We will match your vision with our expertise, there is strength in numbers.
Unlocking your financial potential
We provide Corporate Finance advisory services to individuals and businesses. Our services range from advising clients on the acquisition, sale or management buy-out of their company to obtaining funding for business or property acquisition and working capital requirements. We use a straightforward, down to earth approach. The Director you meet at the first meeting will be the Director leading the work. We combine significant accounting, banking and taxation expertise to ensure that your transaction completes smoothly.
Strong partners for thriving businesses
We thrive from the collaboration and partnerships we have with our clients. In 2024 the Corporate Finance team gained recognition at the regional Insider UK Dealmaker awards for the Deal of the Year (sub £10m deal) after advising on HRSRail Limited’s management buyout.
Making it easy to do great business
Affinia Corporate Finance services include:
Exit strategies
Selecting an appropriate exit strategy significantly depend on your business goals. Options may include selling the company entirely, management buy-outs, or establishing Employee-Owner Trusts (EOTs) for transferring ownership to employees. Your final decision should consider market conditions, your specific business situation, and your desired future involvement.
Preparing businesses for sale
Ensuring your business is always fit for sale is key. We can guide you on what process should be in place to make a sale process as efficient as possible. This allows for necessary adjustments to enhance value and helps owners effectively disengage from the business to facilitate a successful sale.
Succession planning
If you are considering retiring or selling your business, you may have already thought about succession planning. The Affinia corporate team has assisted numerous businesses in identifying potential successors and developing exit strategies. We also provide essential financial insights to help you make informed business decisions.
Management buy-outs and buy-ins
A management buyout (MBO) occurs when a company’s management team acquires ownership from the existing owners. This process offers the business and management team several advantages, including continuity in leadership and operations and greater employee retention. Our experienced team is well-versed in navigating the complexities of MBOs to ensure a smooth transition and maximising value for all stakeholders.
Due-Diligence
Whether you are considering a merger or acquisition, it is beneficial to conduct a preliminary due diligence assessment before engaging in a sale transaction. Identifying any concerns early can streamline the selling experience. This proactive approach helps uncover potential issues that may affect both the sale process and the overall value of the transaction.
Employee Ownership Trusts
Employee-Owner Trusts (EOTs) are structures that transfer all or part of a company’s ownership and control to employees. They can be used by shareholders to exit their business and incentivise the workforce.
Qualification criteria must be considered for using an EOT, but there are also some considerable tax benefits for both the seller and the employees. However, EOTs are only for some businesses, and part of our work, together with your legal adviser, is to assess whether this structure is suitable for you and your business.
As a firm, we have assisted with several EOT transactions, with our work consisting of:
- Assistance in assessing whether this is suitable.
- Consideration of the structure of the transaction and who will manage the EOT.
- Working with your legal team to prepare the paperwork to execute.
- Undertaking the valuation of the company.
- Where required, assistance with the funding of the transaction.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Our experienced M&A team combines financial expertise with industry insights to help business owners navigate the intricacies of M&A deals. The team is led by Adam Croft, who has over two decades of hands-on experience working collaboratively with clients on both the sell and buy sides of M&A transactions.
Whether you are considering a merger or acquisition, our M&A service line is equipped to provide the support and guidance necessary to achieve your strategic objectives and ensure a successful transaction
Latest Deals
Explore the latest deals completed by the Affinia’s Corporate Finance team to see how we are championing business and supporting our clients to thrive in the financial landscape. Our commitment to delivering exceptional client results shines through in these transactions, reflecting our expertise and dedication.
Startup Investment and Structuring Advice
We provided advice and support to a start-up business regarding structuring inward private investment. Stuart and his team assisted the company in applying for advanced assurance in relation to SEIS/EIS, which is a government initiative that provides tax relief to investors who back new and small businesses. With LB Group’s guidance, the start-up navigated the complex processes involved in securing investment and ensured that they were structured in a way that was advantageous for all parties involved. The start-up can now move forward confidently, knowing that they have the support and expertise of LB Group behind them.
Assisting an aviation sector client with comprehensive funding application for business growth
We assisted our client operating in the aviation sector by helping them with their funding application. The main objective was to support the growth of their business, which required preparing cash flow forecasts. Our team worked closely with our clients to understand their requirements and financial goals. We then analysed their financial data and projections to prepare accurate cash flow forecasts that would assist in securing the necessary funding. Our efforts aimed to ensure that the client’s application was comprehensive and persuasive enough to convince the funding provider of the business’s viability and potential for growth.
Management Buyout
We provided expertise and assistance in a management buyout for a company operating in the rail sector. Our team worked closely with the management team to support them throughout the entire transaction process. Our services included negotiating the deal terms and structure, reviewing legal documentation, and providing guidance on all aspects of the buyout. We were committed to ensuring that the management team received fair and honest advice, and that the transaction was completed smoothly and efficiently. Our experience in management buyouts allowed us to provide invaluable support to the team, and we were thrilled to see the deal successfully completed, to the satisfaction of all parties involved, fostering a sense of trust and reliability in our services.
Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI)
We were recently approached by a consultancy company seeking advice on setting up an Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme. Our team of experts provided comprehensive guidance on the legal and financial aspects of setting up such a scheme, including the company’s valuation, to obtain clearance from HMRC. We understand that implementing an EMI scheme can be a complex process, and so we took the time to explain every step of the process to our client. We aimed to ensure that they were fully informed and confident in their decision-making, ultimately resulting in a successful implementation of the scheme.
I was very happy with the professional advice received from Stuart Sheldrick and Olly Sharman at Affinia during the complicated sale of my business. Their advice was excellent, and the recommended restructuring of my company accounts resulted in a meaningful tax saving. I would not hesitate to recommend Affinia to anyone seeking guidance about selling their business.
Simon Player
Player Advisory Consultants
