnor Group

Sector: Trades Location: Scotland Buyer: MKM Building Supplies

Sector: Software Location: Tyne and Wear Buyer: Oliver Bridge

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Machinery Diagnostics Location: North Wales Buyer: Megger Group

Sector: Engineering Location: Tyne and Wear Buyer: Washington Waterjet

Sector: Structural Engineering Location: Buckinghamshire Buyer: Goldberg Engineering

Sector: Security Location: Kent Buyer: Wardgroup

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: E-commerce Location: London Buyer: BCS

Sector: Temperature Control Location: Cambridgeshire Buyer: Teqnion

Sector: Fire and Security Location: South Wales Buyer: Ranger Fire and Security

Sector: Retail Location: Berkshire Buyer: Picksons

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Training Location: Scotland Buyer: TTC Group

Sector: Leisure Location: Staffordshire Buyer: Der Touristik

Sector: Distribution & Logistics Location: Yorkshire Buyer: DAA Transport`

Sector: Market Research Location: London Buyer: Radius Global Market Research

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Construction Location: Surrey Buyer: Bellrock Group

Sector: Engineering Location: Kent Buyer: Karnell Group

Sector: IT Location: Cumbria Buyer: Global 4

Sector: Industrial Supplies Location: Durham Buyer: Foresight

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Engineering Location: Lincolnshire Buyer: Private Investor

Sector: Engineering Location: Worcestershire Buyer: The Remet Company

Sector: Building Supplies Location: Lancashire Buyer: Haldene Fisher

Sector: Electronics Location: Leicestershire Buyer: Management Buyout

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Electrical Safety Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: Teqnion

Sector: Professional Services Location: Bristol Buyer: Eddisons

Sector: E-commerce Location: Wiltshire Buyer: Fuel Express

Sector: Printing and Packaging Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: SCGP

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Smoke and Ventilation Location: Worcestershire Buyer: TIS

Sector: Renewable Energy Location: Staffordshire Buyer: Freshstream

Sector: IT and Software Location: Warwickshire Buyer: Techsol Group

Sector: Healthcare Software Location: London Buyer: EngagedMD

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Renewable Energy Location: Buckinghamshire Buyer: Agrivert

Sector: Tool and Plant Hire Location: Cornwall Buyer: Alliance Tool Hire (South West)

Sector: Roofing Location: Hull Buyer: Pierce and Geddes Investments

Sector: Commercial Vehicle Leasing Location: Scotland Buyer: Avis Budget Group

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Traffic Management Location: Bedfordshire Buyer: The Traffic Group

Sector: Accounting and Finance Location: Yorkshire Buyer: DJH Mitten Clarke

Sector: Industrial Bolting Location: West Midlands Buyer: D.P. Fasteners

Sector: Haulage and Transportation Location: Northamptonshire Buyer: Explore Transport Ltd

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Medical Simulation Location: London Buyer: 3B Scientific

Sector: Mobility Equipment Location: Warwickshire Buyer: Medical First Ltd

Sector: Building Control Location: Surrey Buyer: Assent Building Control

Sector: Health and Safety Location: West Yorkshire Buyer: Newable Compliance

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Architectural Stone Location: Nottinghamshire Buyer: Nene Capital

Sector: Learning and Development Location: Derbyshire Buyer: Key Capital Partners

Sector: Hardware Location: North West Buyer: Tooling Supplier

Sector: Automotive Parts Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Invicta Holdings Ltd

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Software and IT Location: London Buyer: ScaleUp Capital

Sector: Coffee Location: London Buyer: CCL Products (India) Ltd

Sector: Print and Marketing Location: Essex Buyer: Lifeboat Management Ltd

Sector: Financial Services Location: Dorset Buyer: Lumin Wealth

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Beverage Systems Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Teqnion

Sector: Industrial Doors Location: Devon Buyer: Blount Shutters Ltd

Sector: Analogue Instrumentation Location: Manchester Buyer: Trent Instruments

Sector: Renewable Energy Location: Gloucestershire Buyer: South Coast Insulation Services

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Foundry and Chemical Location: Yorkshire Buyer: GIL Investments

Sector: Electrical Wholesale Location: West Sussex Buyer: Electrical Wholesale Systems Ltd

Sector: Utilities Software Location: London Buyer: Calisen

Sector: CNC Engineering Location: Yorkshire Buyer: TGM Industrial Group

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Building Services Location: Surrey Buyer: Sauter Automation

