Mergers and Acquisitions

For owner-managed and family businesses. We provide clear advice when the decision matters most.

Thinking about a merger, acquisition or sale?

A merger, acquisition or business sale is one of the most significant decisions an owner-managed or family business will ever make. The process is complex, the stakes are high and mistakes are hard to undo.

M&A transactions involving owner-managed and family businesses often involve additional complexity. Personal goals, legacy and shareholder dynamics play a major role. We understand these challenges and reflect them in our advice, helping you reach decisions that stand the test of time.

We advise businesses considering mergers and acquisitions at critical moments of growth, transition or exit. Whether you are planning to sell your business, acquire a competitor or explore a merger, we help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Many business owners come to us before they are certain what they want to do. Often, the real questions sound more like this:

Am I ready to sell or just feeling burnt out?

What is my business actually worth in today’s market?

If I acquire another business, what risks am I taking on?

How do I protect staff, family interests and reputation?

What decisions do I need to make before speaking to buyers?

Why early M&A advice matters

By the time a buyer or seller is at the table, many of the most important decisions have already been made. Structure, timing and preparation have a direct impact on value, tax and deal success.

Early advice can help you:

  • Improve business value before marketing or negotiation

  • Avoid deal structures that reduce net proceeds

  • Reduce price reductions during due diligence

  • Plan tax efficiently and retain more of the sale proceeds

  • Enter negotiations from a position of control

This is often where the biggest gains are made.

Forrester Boyds Accountants staff member

Ready to take the next steps towards a merger or acquisition?

What we help you achieve

Our mergers and acquisitions advice is focused on outcomes, not just transactions.

1

Clear understanding of value

We identify what drives value in your business and where that value may be challenged during a deal.

2

Control and confidence

You move forward knowing your options, risks and priorities rather than reacting to buyer pressure.

3

Protection of what matters

That includes people, reputation, family relationships and long-term financial security.

Our mergers and acquisitions services

We provide joined-up corporate finance and advisory support throughout the M&A process, including:

  • Business valuation and value improvement planning

  • M&A strategy and deal structuring

  • Financial and commercial due diligence

  • Negotiation support and transaction execution

  • Post-deal integration and performance support

Because our tax and advisory teams work closely with our corporate finance specialists, decisions are aligned from the outset.

Ready to take the next steps towards a merger or acquisition?

Why choose Forrester Boyd?

  • Experienced advisers focused on owner-managed and family businesses

  • Integrated tax planning from the earliest stages

  • Practical advice grounded in real transactions

  • Ongoing support beyond completion

We are here to help you decide whether a transaction is right and if it is, how to approach it properly.

Take a sensible first step

You do not need to be ready to act to speak to us. Many conversations begin well before a deal is planned.

If you are considering a merger, acquisition or business sale in the future, an early discussion can provide clarity and direction.

Take a sensible first step

Corporate Finance Partner

Mike Beckett

I work with a broad range of businesses, from small owner-managed companies to larger corporate groups and UK subsidiaries of international publicly listed organisations. While I continue to support clients through accounting, taxation and general business advisory, I also advise business owners and management teams on corporate finance and strategic transactions.

As a member of the UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel, I advise on business disposals, mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy-ins, employee ownership trusts, valuations, and raising finance, supporting clients through each stage of the transaction process.

My role often involves working closely with shareholders and leadership teams to help them prepare for and successfully complete complex deals, ensuring the right structure and outcome for their long-term objectives.

Talk To Me

Further reading

We offer a variety of other services that you might be interest in...