The Wow Company UK Limited
Samar House, North Way,
Andover, Hampshire. SP10 5AZ

e-mail: info@thewowcompany.com
Tel: 01264 358 039
   or 0845 201 1582
Fax: 0845 201 1581

The Basics: Acquiring a business

Overview
Acquisition is a common strategy for those businesses looking for accelerated growth. Increased reward comes with increased risk. This means that the acquisition process is time-consuming, with many legal and technical considerations…and all this whilst continuing to run your core business! The key to success is thorough planning.

1. Your Strategy
The acquisition must fit clearly into your business strategy. A long-term plan needs to be in place from the start and all key people in the business need to be on-board.

2. The Search
Establish clear criteria to identify the right target. Produce a shortlist. Take your time and be methodical.

3. The Approach
Carefully plan your approach. Have initial discussions to establish ‘agreement in principle.’ Confidentiality Agreements are signed at this stage.

Key Steps

1.  Strategy in place
2.  Start the Search
3.  Make the Approach
4.  Negotiation and 
     The Agreement
5.  Integration

Expert’s Tip

“Make sure you have the right advisers working with you and have a clear plan in place running through until the change is fully integrated.”

– Paul Croombs, Wow

4. Negotiation and The Agreement
Due Diligence should be performed to identify points of negotiation. Your solicitor will prepare draft agreements, which are sent to the vendor. Any changes and queries are then negotiated. Warranties are obtained from the vendor; these are legally binding assurances as to the state of the business being sold.

5. Integration
Integrating the businesses is, in many ways, the biggest challenge and continues well after the deal completes. Clear communication with everyone involved is the key.

How can we help?

Wow has the expertise and proven track-record to help you every step of the way.

To arrange an informal discussion on your plans:
Contact Us

The Wow Company UK Ltd is an appointed representative of 2020 Financial. Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales, number 05007424. Registered office as above. VAT number 834 6544 15     © 2008. The Wow Company.  All Rights Reserved

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