Sector: Construction Location: Herefordshire Buyer: Cala Group

Sector: Insurance Brokerage Location: Kent Buyer: AssuredPartners

Sector: Microscopes Location: Suffolk Buyer: Northumbrian Medical Supplies

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Drainage - Commercial Location: London Buyer: YFM Equity Partners

Sector: Mechanical and Electrical Location: Northamptonshire Buyer: Wintech Group Ltd

Sector: Robotic Automation Location: Kent Buyer: Management Buyout

Sector: Construction Location: Edinburgh Buyer: A. Lamb Associates Ltd

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: IT Consultancy Location: Hampshire Buyer: Kerv Group

Sector: Electrical Location: Lancashire Buyer: Storskogen

Sector: Marine Exploration Location: West Yorkshire Buyer: Shearwater GeoServices

Sector: Retail Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Harvey and Thompson Ltd

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Insurance Location: London Buyer: A-Plan Holdings

Sector: IT Location: London Buyer: Velocity Managed Services

Sector: Manufacturing - Sheet Materials Location: Leicestershire Buyer: Plastribution Ltd

Sector: Manufacturing - Textiles Location: London Buyer: Redmond Investments

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Catering Services Location: Worcestershire Buyer: Airedale Group

Sector: Plumbing and Heating Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: Thirdway Investment Group

Sector: Scaffolding Location: Wiltshire Buyer: Ryan Eaton

Sector: Medical Diagnostics Location: Devon Buyer: Medray Imaging Systems

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Food and Drink Location: Cornwall Buyer: Boncolac SAS

Sector: Groundworks Location: Devon Buyer: GoliathTech Piles

Sector: Retail and Wholesale Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Premium Group Tools Ltd

Sector: Precision Machining Location: East Sussex Buyer: Unibloc Hygienic Technologies

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Decorators Location: Derbyshire Buyer: John Ryan Group

Sector: IT Location: Cambridge Buyer: inTec Business Solutions

Sector: Distribution - Agriculture Location: Lincolnshire Buyer: Origin Enterprises Plcs

Sector: Water Treatment Location: Lincolnshire Buyer: Severn Trent Services

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Utilities Connections Location: Northamptonshire Buyer: South Staffordshire Plc

Sector: Lifting Gear Location: West Midlands Buyer: Axel Johnson International

Sector: Software Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: Grafenia

Sector: Analytical Laboratory Location: Derbyshire Buyer: The Smithers Group Inc

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Transport and Logistics Location: Kent Buyer: EFS Global

Sector: Gate Automation Location: Essex Buyer: Fortus Group

Sector: IT Solutions Location: Essex Buyer: Virtual IT

Sector: Software Location: Yorkshire Buyer: ACI Group

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Fire and Security Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: Croma Security Solutions Group

Sector: Management Software Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Grafenia Plc

Sector: Pharmaceutical Location: Hertfordshire Buyer: Phenna Group

Sector: Heavy Plant Tyres Location: Greater Manchester Buyer: Literacy Capital Plc

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Fire and Security Location: Buckinghamshire Buyer: New Path Fire and Security

Sector: IT Location: South Yorkshire Buyer: Innov8 Technology

Sector: Fuel Installation Location: Ireland Buyer: LCM Environmental Services

Sector: Employee Benefits Location: Surrey Buyer: Omni Partners

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: Document Management Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Bridges Fund Management

Sector: Electronics Location: Kent Buyer: Volex PLC

Sector: Digital Marketing Location: West Sussex Buyer: Broadlight Global

Sector: Digital Marketing Location: London Buyer: xDNA Group

ACQUIRED BY

Sector: IT and Telecommunications Location: Leicestershire Buyer: Croft Communications

Sector: Heat Pumps Location: Lancashire Buyer: Certas Energy

Sector: Inspection and Verification Location: Norfolk Buyer: TUV Rheinland UK Limited

Sector: Insurance Location: Yorkshire Buyer: Jensten Group

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

You don’t just have to take our word for the success we have achieved – clients we have helped and professionals we have worked with provide the strongest recommendation of what we do.

PAUL SAVIDGE , MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WINTECH ACQUIRER OF AVUS CONSULTING

DANIEL ZHANG, CXO OF TEQNION ACQUIRER OF THREE COMPANIES THROUGH KBS

“Adam Nelson (Corporate Deal Executive) did a fantastic job in keeping things moving and getting us over the line. Many thanks again to KBS — it’s very much appreciated!”

