Knightsbridge Commercial Brochure
THE UK’S NUMBER 1 BUSINESS SALES SPECIALIST
SELLING UK BUSINESSES FOR OVER 25 YEARS
INTRODUCING KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMMERCIAL
Knightsbridge Commercial is independently ranked as the leading business sales adviser within the UK and Europe, offering a comprehensive, nationwide service to business owners who are looking to sell. Our success is achieved by adopting a driven and dedicated ethos which has ensured we are leading the way within the company sales marketplace.
WHY CHOOSE US? We take the time to understand your business in its entirety before creating a tailored marketing plan that is best suited to your requirements and demonstrates the full worth of the opportunity to potential acquirers. Our successful business sales are typically achieved through the introduction of multiple buyers to offer a choice to our clients on the best deal available to them. We are dedicated to identifying and attracting the right potential buyers to each unique opportunity. This is achieved through industry-leading marketing materials and a proactive research strategy which investigates every possible avenue in finding your ideal buyer. A TAILORED AND COMPREHENSIVE EXIT STRATEGY With Commercial Directors placed in key strategic locations throughout the UK, we are well-placed to provide knowledge of the local market with the backing of a nationwide specialist. We have been trading for over 25 years, and our trusted, dedicated and long-serving professionals are qualified within Marketing, Research and Negotiation to ensure a high level of personal service throughout the entire process.
80 , 000 OVER
300+ REVIEWS, WE’RE RATED “EXCELLENT” OUT OF
1 , 000 S OF BUSINESSES SOLD
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BUYERS REGISTERED
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Trustpilot, 2024
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SOME OF OUR RECENT COMPLETIONS
VGI SOLUTIONS
INSTADECOR LIMITED
CENTRAL GARAGE
FIRE & SECURITY SURREY SOLD TO: NEW PATH FIRE & SECURITY
GARDENING SUPPLIES BEDFORDSHIRE SOLD TO: BOYSENBERRY FLOWERS LTD
GARAGE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SOLD TO: DACK MOTOR GRP COVENTRY LTD
NOW SURVEY
NETWORK AUTOS
IBIT SOLUTIONS
CHARTERED SURVEYORS HAMPSHIRE SOLD TO: FIRST PORT GROUP
CAR DEALERSHIP MERSEYSIDE SOLD TO: ASHLAND MOTORS
I.T. WEST MIDLANDS SOLD TO: TECHSOL GROUP
FUNKYMONKEYS PLAYCENTRES
DAVID VINCENT LTD
RICHARDSON EVENT HIRE
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS DORSET SOLD TO: THE PARTS SQUAD LIMITED
SOFT PLAY CENTRES NORTHERN IRELAND SOLD TO: RA PLAY
EVENT HIRE BRISTOL SOLD TO: BLAST EVENT
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COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE CONSULTANCY
GEMINI COMMUNICATIONS
AAP METAL FABRICATIONS
TELECOMMS CUMBRIA
MANUFACTURING TYNE AND WEAR SOLD TO: WASHINGTON WATERJET
MARKETING/DIGITAL AGENCY SURREY SOLD TO: MISCAADVISORS LTD
SOLD TO: GLOBAL4 COMMUNICATIONS
MELFORD ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
CAMBRIDGE INTERIORS
PLAN PRINTING
PEST CONTROL HERTFORDSHIRE SOLD TO: VERGO PEST MANAGEMENT LTD
FURNITURE CAMBRIDGESHIRE SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
PRINTING MANCHESTER SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
CARE DIRECT & SUPPORT SOLUTIONS LTD
JONKER ELECTRICIANS LTD
ALLOTT & ASSOCIATES LIMITED
ELECTRICAL SERVICES LONDON SOLD TO: AIMTECH BUSINESS SERVICES LTD
HOME INTERIOR WESTYORKSHIRE SOLD TO: OLIVE HOME CARE & SUPPORT LTD
MARKETING/DIGITAL AGENCY NORTH YORKSHIRE SOLD TO: BREAKOUT MEDIA LTD
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SOME OF OUR RECENT COMPLETIONS
BIO-MIMETIC CHROMATOGRAPHY LTD
ABRAHONE ENGINEERING LIMITED
WHITBYMORTGAGE SPECIALISTS
MATERIALS TESTING HERTFORDSHIRE SOLD TO: HESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LTD
PRECISION ENGINEERING WESTYORKSHIRE SOLD TO: ANDERSON HYDRAULICS (DONCASTER) LTD
