Active Acquisition Searches

We call our approach an active acquisition search in contrast to the more passive approach of relying on broker circulars and monitoring the various websites on which businesses for sale are advertised. Many of the most attractive companies never reach the hands of brokers and advertisers.  They change hands in direct business to business sales, often as a result of existing commercial and personal relationships.

We have developed a focused group of services based on our practical experience of the approach taken by companies that make regular acquisitions to generate the contacts and relationships that lead to deals.  These services can be purchased individually or as a complete package.

Our approach is based on a five stage process that will typically lead to a successful completion in six to nine months:

1. The Brief

   This is an important part of the process. It gives our professional researchers all the information they need to find target companies that will be a good fit for your business.

2. Research

   Finding the right targets makes the difference between a successful and a failed acquisition project. Our researchers locate for all practical purposes every company that fits your brief. We will then work with you to cut the list down to those targets that will maximise your chances of making a successful purchase.

   This first stage of the process should be completed within three weeks of getting the go ahead.

3. Contact

   As soon as the target list is agreed Select will begin the process of contacting all the companies on the list to establish their willingness to sell.

   With your permission we disclose your identity to the companies that will consider a sale and begin an exchange of information under strict terms of confidentiality.

   Within a month we should be starting to create opportunities for you to meet with potential sellers on a face to face basis.

4. Meetings, Valuations and Offers

   Select will set up an initial meeting between yourselves and the key shareholders of the target company – if possible at the target’s premises so that you can get a real feel for the company and its owners.

   If this meeting is successful an indicative offer will follow to gauge price expectations before further resource is committed.

5. Deal Negotiation and Closure

   Select can help you manage deal negotiation, contract preparation and due diligence through to closure. We can either lead or support negotiations by your in-house team – whichever you prefer.