“I have really enjoyed working with Fabio Rambelli (Associate Director) and I hope to be able to acquire many more businesses from him and KBS. Thank you, Fabio and KBS. Look forward to the continued journey with you!”

ADAM GILBERT OWNER OF AG CORPORATE LAW

“I’ve worked with the KBS team now for around six years and completed around 40-plus transactions with them in that time. I have been really impressed with the way they conduct and chase the deal until completion. Each of them is a pleasure to deal with and extremely helpful throughout the transaction, and importantly to get the right outcome for their clients. They always make time to explain or pick up the phone to clients. “They develop a good relationship with the buy-side, which I think helps to smooth the transaction to completion. Likewise, though, they are not scared to have the ‘tough’ conversation with the other side. They genuinely hand-hold clients – it’s not just ‘sales’ talk. If you are considering selling your business, I would highly recommend speaking to them.”

MARYIA AHMEZ SENIOR DEAL MANAGER AT LANGCLIFFE INTERNATIONAL Langcliffe International have always had a positive experience working with KBS. The collaboration between us has enabled our buyers to acquire a number of businesses for sale. KBS’s market knowledge and their transparent communication makes it very easy to move processes along.”

JAI SINGH SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL AT ALSTON ASQUITH

“I have worked on a number of transactions with Oliver Rigby at KBS Corporate and cannot recommend him highly enough for his responsiveness, hard work and diligence. Oliver’s attention to detail and attentiveness to each deal he is involved in is remarkable. I really enjoy working with him!”

ALISTAIR GARDEN FOUNDER OF BELOWGROUND CONTRACTS

JOHN GRANT DIRECTOR OF ZENITH DOORS

“The process was very good overall. Everyone at KBS was very helpful, they all got on board and were proactive. I was very pleased when the sale went through.”

“Charles Needham (Corporate Transaction Adviser) kept us informed throughout the sale, which was really appreciated. I can now enjoy my long-awaited retirement plans.”

CHRIS PAULING CEO OF PROPER CORNISH

“Mark Lucas (Managing Director), George Jackson (Associate Director) and their team were simply brilliant to work with. They were an exceptional support through every stage of the sale and made our job easy.

“They clearly understood our business and the market, which was reflected in the expertly written and designed marketing materials and their ability to generate lots of interest from potential buyers. They were on the front foot throughout and were instrumental in finding the best price and home for our business and getting the deal done.

“I’d thoroughly recommend them to any entrepreneur looking to raise investment or sell a business.”

HOGARTH ANTIQUES LTD

TIM HOGARTH FOUNDER OF HOGARTH ANTIQUES LTD

BRIAN CURTIN DIRECTOR OF LIFTING GEAR & SAFETY

“I was happy, it was an easy process and KBS handled it well. I would recommend KBS Corporate to anyone who wants to explore a business sale and is seeking sound advice.”

“KBS acted as agents for the sale of our business and they represented us very well throughout all stages of the process. Our main contact, Tom Eatough (Corporate Director), was proactive, skilled and always willing to help.”

MAJOR TRANSACTIONS TEAM

KBS Corporate Finance is our dedicated major transactions arm, working only with a select few clients at any one time so we can dedicate the time, attention and effort that you and your business deserve. With vast experience in business sales lead advisory and complete transaction support, the KBS Corporate Finance team have a proven history of delivering results and exceeding our clients’ expectations.

This boutique, tailor-made service ensures every deal is approached in a unique way. Partner with us and you can be assured your company’s best interests will be prioritised throughout every stage of the acquisition process.

Our team of Directors have been in your shoes, and we truly understand the magnitude of any decision you make concerning your company’s future direction.

WHAT MAKES KBS CORPORATE FINANCE DIFFERENT?

We have a hand-picked team of Corporate Financiers who have owned, run and exited their own companies across a variety of sectors, giving them the know-how and expertise to provide lead advisory for our clients’ business sales. VASTLY EXPERIENCED TEAM A DIRECTOR-LED SERVICE Having accumulated many decades of experience working within trade and M&A across the UK, Europe and the United States, our directors are fully adept at achieving the highest possible deal values and providing transactional support.

WE MAXIMISE VALUE

We pride ourselves on exceeding your expectations. From our initial meeting with you, we will identify all the key ‘value drivers’ of your business to generate a truly competitive bidding environment.