FINANCIAL ADVISORY NORTH YORKSHIRE SOLD TO: MOMENTUM FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD
THE ECERT TRAINING COMPANY LIMITED
A.D. HORNER LIMITED
TEKNOWHOW LIMITED
CONSTRUCTION SURVEYING WORCESTERSHIRE SOLD TO: SUMO SERVICES LIMITED
INDUSTRYTRAINERS LEICESTERSHIRE SOLD TO: THE MOOSE GROUP LIMITED
HEALTHCARE E-LEARNING SOMERSET SOLD TO: GET LICENSED LIMITED
FORMATIVE DATA SYSTEMS LTD
CREED MEDICAL LTD
INDEPENDENT MARKETING LTD
HEALTHCARE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SOLD TO: CHEMIMED HEALTHCARE LIMITED
MARKETING/DIGITAL AGENCY LONDON SOLD TO: 21 SIX INVESTMENTS LIMITED
COMPULSORY EDUCATION WESTYORKSHIRE SOLD TO: PETER CHARLES LIMITED
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PRO MAPPING SOFTWARE LIMITED
PRIMARY PPA COVER LIMITED
THC (RECRUITMENT) LIMITED
COURIER SERVICES SURREY SOLD TO: AEQUATOR CAPITAL LIMITED
RECRUITMENT LEICESTERSHIRE SOLD TO: CROWN AND BENTLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
RECRUITMENT HERTFORDSHIRE SOLD TO: L G TALENTQUEST GROUP LTD
LEAN COMPETENCY SERVICES LTD
GREAT-VALUE-WEBSITES.COM
NOT JUST A PRINT LTD
DIGITAL/LITHO PRINTING TYNE AND WEAR SOLD TO: EMPIRE MEDALS LIMITED
WEBSITE SOLUTIONS DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY SOLD TO: ATTITUDE INTERNET
I.T. TECHNOLOGY & WEB CARDIFF SOLD TO: REINVIGORATION LTD
LOTUS LAMPSHADES LIMITED
SALOPIAN CARE LIMITED
INNERSUMMIT LTD
COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES SHROPSHIRE SOLD TO: BEACON HOME CARE SERVICES LIMITED
LAMPSHADE MANUFACTURER NORTH WALES SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY TYNE AND WEAR SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
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SOME OF OUR RECENT COMPLETIONS
ASSET MANAGEMENT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LIMITED
2 UPFRONT LIMITED
ANDERS + KERN U.K. LIMITED
WHOLESALE/DISTRIBUTION SUFFOLK SOLD TO: AUKETT SWANKE GROUP PLC
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY WEST MIDLANDS SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
MARKETING/DIGITAL AGENCY EAST SUSSEX SOLD TO: CREATIVE POD LTD
ELITE CLEANING CONTRACTORS LTD
FABTECH ENGINEERING LIMITED
3D ACRYLICS & METALS LTD
METAL FABRICATION HAMPSHIRE SOLD TO: COX WORKSHOPS LIMITED
DOMESTIC CLEANING WEST MIDLANDS SOLD TO: STURD HOLDINGS LIMITED
DESIGN/MANUFACTURER TYNE AND WEAR SOLD TO: BOARDCRAFT LIMITED
THE CITY PRINTING SERVICE LIMITED
WILSON’S FLOORING SPECIALISTS LIMITED
WINDSOR CLOSE ASSOCIATES LIMITED
CONSTRUCTION MERSEYSIDE SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
DIGITAL/LITHO PRINTING KENT SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
WHOLESALE/DISTRIBUTION DORSET SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
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JUST SIMPLY ORGANISED LIMITED
BOUDICA IT LIMITED
ICONIC STAIRS LTD
ACCOUNTANTS EAST SUSSEX SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
I.T. SUFFOLK SOLD TO: RAD GROUP LTD
CONSTRUCTION COUNTYTYRONE SOLD TO: TKC ACQUISITIONS LTD
CAREMORE COMPANIONS LIMITED
W.T.DISTRIBUTION SERVICES LTD
E2 360 LIMITED
ADVERTISING & MEDIA LONDON SOLD TO: REMOTE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
WAREHOUSING CUMBRIA SOLD TO: BOLD VENTURES
HOME CARE KENT SOLD TO: KASAKASA LTD
RDJWARCHITECTS
TOP MARKS SECURITY
IDENTILABEL
FIRE, SAFETY & SERVICES LANCASHIRE SOLD TO: SHROPSHIRE MANAGEMENT GROUP
MANUFACTURER ESSEX SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING WEST SUSSEX SOLD TO: PRIVATE INVESTOR
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR OBJECTIVES
From the outset, Knightsbridge Commercial will seek to understand your business in as much detail as possible whilst carefully considering your own personal objectives and expectations. Only once this is achieved can we truly act within your best interests and, ultimately, secure the best possible deal.
