Corbett Keeling

Our Lunch & Learn sessions are invaluable for expanding our team's knowledge, whether we're exploring emerging technologies, market insights, or lessons from our client work. The recent session by Ones & Heroes on AI’s potential, limitations, and risks was particularly enlightening. We came away with a deeper understanding and a more open mind towards AI applications in the dynamic world of M&A. A big thank you to Patrick Mazzotta for sharing his insights and contributing to our continuous learning.

“My business is my pension” is a common refrain among entrepreneurs. However, relying solely on selling your business to fund retirement is fraught with risks. Faye Church FPFS MCSI of Rathbones, a leading provider of individual wealth management, highlights this in the July edition of UK Private Company Director. She offers actionable steps to secure your financial future while enhancing your business strategy. Dive deeper into these valuable insights in the latest edition of UK Private Company Director, the quarterly newsletter for directors of owner-managed, family, and private equity-backed businesses. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eCEB44UQ

With buyers seeking greater assurance on a business’s quality and growth potential, preparation is everything for company owners looking to sell, says James Goold, partner at global law firm Taylor Wessing UK. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Ensuring a business’s key commercial arrangements are contractually secure, its rights protected, and its legal obligations met is crucial to withstanding the scrutiny of a buyer’s due diligence. Dive deeper into these valuable insights in the latest edition of UK Private Company Director, the quarterly newsletter for directors of owner-managed, family, and private equity-backed businesses. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eRr8eHyF

In the July edition of UK Private Company Director, Jim Keeling reflects on the market activity of buying and selling private UK companies in the first half of this year, sharing an optimistic outlook supported by promising data. The larger deals sector has reached its highest level in two years, indicating strong investor sentiment. Deal volumes under £150 million remain robust, reflecting steady interest in smaller companies. We’ve experienced this momentum firsthand, closing several notable deals, including a £𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝗫 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 from Long Ridge Equity Partners, the 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 to NUMA Group, and the 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗲 & 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹 to B.V. Logicall Trusted Logistics. We anticipate more deals to close in the coming months. Market sentiment is decidedly optimistic, a trend underscored by our latest quarterly survey. Anticipated interest rate cuts by the Bank of England could further boost deal activity, prompting buyers to capitalise on new prospects. While political changes and global elections pose uncertainties, the UK's new government, with its strong majority, is committed to business-friendly policies. However, the long-term impact is yet to be seen. For business owners planning an exit and concerned about the broader environment or potential Capital Gains Tax increases, seeking expert advice is crucial. With over 30 years of experience navigating various political and economic landscapes, we remain confident that all participants – owners and advisers alike – will adapt and continue to get business done. For a deeper dive into these insights, check out the full article in the July edition of UK Private Company Director, the quarterly newsletter for directors of owner-managed, family, and private equity-backed businesses. Read the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d-wGVQWP

We are delighted to have advised QX Global Group, one of the world's fastest-growing business process management and consulting companies, in securing a £100m+ growth investment from Long Ridge Equity Partners, a renowned New York-based private equity firm. For the past five years, it has been our privilege to partner with QX, supporting their strategic journey, including their acquisition of Chazey Partners - A QX Global Group Company in 2021. This latest transaction marks a significant milestone for QX and underscores their unwavering commitment to excellence. We have been truly inspired by the dedication and professionalism of the QX deal team – Chris Robinson, Frank Robinson, Pom Chakravarti, Snehal Patel, and Rachel Thomas. Their ability to balance the rigorous demands of the investment process with their day-to-day operations shone through. It’s no surprise that QX attracted significant interest from investors right from the start. Coming hot on the heels of exceptional growth at QX, Long Ridge’s investment will support further platform development and global expansion. We are excited to see how the new leadership team will drive the company towards its ambitious goals. Congratulations to Abidali Neemuchwala, Pom Chakravarti, and Frank Robinson on their new roles, and best wishes to Chris Robinson as he embarks on his next adventure. Given QX’s global presence in 18 countries, this deal was made possible through the outstanding collaboration from our Globalscope Partners Ltd, Sloan Capital, LLC RCS Advisors India A. Buchholtz & Company, LLC Brooks, Houghton & Company, Inc. MelCap Partners. Along with a special thank you to the teams at EY for their vendor due diligence leadership across financial, tax, and commercial matters, and Dechert LLP across legal matters. The Corbett Keeling team was led by Chairman and CEO Jim Keeling and Corporate Finance Director Harry Knight, with support from Analyst Matthew Broadberry. For the full story, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eKNk52-G

We’re delighted to welcome Harvey Fisher as our summer intern analyst. Harvey has completed his second year at the University of Bristol, reading Economics and Management, and has previously undertaken internships at Connection Capital LLP and Cavendish. One week in, Harvey is already making an impact and supporting the team with various projects.   Fun fact: Harvey claims he can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 60 seconds. Of course, we couldn’t resist testing him – and he did not disappoint!   Welcome, Harvey – we’re excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish this summer!

Paul Willmott doesn’t just climb mountains for his clients at Corbett Keeling. He recently completed the Welsh Three Peaks to raise funds for Abbie’s Wonderland, a campaign run by Heads On in memory of Abbie Harmes. This charity works tirelessly to improve the lives of those seeking help with mental health challenges from the Sussex Partnership. Making a difference in the community, one step at a time. Paul, you’re an inspiration!

We are delighted to announce the successful sale of Drake & Farrell B.V. to Logicall, a portfolio company of Waterland Private Equity, thanks to the exemplary collaboration between Corbett Keeling and DEX international M&A. At a pivotal stage in its growth, Drake & Farrell needed a specialist M&A advisor within its local market. Recognising this need, Jim Keeling, CEO and Chairman of Corbett Keeling, to whom Drake & Farrell initially turned for advice, referred them to Martijn Peters, Founder and Managing Director at DEX International M&A, a trusted member firm of Globalscope Partners Ltd. The DEX team, led by Floris de Klerk, meticulously guided the sale process. The client was delighted, praising the DEX team as "super engaged, excited, and knowledgeable." Globalscope recognised this outstanding collaboration by awarding Corbett Keeling and DEX International M&A the prestigious Flagship Deal Award at their Spring 2024 conference. This accolade celebrates the unwavering client-first approach that defines our global family of member firms. Congratulations to all involved! We eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of Logicall Trusted Logistics and Drake & Farrell. For the full story, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/e3SjfG4 #mergersandacquisitions #corporatefinance #expertadvice #clientfirst

Acquiring an owner-managed business presents unique challenges. However, with careful planning, it's possible to respect the legacy of the management sellers while safeguarding the buyer’s interests. Leon Ferera and Mathis Bredimus from Jones Day explain how parties can manage the delicate balance of mitigating risk and preserving the relationship between the buyer and management sellers who remain in the business post-closing. Read the full article in our Spring Edition of UK Private Company Director: https://lnkd.in/eMPRzGwf

When you run a family business, planning your legacy will be a recurring theme along the entrepreneurial journey. Andrew Dixon, Head of Wealth Planning at SG Kleinwort Hambros, outlines how to prepare the next generation for leadership, address ceding control, and the tax implications of transferring your assets. Read the full article in our UK Private Company Director Spring edition here: https://lnkd.in/ecR55RnG