‘ALL OF MARKET’ TARGETING Our thorough buyer identification strategy encompasses the full range of acquirer types, from trade and private equity investors through to MBOs/MBIs, family offices, IPOs, EOTs and alternative investment vehicles.

OUR BOUTIQUE SERVICE

GLOBAL BUYER REACH

We have a long-established track record of facilitating transactions with acquirers across the globe. With access to databases containing details of millions of companies throughout the world, we can target overseas acquirers and investors who are a strategic fit to your business.

We put your company at the heart of the process with a tailor-made service which includes the creation of a bespoke, comprehensive Information Memorandum which presents all of your company’s key selling points, as well as a detailed financial model or forecast.

Our Corporate Finance team coordinated the sale of EcoGenR8 Ltd, which trades as AFECO, to United Living Group, a leading independent infrastructure, construction and property services company. AFECO is a cleantech innovation company which specialises in engineering services and solutions focused on the water, marine and energy sectors. DELIVERING CORPORATE FINANCE SUCCESS The transaction was overseen by John Hunt, KBS Corporate Finance Director, and George Dalton, KBS Corporate Finance Manager. EcoGenR8 founder and engineering director Abi Field commented: “KBS not only identified an excellent partner for us in United Living but also negotiated a deal which works well for both parties.

“We quickly learned to appreciate the complexity and challenges of completing a sale of the business and greatly appreciated the advice received from KBS throughout the process.

ABI FIELD ECOGENR8 FOUNDER & ENGINEERING DIRECTOR

“Thanks to KBS, John and George for all your hard work.”

THE STRATEGY WE DELIVER

UNDERSTAND

MARKET

We engage with you and your business to realise the unique selling points of your company. Our team will take the time to get to know you and your objectives in detail before customising the company sale process to your exact objectives. We need to comprehend every aspect of your company from operational, managerial, financial and strategic perspectives. This bespoke, highly personalised approach means your requirements will always be met and you will be able to achieve the best possible outcome for your business, particularly in terms of deal structure and value expectation.

We guarantee to showcase your company in the best possible light with the highest quality documents, marketing and research processes. We treat your business as if it were our own, ensuring we illustrate the key aspects of the opportunity and highlighting the most powerful value drivers of your company. Our professional team of qualified, in-house copywriters and designers work with you to capture the key commercial and financial aspects of your company, providing critical outside-the-box ideas to engage the best potential acquirers in terms of both quantity and quality.

IDENTIFY

DELIVER

At KBS Corporate, we provide the most comprehensive buyer reach within the industry, maximising the level of interest in your business and attracting a wide range of potential acquirers which might include; trade, overseas, Private Equity/investment buyers. We have made significant investment into developing our bespoke, state-of-the-art systems, incorporating ‘big data’ from various leading sources to ensure we hold the latest information on who is acquisitive within your sector and has the financial means, expertise and desire to acquire and grow your company.

We drive forward the process to ensure momentum is maintained, which is done by lifting much of the workload from you, allowing you to run your business and deliver the expected performance. We understand the due diligence process and have the knowledge and experience to ensure the legal elements are handled with the requisite care and attention. We have a team of dedicated Directors and Deal Executives to guide you through the entire process, working to negotiate a higher value for your company whilst simultaneously providing support and advice throughout the transaction.

UNDERSTANDING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

We empathise with how much your company means to you – our team have also started, built up and sold their own businesses. Therefore, we can relate to the feelings you are experiencing upon what is a life-changing decision. A range of factors will be considered when we lay the groundwork for a unique process designed to achieve the ideal outcome for you and your company.

Our team of Directors have been in your shoes, and we truly understand the magnitude of any decision you make concerning your company’s future direction.

OUR KEY AREAS OF FOCUS

WHY DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS?

WHAT ARE YOUR SALE PRICE EXPECTATIONS?

HOW DO YOU VISUALISE YOUR FUTURE EXIT?

WHAT ARE YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS?

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR COMPANY’S VALUE DRIVERS?

IDENTIFY

Our objective is to provide you with the industry’s most comprehensive ‘buyer reach’, maximising the level of interest in your business and attracting a wide range of potential acquirers. While the UK is at the forefront of our activity, the strong demand across the globe for companies in this country means we have vast experience and knowledge of completing cross-border transactions. We have invested substantially in developing bespoke, state-of-the-art systems, incorporating ‘big data’ from numerous leading sources to ensure we have the latest information instantly available on who is acquisitive within your sector and has the financial means, expertise and desire to acquire and grow your company.