YOUR OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS From the initial point of contact, we will start to piece together exactly what it is that you, as our potential client, are looking to gain from an eventual sale, both from a personal perspective and for the future of your business. We will maintain regular dialogue with you to ensure that, should any of your requirements change, we are at hand to adapt our approach accordingly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR COMPANY A full understanding of your company, its key value drivers and potential for future growth will provide the foundations for our initial marketing and research of the opportunity. At this stage of the process, it is important that we gain as much knowledge of your business as possible to build your initial presentational materials. Our in-house research analysts will also thoroughly investigate your specific industry sector as part of our initial research and buyer reach process.
UTILISING YOUR EXPERTISE Of course, nobody knows your business like you do and it is important that we obtain your input and feedback to ensure that both the presentational materials and buyer targeting are powerful and persuasive documents.
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PRESENTING THE OPPORTUNITY
It is important to portray your company in the best possible light and, therefore, we will take care to produce a number of high-quality presentational documents to illustrate the key aspects of the business. Our designated document writers and marketing professionals will work closely with you in the early stages to produce these documents. Each one will be drafted and sent to you for your review and approval, prior to being used at relevant strategic points within the process.
TEASER / OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY The ‘Teaser’ document will provide an overview of your business and its financials, alongside key benefits to the buyer, whilst maintaining confidentiality. This document will be very carefully circulated, only including brief information to ensure complete anonymity.
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM The Information Memorandum (IM) contains detailed commercial and financial information together with forward-looking projections and current management information. This fully bespoke document is carefully considered and tailored to suit each business and sector.
ADVERTWORDING We advertise across an array of online publications and directories. Our marketing team can create a bespoke, distinctive and fully optimised advertisement to highlight the key selling points whilst fully maintaining the confidentiality of your business.
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FINDING YOUR BUYERS
Knightsbridge Commercial will undertake a comprehensive research strategy to maximise the level of acquisition interest for your company. With a combination of superior marketing techniques and expert buyer identification practices, we will explore every possible avenue in our search for your perfect buyer.
VENDOR INTELLIGENCE By working with you to identify competitors, customers and suppliers, we can either include or ignore specific companies, if you would prefer. This joined-up approach, utilising your significant industry knowledge, combined with our extensive research capabilities, ensures that we produce the most comprehensive buyer target list. TRADE BUYERS Through an in-depth and comprehensive research process, we will identify suitable trade, competitive, complementary, strategic and synergistic buyers that we believe will have an appetite to consider your acquisition. We can access detailed information on millions companies and historic transactions from the UK alone. KNIGHTSBRIDGE RETAINED BUYER REGISTER Knightsbridge Commercial has built a comprehensive and industry leading buyer database of over 80,000 potential acquirers. Our database contains detailed acquisition profiles from private and trade buyers through to multinational PLCs. We can showcase your opportunity to buyers whom we know are acquisitive or who have acquired previously and are typically pre-vetted from both a confidential and financial perspective. M&A BUYER FORUMS We utilise a number of online Mergers & Acquisitions platforms and buyer forums which attract UK, European and global buyers and advisers. WEBSITES With your consent, we will place the generic and fully confidential advert wording for your opportunity on a range of specialist company sale web portals in order to maximise exposure through a range of online mediums. PROFESSIONAL NETWORK Where relevant, we can utilise our in-house database of professional contacts who are actively representing clients who are acquisitive within the M&A market. These include: Corporate Financiers, Accountants, Lawyers and Buy Side Advisers. We maintain regular communication with these contacts, informing them of opportunities that we currently represent. INVESTMENT BUYERS In certain situations, the opportunity may be of interest to Private Equity Houses, Venture Capitalists and Investment Companies. These types of buyers often invest into growth businesses or those complementary to other companies already within their portfolio.
