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Our M&A Advisory offering
Debrett’s deliver senior-led, discreet M&A guidance to founders, shareholders and management teams navigating business sales, acquisitions and ownership transitions with confidence and sector insight.
Debrett’s deliver senior-led, discreet M&A guidance to founders, shareholders and management teams navigating business sales, acquisitions and ownership transitions with confidence and sector insight.
Types of transactions covered
We advise across a broad spectrum of transactions tailored to your goals, including:
Full & Partial Business Sales
Selling the entire business or a majority/minority shareholding.
These transaction types are tailored to meet diverse founder, shareholder and investor priorities - from full exits to capital raising, ensuring strategic fit and value realisation.
Sell-Side Mandates – Full and Partial Business Sales
We manage confidential, fully tailored sale processes to maximise shareholder value and protect business integrity.
Full company disposals (100% share sales)
Maximising value through strategic or financial buyers
Partial exits
Releasing capital while retaining influence through structured minority or majority sales
Founder succession and retirement exits
Enabling smooth transitions that preserve legacy and business continuity
Secondary buyouts
Supporting PE-backed companies seeking new investors to unlock future growth
All designed to maximise value, protect confidentiality and reflect shareholder priorities.
Management Buyouts (MBOs) and Buyins (MBIs)
We guide management teams through every stage of ownership change, securing funding partners and shaping deal strategy to deliver leadership transitions with confidence.
Supporting management teams to acquire businesses they lead or join:
PE-backed MBOs
Management teams secure private equity funding to acquire the business, ensuring adequate capital and shared growth ambitions
Owner-funded MBOs
Where management teams utilise personal funds, deferred consideration or vendor financing to take ownership without external equity partners.
Management Buyins (MBIs)
External management teams acquire and step into leadership roles in new businesses, typically bringing sector expertise and growth plans.
We secure funding partners, shape deal strategy and guide teams through complex negotiations.
Buy-Side Advisory – Growth by Acquisition
For acquisitive corporates, family offices and investors:
Target origination and outreach
Identifying suitable acquisition targets through market research, proprietary data and discreet approaches to potential sellers.
Valuation and deal structure advice
Providing clear assessment of target value and optimal deal structures to protect investment and maximise returns.
Bid strategy and negotiation
Developing and executing competitive, well-timed offers that improve the likelihood of successful acquisition.
Diligence process oversight
Managing and co-ordinating due diligence streams to uncover risks and validate investment assumptions.
We provide access to proprietary off-market targets and cross-border opportunities.
Advisory
Private Equity Advisory
We position businesses for private equity investment or sale:
Advising both shareholders and management teams with true investor insight.
Maximising Value in Secondary Buyouts
Advising on sales from one private equity owner to another, maximising value in the handover between financial sponsors.
Equity Release and Recapitalisation
Structuring deals that enable owners to release capital while retaining a stake in the future growth of the business.
Exit Readiness for Portfolio Companies
Preparing private equity-backed businesses for an eventual sale or IPO by enhancing their strategic and financial position.
Connecting UK businesses with a broad network of global acquirers and investors seeking quality mid-market opportunities.
End-to-end cross-border execution
Managing the full lifecycle of international deals, from origination to completion, ensuring seamless cross-border delivery.
"Debrett’s have been outstanding in terms of advice to us in our
c.£50m transaction."
"They sourced the deal off-market, and helped craft our messaging to maximise impact with the founders. Debrett’s worked as an integral part of our deal team and provided in-depth analysis and execution support. I would wholeheartedly recommend them."
Ed Fraser, Founder of Axiom Equity
Empower
The Debrett’s M&A Process
Our proven process combines rigorous preparation with seamless execution to deliver certainty, discretion and value at every stage:
Preparation & Readiness Assessment
Selling the entire business or a majority/minority shareholding.
Buyer/Investor Research & Approach
Identification and discreet engagement of potential acquirers or investors.
Confidential Market Engagement
Issuance of high-quality marketing materials and controlled process management.
Deal Structuring & Negotiation
Leading negotiations to optimise terms, manage risk and align interests.
Diligence Co-ordination & Completion
Overseeing the diligence process to ensure a smooth path to completion.
Post-Transaction Transition Advice
Supporting integration or transition plans to secure long-term deal success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our M&A advisory services and how we can assist you.
Most M&A transactions complete within six to nine months, depending on the complexity of the business, market conditions and the readiness of the company. This period includes preparation, buyer or investor engagement, negotiation, due diligence and legal completion. Our team carefully manages every stage to maintain momentum, minimise disruption and protect confidentiality.
Yes. Partial sales, whether minority or majority stakes, are an increasingly popular option for founders seeking to release capital while retaining a level of ownership or influence. We design these transactions to balance your financial objectives with your long-term involvement and strategic interests.
Confidentiality is central to everything we do. All potential buyers or investors are carefully screened and required to sign robust non-disclosure agreements before receiving any sensitive information. Marketing materials are highly controlled and distributed selectively to ensure absolute discretion and to protect the integrity of your business in the market.
Private equity and trade buyers offer distinct advantages depending on your goals. Private equity investors may provide partial exit options and support future growth, while trade buyers often deliver immediate strategic synergies and integration benefits. Our role is to guide you in assessing both routes against your financial, operational and personal priorities, helping you make a fully informed decision.
Thoughtful deal structuring safeguards value, aligns interests and reduces post-completion risks. The right structure manages tax implications, payment terms, earn-outs and other key factors that affect both parties. We focus on building deal structures that not only optimise price but ensure a smooth handover and lasting success.
Due diligence is an in-depth review of your company’s financial, legal and operational affairs by prospective buyers or investors. This process validates the value of the business and identifies potential risks. We prepare you thoroughly for this stage, ensuring that any issues are addressed in advance and that the process runs smoothly, efficiently and without unnecessary distraction to the business.
Ready for a Discreet Conversation?
Contact us today for a discreet conversation without obligation.
