From first conversation to completion
The acquisition process
Overview
Straightforward, confidential and owner-led
We have designed our acquisition process around the needs of the business owner. It is straightforward, confidential and moves at a pace that suits you. We do not impose artificial deadlines, we do not use due diligence as a negotiating tool, and we do not require exclusivity at the outset.
Every transaction is different, but the broad shape of the process is consistent. Below is a clear account of what to expect at each stage — from the first conversation through to completion and handover.
Confidential from the first call
Every conversation is treated as strictly confidential. We do not share information about your business without your explicit consent.
No obligation at any stage
You are free to withdraw from discussions at any point. We do not require exclusivity at the outset and we do not pressure owners to proceed.
Direct access throughout
You deal with Gary Pesticcio directly at every stage. There are no account managers or intermediaries on our side.
Proportionate due diligence
We keep due diligence proportionate to the size and complexity of the transaction. We do not use it as an opportunity to renegotiate.
Step by step
Each stage in detail
Initial conversation
30–60 minutes · Phone or in person
A private discussion to understand your situation and objectives.
The first step is a confidential conversation — by phone, video call or in person, whichever you prefer. We will ask some basic questions about your business, your situation and what you are hoping to achieve. We will explain how we work, what we look for and what the process involves. There is no paperwork, no NDA required at this stage, and no commitment of any kind. The purpose is simply to establish whether there is a potential fit and whether it makes sense to take things further.
What happens
We listen, ask questions and give you an honest initial view of whether your business is likely to fit our criteria. If it does not, we will tell you clearly and promptly.
Non-disclosure agreement
Straightforward and mutual
A mutual NDA to protect both parties before detailed information is shared.
Before you share any detailed financial or operational information, we will sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement. This protects your confidential information and gives you the assurance that what you share with us will not be disclosed to third parties. Our NDA is straightforward and does not contain unusual or onerous provisions.
What happens
We send you a standard mutual NDA. Once signed, we can proceed to the information-gathering stage.
Basic information
At your pace
A small amount of financial and operational information to allow us to form an initial view.
We will ask for a limited amount of information at this stage — typically the last two or three years of accounts, a brief overview of the business and its operations, and some basic trading data. We keep this stage as light as possible. We do not ask for information we do not need, and we do not share what you provide with anyone outside our immediate team.
What happens
You provide the information at a pace that suits you. We review it and come back to you with any follow-up questions within a short timeframe.
Commercial assessment
Typically 1–2 weeks
We review the opportunity and form a considered view.
We review the information you have provided and assess the business against our acquisition criteria. We may ask a small number of follow-up questions. We aim to give you clear, honest feedback within a short timeframe — whether that is a decision to proceed, a request for more information, or a clear explanation of why the opportunity does not fit our current focus.
What happens
We provide written feedback on our assessment. If we want to proceed, we move to the indicative proposal stage.
Indicative proposal
Clear and plain-language
We set out our indicative terms in a straightforward document.
If we want to proceed, we set out our indicative terms in a clear, plain-language document. This covers the proposed price, the proposed transaction structure, any key conditions and the proposed timeline. It is not legally binding, but it gives you a clear and honest basis on which to decide whether to proceed. We do not inflate initial offers to win exclusivity and then renegotiate — we aim to agree a fair price and stick to it.
What happens
You review the proposal with your advisers. If you want to proceed on the basis of the indicative terms, we move to due diligence.
Due diligence
Proportionate to the transaction
A structured, professional process managed with your advisers and ours.
Due diligence is conducted in a structured, proportionate way. We work with your advisers and ours to manage the process efficiently. We focus on confirming what we have been told and identifying anything material that was not disclosed — we do not use due diligence as an opportunity to renegotiate the price or terms. The scope and depth of due diligence is proportionate to the size and complexity of the transaction.
What happens
We provide a due diligence request list. Your advisers and ours manage the information flow. We aim to complete due diligence as efficiently as possible.
Legal documentation
Managed by advisers
The transaction documents are prepared and negotiated by solicitors on both sides.
Once due diligence is substantially complete, solicitors on both sides prepare and negotiate the transaction documents — typically a share purchase agreement or asset purchase agreement, together with any ancillary documents. We aim to keep the legal process proportionate and avoid unnecessary complexity. We have experience of transactions of this size and do not introduce provisions that are not appropriate for the deal.
What happens
Solicitors manage the documentation process. We remain directly involved and available to resolve any commercial points quickly.
Completion and handover
Planned and orderly
A carefully planned transition that protects the business and everyone in it.
Completion is the point at which the transaction legally completes and ownership transfers. We plan the handover carefully with you in advance — agreeing the transition arrangements, the communication to staff and customers, and the practical steps needed to transfer the business. Our objective is a smooth, orderly handover that protects the business, its employees and its customer relationships.
What happens
Funds are transferred, documents are signed, and ownership passes. We implement the agreed handover plan with you.
Timing
How long does it take?
Every transaction is different. A straightforward acquisition of a well-documented business can complete in six to eight weeks from the initial conversation. More complex transactions — or those where the owner needs more time — may take longer. We do not impose artificial deadlines, and we are able to move quickly when the situation calls for it.
Complexity of the business
More complex businesses require more thorough due diligence
Quality of financial records
Well-maintained accounts and records accelerate the process
Owner's timeline and preferences
We move at a pace that suits you
Legal and regulatory matters
Some businesses require additional regulatory steps
Ready to begin?
The first step is a confidential conversation. There is no obligation to proceed and no cost to you.