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INCREASING YOUR COMPANY’S SALE VALUE
From the initial meeting and the early stages of the sale process, we identify what will drive the value of your business. Our expansive buyer reach and rigorous search process will ensure that we maximise the sourcing of prospects and most appropriate acquirers. Some of the key ‘value drivers’ that affect the end transaction value paid for your business include:
• the recent, current and future financial performance of the company; • the value of the company’s assets and current balance sheet; • sustainability of the company’s earnings; • the quality and loyalty of your customers;
• ease of integration and synergies with the purchaser’s business; • current contracts, work in progress and pipeline income; • the skills and experience of the company’s employees; and • the opportunities that exist for future growth.
MARKETING LITERATURE Our experienced and dedicated document writers produce ‘best in class’ marketing materials to present your company in the most positive light. Each document is carefully structured to provide acquirers with the information required to further their interest.
SYNERGISTIC AND COMPLEMENTARY BUYERS We maximise value by targeting synergistic and complementary sectors, as a buyer is more likely to pay the premium price if they believe that the business offers a strategic fit or can act as a ‘bolt-on’ acquisition. Typically, these buyers can clearly recognise the company’s core strengths.
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS We will seek to reaffirm the value drivers of your company and relate them specifically to the buyer and their acquisition objectives. This will allow us to conduct a competitive bidding process amongst the interested parties.
EXPERIENCED NEGOTIATORS From the very start, each opportunity is assigned a dedicated Negotiator based at our Head Office, providing you with a named contact who holds a vested interest in your business throughout the entire process. Our Negotiators create competition amongst buyers and promote the specific benefits of acquiring your company to each buyer in order to elevate offers to their optimum level. The team will work hard to procure offers in line with your objectives and requirements, keeping you regularly updated with all progress made. PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDER Either through our panel of legal service providers or by working with your own legal advisers, we will oversee and manage an effective close to the sale process to prevent any changes to the agreed terms of sale.
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DELIVERING A SUCCESSFUL EXIT
Our deal team is highly experienced in advising on all aspects of the final transaction, from negotiating with interested parties through to close management of the legal process. We will work to ensure that no stone is left unturned in securing the best deal possible for you and your business.
OUTLINE / INDICATIVE OFFERS
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS
INTERESTED PARTIES
BUYER MEETINGS
We will look to generate multiple expressions of interest in order to drive a competitive environment and put you in a greater position of strength.
We will guide you through the meeting process and aid you with the preparation
We gather and review bids and assess their meaning to you and any other shareholders. We aim to receive offers at specific times to aid comparison.
We facilitate a competitive bidding process involving multiple interested parties in order to drive the price to an optimum level.
of management presentations.
SELECTING PREFERRED BIDDERS
LEGAL PROCESS / COMPLETION
HEADS OF TERMS
DUE DILIGENCE
We conduct a commercial review of each offer and its deliverability, working alongside you to negotiate a deal that fits alongside your objectives.
We play an active role in structuring the Heads of Terms and liaising with legal representation on both sides of the deal.
We ensure that the buyer has access to up-to-date and detailed information and will maintain momentum throughout the process.
Either through our own panel of legal service providers, or by working with your incumbent legal advisers, we will oversee and manage an effective close to the sale process.
