Our approach
Our approach is to work alongside our clients as part of an extended team. We work time and again for the same clients, helping to build their business and its value. As required, we also work on single transactions, typically the sale of a business.
We draw on knowledge, skills and research information from other parts of Smith & Williamson to provide a robust and rich service, delivered in an open, approachable, pragmatic and ‘joined-up' way.
Click below to find out more about how we work with
Entrepreneurs
Much of our work centres on supporting entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses. We feel we understand the opportunities, threats, pressures and excitements that surround the mid-size private business - this is our core market.
Typically, as the relationship develops, we might end up working closely with you over a number of years and through different phases of growth:
- raising funds
- making acquisitions and disposals
- floating on Aim
To provide a more complete service we have, within our extended team, consultancy expertise to help with post-deal integration and investment managers to help grow your personal wealth.
Management buy-outs
Teams involved in management buy-outs and buy-ins face very specific challenges as they analyse the opportunity, negotiate the deal, take over the business and then work with a new Board comprising investors with high expectations.
We work in these situations frequently and have the understanding and experience to guide your team. We also have the contacts and credibility to help secure finance and a well-negotiated end position. We then look beyond the signing of the deal and can support your team in handling management and growth challenges over the early years.
Quoted companies
We have particular strength in supporting companies on Aim, London Stock Exchange's market for growth companies, and in bringing companies to Aim.
We understand both the complexities and the opportunities, such as introducing new incentives, reporting processes, governance structures and ways of managing investor relationships.
In formal terms, we act as reporting accountants, nominated advisers (Nomads) and brokers. More importantly, we work as committed, expert advisers helping you to make the greatest success of your business over several years.
Professional advisers
We work closely with professional advisers (such as solicitors) and build long term relationships that provide extra benefit to our clients. In this way we deepen our sector knowledge and provide a more seamless and efficient service on transactions - where deep experience and close teamwork count for a great deal.
Funding companies
As a firm we are close to the market - from both a corporate finance and an investment management perspective. Therefore we are particularly well placed to work with venture capitalists, private equity firms and banks - using our research to understand the market; finding acquisition targets; helping to manage portfolios through merger, disposal and acquisition; and providing strong transaction support and due diligence.
Contact us
To find out more about our corporate finance services contact a member of the team.