By exploring every avenue, we consider not only trade and private equity acquirers but additional routes including family offices, pension funds, investment banks, IPOs, MBI/MBOs, EOTs and other alternative investment vehicles.

Through Identification, Analysis and Matching, we achieve the best possible deal for your company.

We apply a tailored strategy to secure as many genuine expressions of interest as possible where our Research Analysts have identified a synergistic fit to your company.”

JULIE DOYLE HEAD OF RESEARCH

BUYER IDENTIFICATION

Our experienced Research Analysts will initially work on building a profile of your ideal acquirer’s likely attributes. Utilising our bespoke Buyer Matching Engine, we create a Buyer Analysis Report and work closely with you to identify and prioritise suitable acquirers. We then commence a proactive, multi-channel targeting campaign to open dialogue with those shortlisted. After screening, we report back to you and offer our recommendations as to where we believe we should release more information and invite offers for the business.

By looking where others don’t think to look, your Buyer Analysis Report will contain prospects from a range of buyer types, identifying companies who are most likely to be motivated to acquire your business and have the financial capability to do so. Once the final list has been agreed upon, we will embark upon an all-encompassing, multi-channel approach to ensure we secure as many genuine expressions of interest as possible from our professional network, our online portals and our retained buyers, as well as ‘off-market’ buyers and investors, where our Research Analysts have identified a synergistic fit to your company. BUYER ANALYSIS

The Buyer Matching Engine (BME) is a bespoke, proprietary piece of software developed by KBS Corporate which uses ‘big data’ and algorithms to streamline the buyer research process. It enables our Research Analysts to accurately search and filter a variety of criteria, including financial information and past acquisition activity, to identify the most appropriate and motivated buyers. The system’s algorithms then score each prospect, creating a priority list to ensure our Research Analysts adopt the most efficient contact strategy to maximise interest. BUYER MATCHING

We guarantee to present your company to market with the highest quality documents, marketing and research processes, showcasing your company in the best possible light. We treat every business as if it were our own, ensuring we illustrate the key aspects of the opportunity and capturing the most powerful value drivers of your company. OUR MARKETING PROCESS

Our professional team of qualified in-house copywriters work with you to fully understand the commercial and financial aspects of your company, generating critical ‘outside of the box’ ideas to engage potential acquirers.

OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

The Opportunity Summary, or ‘teaser’ document, will form an essential part of the process, highlighting the key information without disclosing any specific identifiers.

We realise the importance of privacy and discretion when embarking upon a company sale and our team are fully trained to ensure your data and confidentiality is always our main priority.

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

An Information Memorandum (IM) will present full details and highlights of your company to the market. We pride ourselves on our creative and unique IMs and we will work with you throughout the entire process to ensure the document is informative and powerfully portrays both the success and ethos of your company.

Only when you have reviewed, approved and signed off this document will it be distributed to appropriate interested parties.

FINANCIAL FORECASTS

For a business showing significant growth potential, a feasible concern of the owner could be that they may only receive an offer based on current profits, prompting a desire within them to stay on and grow the company further themselves. KBS Corporate will produce a detailed financial model or forecast to illustrate a strong argument to buyers that ‘earnouts’ based on further projections will represent a solid investment, whilst achieving maximum value for our client. Financial modelling is a way of realising future performance value in the short term based upon the projected profitability of the business. It is a detailed future projection of a company over, typically, the next two to five years. It will generally incorporate a fully integrated profit-and-loss, balance sheet and cashflow working that can be used to demonstrate the ‘future’ value of a business to potential acquirers.

Our documents are designed to make an impact, not just an impression.”

GARY EDWARDS HEAD OF MARKETING

ATTRACTING THE BEST BUYERS FOR YOUR COMPANY

We have the resources and experience required to find the ideal buyer for your company, knowing exactly how to attract acquirers and investors on an international scale. Over years of hard work in becoming a market leader, we have established a vast network of interested parties and an extensive buyer reach. We know what questions to ask, streamlining the entire process.

Our network enables us to liaise directly with potential buyers for your company in a variety of international territories and to approach parties across multiple industries to ensure you have a range of options to choose from.

That means we can create positive competition between parties looking to buy your business, ensuring you receive offers which maximise your company’s value.