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PROTECTING YOUR COMPANY’S SENSITIVE INFORMATION
MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY
The need for confidentiality is undoubtedly a key consideration and is very much a cornerstone of our service. When entering this process, some of our clients can be concerned about their employees, customers, suppliers and competitors potentially finding out that their company is for sale. Our processes and systems are designed and proven to prevent such problems occurring. Every one of our employees is fully trained in all aspects of the required confidentiality procedures and discretion is assured, from the moment we first speak to the day the transaction completes. NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legally binding document which ensures that the buyer adheres to a number of strict criteria regarding any confidential information relating to your business. Confidential information can relate to financial information, trading name, location, customer information and supplier information. The agreement forbids the potential buyer to disclose, share or make the information available to any other party and it must be used solely to evaluate the opportunity. DISCREET: This is the most comprehensive level of marketing, utilising every advertising avenue we have available and involves us sending the business details as soon as we have established that an enquiry is from a credible buyer. Although this would be considered our most ‘lenient’ approach to confidentiality, it provides great exposure for businesses in a position to utilise this option and ensures maximum enquiry levels. This option is particularly suited to clients who are keen to sell quickly. CONFIDENTIAL: With this approach, confidentiality is assured by insisting that all potential buyers sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before any specific information is released, maintaining privacy throughout the process. Our experienced negotiators will make an informed decision on whether or not we feel that a potential buyer is suitable for your business, and whether further information should be released to them. Strict confidentiality standards are adhered to at all times in order to protect your best interests and those of your business and its stakeholders. HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL: Similar to our ‘Confidential’ package, this option ensures all interested parties sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, but this package differs in that you are asked to approve each individual buyer, and prospective purchasers will not be given any sensitive or confidential information unless you provide clear authorisation for Knightsbridge Commercial to do so. In the early stages we will make a recommendation as to which confidentiality level is best suited for your business based on your objectives and how niche your sector is. Please note that you may change the confidentiality level at any time. LEVELS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
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ALL-INCLUSIVE LEGAL FEES
OUR PANEL OF LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS Knightsbridge Commercial is the only true national sales adviser to offer the option of inclusive legal fees relating to the sale of a business. We work with a carefully selected panel of solicitors, allowing us to offer the legal services of our nominated providers within our fee structure. This means that only one inclusive fee is paid on the completion of the transaction, and there are no abort costs in the unfortunate instance where a sale does not complete in the final stages because a buyer pulls out at the eleventh hour. The solicitors we work with are experienced in handling all legal aspects of the business sale process and will guide you throughout each stage of the deal – from the protection of confidential information to agreeing the key terms of the purchase agreement including the appropriate indemnities, warranties and disclosures. Through the adoption of a ‘solution-focused’, pragmatic and proactive approach to the transaction, our chosen panel of solicitors will provide you with clear and straightforward advice to smoothly guide you through any issues that may arise. They add value at every stage of the deal by thoroughly understanding the key objectives of the transaction from our client’s objectives.
THE BENEFITS TO YOU
Knightsbridge Commercial has chosen to work with this panel of legal service providers because they possess a wealth of experience in advising sellers and buyers on both sides of a transaction.
• They provide a fully contingent service, so their fees are only payable once the sale completes. • They offer the highest level of specialist expertise delivered in a clear and flexible way. • They have experience of working with clients throughout the world. • They take ownership of issues and develop solutions. • They anticipate problem areas and present them appropriately to a buyer on the seller’s behalf. • They help maintain control of the transaction right until the day of completion.
If you engage with the services of Knightsbridge Commercial and choose all-inclusive legal fees as part of your service, you are assured that the sale will be handled by an experienced and successful broker, with legal representation from a respected and quality law firm.
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OUR TEAM
The Knightsbridge Commercial team possesses years of experience in the business sales marketplace. We are committed to offering our clients a superior service through a focus on continual staff training and development. Our team is vastly experienced and qualified in all areas of business sales and marketing, providing you with market leading advice and guidance from the initial meeting right through to the sale of your business. Our marketing and advertising power will ensure that your business is placed in front of as many suitable buyers as possible, maximising interest and, ultimately, getting the best value for you.
VICTORIA HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR
ANDREWMELBOURNE CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
GARY EDWARDS HEAD OF MARKETING & DATA
MATTHEW CLANCY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
LEANNE BOULDING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
SARA THOMASSON OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
ANDY DENMAN SALES DIRECTOR
SUNIL PATEL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
NIALL THOMAS SALES MANAGER
JOE BULL REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
MARTIN BAARS REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
CHRIS DARROUX REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
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DONALD PEDEN REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
NEIL SMITH REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
DEBBIE POWER REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
SIMON BURNS REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
ELLIOT GRANT ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
GARETH SMYTH MARKETING MANAGER
DANIEL JONES DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
AMY OAKES DATAMANAGER
MATTHEW BOURTON HEAD OF DOCUMENTATION
PAIGE TITLEY SENIOR DIARYMANAGER
SHEILAMCBURNIE SENIOR DIARYMANAGER
NATALIE WEAVING HEAD OF RESEARCH
SHANNON JACKSON ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER
LEWIS BURKE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
CHLOE MCNULTY ADMINISTRATION TEAM LEADER
KATHRYN SHAW ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT
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GEORGE NEAL CLIENT MANAGER
JULIE BARKER CLIENT MANAGER
ALEX HAYDOCK CLIENT MANAGER
BYRON WEEKES CLIENT MANAGER
BETHAN SMITH NEW BUSINESS MANAGER
JORDAN MASON DIARYMANAGER
REHAMALIK DIARYMANAGER
MAKKY SHABIR DIARYMANAGER
CHLOE MCGREAVY DIARYMANAGER
STUART JERRAM SENIOR CLIENT LIAISON
LYN DEVONPORT CLIENT LIAISON
DANIEL BARNA CLIENT LIAISON
LOUIS SEIGNE CLIENT LIAISON
CHLOE CARROLL RESEARCH ANALYST
BILLYTREACY DOCUMENTWRITER
JUNE LYONS RECEPTIONIST
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BEN HUNT SENIOR DEAL EXECUTIVE
SARAMANVILLE SENIOR DEAL EXECUTIVE
JENNIFER MORLEY DEAL EXECUTIVE
EMMA RAEBURN DEAL EXECUTIVE
HELEN BAINBRIDGE DEAL EXECUTIVE
PETER TABERNER DEAL EXECUTIVE
PAIGE BRINDLE DEAL EXECUTIVE
KIERAWATSON DEAL EXECUTIVE
ANASTASIA SOLDATOS ADMINISTRATOR
KATIE WELLS ADMINISTRATOR
HARRIET SLAMIN ADMINISTRATOR
SCARLETT HEYES ADMINISTRATOR
OUR TEAMARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH MARKET LEADING ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
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CASE STUDY MARKETING
THE OPPORTUNITY Our client provides comprehensive services across brand consulting, identity, and execution - catering to multiple sectors including hospitality, food establishments, travel agencies, property, finance and law. Looking to enjoy a well-earned, late retirement after putting many years of hard work into the company – since 2000 – we set out to find them a suitable buyer. 96 NDAs RECEIVED Huge interest was generated after Knightsbridge presented the opportunity for potential buyers to take over a firm with “an established global client base and a skilled workforce in place”, as highlighted by Commercial Executive Helen Bainbridge. “It makes for an ideal acquisition for similar organisations looking to incorporate within an existing portfolio and increase market share, as it operates globally and boasts impressive levels of revenue.” 22 MEETINGS SECURED Knightsbridge took its time and put in the hard work to attract interest, discuss key details with interested parties and take ownership of a total of 22 meetings. Helen went on to further explain: “We presented this as a fully remote opportunity, and the Director is willing to provide a handover period.” 3 OFFERS TABLED After Knightsbridge demonstrated how to promote maximum interest for a client, we helped our client to decide on the final bidders, negotiating to deliver the best deal for all parties involved. After the buyer was chosen, strong relationships were formed between all parties, resulting in a successful sale and a satisfied client.