WHERE WE LOOK TO FIND YOUR COMPANY’S IDEAL BUYER:

TRADE

PRIVATE EQUITY

Trade buyers are generally those from equivalent or complementary sectors who see the synergistic value presented by an opportunity. We have access to over 310 million companies around the world who complete vertical, horizontal and synergistic acquisitions, as well as data on nearly two million transactions in the global M&A market.

A private equity transaction can enable significant realisation of value whilst positioning the company alongside a seasoned investment partner. We have a rich history of achieving investments from PE firms which have far exceeded our clients’ expectations. This is achieved through working closely with our global network of over 5,000 private equity houses.

ADDITIONAL ROUTES

Our approach incorporates thinking outside the box and exploring alternative routes such as family offices, IPOs, MBI/MBOs, Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and other investment vehicles.

We possess one of the most comprehensive buyer databases in the industry and were relevant, we can target institutional investors such as pension funds, investment banks and mutual funds.

We also have considerable experience of EOTs, which offer significant tax breaks for the selling shareholder.

TECHNOLOGY

To identify a potential buyer or investor for your company who is as close to the perfect fit as it is possible to find, we look where others wouldn’t think to look. There are literally hundreds of millions of companies out there, but at KBS Corporate an extremely valuable tool is at hand – the Buyer Matching Engine (BME), a bespoke proprietary piece of software we developed ourselves and which uses ‘big data’ and algorithms to streamline the buyer research process.

The key features of our Buyer Matching Engine include:

PORTFOLIO TRACKING

ACQUISITION ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL CAPABILITY

GEOGRAPHICAL MAPPING

A GLOBAL APPROACH

The M&A industry is a truly global market and the UK is a country at the forefront of the industry. Last year, companies in the UK were the third most in demand across the globe, and remained the most dominant target country within the whole of Europe.

Buyers from across the globe are actively seeking quality UK acquisitions and taking advantage of favourable exchange rates. We have vast experience and knowledge in facilitating transactions to overseas trade acquirers and, where relevant, will demonstrate feasible targets to our clients. Within the research and data teams, we have multi-lingual speakers who will proactively discuss the opportunity with potential acquirers and convey the benefits and synergies of the acquisition.

With vast experience in cross-border transactions, we adopt a global approach to buyer identification and matching in our drive to achieve maximum results.”

PETER KELLY DIRECTOR

1 IN 3

ACQUIRERS OF UK COMPANIES ARE FROM OVERSEAS

KBS CORPORATE HAVE ACCESS TO

310,000,000 GLOBAL COMPANIES

The map below highlights the geographical breakdown of overseas acquirers that made investments into the UK market last year:

EUROPE 34%

NORTH AMERICA 45%

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

ASIA & OCEANIA 11%

THE UK REMAINS EUROPE’S PRIMARY ACQUISITION TARGET

We drive forward the transaction process to ensure momentum is maintained, which is done by lifting much of the workload from you - allowing you to run your business and deliver the expected performance. We thoroughly understand the due diligence process and have the knowledge and experience to ensure the legal aspect is handled with the requisite care and attention. DELIVERING YOUR TRANSACTION

Our team of dedicated Directors and Deal Executives will guide you through the entire process, working to negotiate a higher deal for your company whilst simultaneously providing support and advice throughout the transaction.

OUR DELIVERY FORMULA

We will ensure you are fully prepared for meetings with potential buyers and the questions they are likely to ask. Additional meetings may require our attendance and professional management presentations. MEETINGS

Then we will instigate and encourage indicative offers, gaining an understanding of potential acquirers’ views on the value of your company and conducting careful analysis of each indicative offer to determine the best strategy with each bidder. OFFERS

We will seek to reaffirm the value drivers of your company and relate them specifically to each buyer, generating a competitive bidding environment to maximise your company’s value. Final offers are then invited, and we will carry out a commercial review of each offer and its potential to align with your objectives. NEGOTIATION ACCEPTANCE When you have reviewed final offers and chosen your preferred bidder, an exclusivity period will be agreed. We can facilitate Heads of Terms, liaising with both parties’ legal representatives to maintain smooth negotiation whilst also ensuring the heads are structured to maximise your position. DUE DILIGENCE We have an in-depth understanding of due diligence which will enable the process to progress as efficiently as possible. Through secure virtual data rooms, we can ensure all parties can access up-to-date and detailed information. By maintaining momentum at this stage, we can avoid any potential ‘bottlenecks’ ahead.