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CASE STUDY FURNITURE SUPPLIER
THE OPPORTUNITY Initially incorporated in 1981, our client is a supplier of premium quality tableware, equipment and furniture. As a family-owned business, it aims to offer a very personal service. With its owners looking to retire, the opportunity provided potential buyers the chance to take on a business built on “strong relationships with long-standing clients, with a very high turnover and strong EBITDA”, explained Sara Manville, Knightsbridge Senior Sales Negotiator. 14 NDAs RECEIVED A comprehensive research strategy was mapped out, which utilised Knightsbridge’s extensive buyer database, attracting a total of 14 interested parties. Our client was delighted, complementing our service: “The marketing material produced by Knightsbridge was excellent and we were pleased that Sara worked with us to identify suitable targets for direct mailings.” 4 MEETINGS SECURED Attracting the most suitable buyer was important to our client, who wanted to ensure that their long-standing company will continue to grow under new ownership. The owners further paid their “thanks to Sara and the Knightsbridge team”, going on to praise us for our “help and support in finding a buyer for our business”. 3 OFFERS TABLED The business was sold within a few months of the company going live on the market. A satisfied client is satisfaction for Knightsbridge, and receiving praise is the cherry on top of the cake: “Sara was attentive and encouraging and always had our best interests at heart. She liaised with our solicitor right up until the day of completion, she kept things moving and also kept everyone in the loop. Many thanks Sara for achieving such a great result.”
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CASE STUDY BOOKKEEPERS
THE OPPORTUNITY The company had a fully trained team of bookkeepers and accumulated close to 100 clients in various sectors since its incorporation in 2020. In order to facilitate retirement, its owner sought the help of Knightsbridge to find a suitable buyer. 100 NDAs RECEIVED The London-based company attracted incredible interest. The owner expressed her gratitude for receiving “first-class support”, adding: “Having never sold a business and almost not realising its worth, I was supported and helped wherever possible.” 37 MEETINGS SECURED Knightsbridge put in the time, meeting with no less than 37 potential acquirers, who were presented with a detailed Information Memorandum which highlighted the key benefits of the opportunity and showcased our clients’ unique strengths. 11 OFFERS TABLED Although Knightsbridge provided its client with many acquirers to choose from, it did not come without complications that needed our support… “Due to an offer being accepted, and the buyer then completely changing said offer, we went back to the start. Jennifer Morley was always positive and arranged an immense amount of meetings for me. I cannot thank her, and recommend her, enough.”
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CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT SERVICES
THE OPPORTUNITY Our client, a leading provider of comprehensive parenting assessment services, was formed in 2012 and has grown a diverse client base derived from social services and local authorities. With its owners looking to retire, the opportunity enabled potential buyers to own “a great business with impressive profit margins in the care industry”, according to Knightsbridge Operations Director Leanne Boulding. 19 NDAs RECEIVED Knightsbridge used its extensive buyer database, targeting appropriate acquirers by highlighting our clients’ key features and putting the company in the best possible light. “We had lots of care buyers and investors expressing interest. The firm has two freeholds, is opening a third location and has further expansion plans – which proved attractive,” explained Leanne. 7 MEETINGS SECURED Delighted with the progress, our client “was more than happy with Knightsbridge’s service and the brilliant help from Leanne”. Understanding that the business is well-established and still has huge potential for further growth, ensuring price expectations were met or exceeded, was paramount. 3 OFFERS TABLED “We saw offers tabled within three months of going live,” Leanne commented. The business was sold to a similar firm - in a very substantial deal within the Care industry. The deal was, however, not without its complications. “The transaction was far from straightforward due to third-party difficulties, so lots of restructuring of the consideration happened to make the deal work.”
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OPERATING NATIONWIDE
HEAD OFFICE
KBS House 5 Springfield Court Summerfield Road Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 2NT 01204 555 080 sales@knightsbridgeplc.com
PART OF K3 CAPITAL GROUP WITH MORE THAN 20 OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE UK
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KBS House 5 Springfield Court Summerfield Road Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 2NT 01204 555 080
sales@knightsbridgeplc.com www.knightsbridgeplc.com
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