COMPLETION We can recommend legal representation if required or work harmoniously with your existing legal advisers. We will oversee and manage an effective completion by liaising closely with all advisory parties and facilitating the agreement of the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

DEAL SUPPORT

Exiting your company is not as simple as finding a buyer, agreeing a price and shaking hands on the deal. There are several more stages to navigate, and receiving the correct corporate advice is essential to ensuring your transaction advances as smoothly as possible. We work alongside carefully selected legal and tax advisory partners to offer our clients the optimum business service through every stage of the process.

LEGAL

TAX

A fundamental element of any company sale, we can facilitate a legal partner for you that will provide numerous benefits as a key part of our services. Working with our network of legal partners across the UK, we will introduce you to leading national law firms whose contingent fees are incorporated into our transaction success fee. The stress-reducing services of our carefully selected partners ensure you will receive the highest level of corporate transaction expertise, thanks to their vast experience in dealing with domestic, cross-border, investment and Plc transactions. The selected partner will take ownership of issues, provide solutions and orchestrate the legal side of the transaction through to its completion. They will anticipate any potential problem areas and present them appropriately to the buyer on your behalf, as well as ensuring an efficient, focused due diligence exercise is carried out.

When selling a business, the biggest cost you are likely to incur is tax – and there are several different types you may have to pay. However, there is potential to reduce your tax implications with the help of an expert in the field. The experts from the sister companies within our Group have vast experience in planning for, and dealing with, the tax considerations involved in all types of corporate finance transactions. Specialist advice in this sector means you will not have to pay more tax than required when selling your company. A full pre-transaction review of your business and deal structure identifies any tax risks, while our team of experts have acquired vast experience in liaising with HMRC to make cases clearly and persuasively to secure the most favourable outcome for their clients.

DUE DILIGENCE

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

An essential consideration during a company sale process is how you will utilise your proceeds to ensure your financial goals are achieved. In conjunction with our award-winning financial planning partners, we can facilitate all the pre-sale and post-sale advice you and your family will need to ensure a stress-free financial future. Our comprehensive approach and knowledge of a broad range of financial areas can help you make informed decisions, minimise risks, and maximise the value of the company’s sale for your long-term financial well-being. By fully evaluating how the sale will benefit your interests and estate, alongside our thorough appreciation of the value your company holds, our trusted partners can deliver the best possible solution.

The buyer of your company will want to know conclusively whether the business is worth what they will be paying for it. Due diligence is a comprehensive investigation that encompasses the following areas of your company: Finances, Legal, Operations, Assets and Employees. The importance of due diligence within the spectrum of corporate finance services should not be underestimated, and we are fully versed in the process and objectives. Our award-winning, forward-thinking team of experts are available to help you with their detailed understanding of due diligence, providing buyers, investors and lenders with a level of confidence around the funds they deploy into a company.

Our extremely professional, vastly experienced and dedicated team are qualified in a wide variety of key disciplines including accountancy, corporate finance, business management and marketing, guaranteeing a comprehensive range of skills will be utilised to achieve maximum value for your company. OUR SENIOR TEAM

Having previously worked in the commercial and corporate banking sectors, both within the UK and overseas, John joined KBS in 2000 and developed the national sales infrastructure of the Group. John became Group Executive Chairman in 2023 and has been responsible for driving growth as well as being integral in the development of the low-cost, process-driven delivery platform. GROUP EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN JOHN RIGBY

Simon began his career in marketing strategy and is renowned for his experience and knowledge within the business sales marketplace. He has almost 20 years’ experience in developing creative sale strategies and fulfilling a decisive role in enabling shareholders to achieve their exit objectives. DIRECTOR SIMON DANIELS

Stuart is a highly respected corporate financier and was previously Managing Director of Altium and Head of Corporate Finance at Arthur Andersen. He has been Group CEO of Latium Holdings, during which time they acquired Ultraframe plc, Spectus Systems, Kestrel Building Products and the successfully disposed of Everest Home Improvements. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STUART LEES

Andrew joined the Group in 2012 following 10 years in various financial accounting roles across a range of industries including media, leisure and property management. Andrew, who possesses strong financial, strategy and commercial management skills including HR, IT and special projects, is a former North West Young Finance Director of the Year and has an MSc in Strategic Financial Management. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ANDREW MELBOURNE

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