Episodes

  • Navigating post-acquisition challenges with Steven

    Navigating post-acquisition challenges with Steven
    Oct 10 2024

    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan talks with Steven about the complexities and challenges faced after acquiring businesses. Topics include cultural integration, logistical challenges, management of cash flow, and the importance of consolidating back-office functions like HR and finance.

    Steven also shares his experiences dealing with change management, maintaining personnel trust, and managing cultural differences across acquired companies. They discuss the future goals for the businesses and the strategies used for growth and eventual exit plans.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    01:45 Introduction to Stephen's Journey

    02:04 Challenges of Business Integration

    03:08 Stephen's Onboarding Experience

    04:11 Managing Bank Accounts and Cashflow

    07:58 Consolidating Finances and HR

    10:38 Insights from Private Equity

    20:38 Dealing with Cultural Differences

    22:45 Stephen's Personal Involvement and Future Vision

    25:56 Is It All Worth It?

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
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    31 mins
  • Steven's acquisitions in digital marketing

    Steven's acquisitions in digital marketing
    Oct 10 2024

    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan introduces listeners to Steven, a Mastermind member focused on digital marketing acquisitions. Celebrating 25 years since Jonathan's first M&A deal, the episode offers insights into Steven’s journey of acquiring and managing businesses from abroad.

    With discussions on negotiation tactics, managing distressed companies, and the importance of deal flow, Steven shares his learnings and experiences in acquiring functional creative agencies and the intricacies of navigating acquisition challenges and successes.

    Remember to take advantage of Jonathan's free business buying toolkit, which is available on our website, and learn the significance of doing deals with the right support and mindset.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Mastermind Enrollment

    01:47 Meet Steven: Building a Group of Digital Marketing Companies

    02:28 Steven's Acquisition Journey: From First Deal to Today

    03:59 Challenges of Running Businesses Remotely

    05:58 Joining Mastermind and Networking Benefits

    07:38 First Conversations and Learning Curves

    12:09 Navigating Distressed Acquisitions

    18:30 Challenges and Successes in Business Acquisition

    18:50 Smooth Sailing with Recent Deals

    19:33 The Importance of Experience and Alignment

    20:39 Current Deal Flow and Future Plans

    20:55 Negotiating Price and Terms

    23:13 The Dealmakers Process: Phone vs. Zoom

    26:12 Deciding Price and Managing Expectations

    31:52 The Importance of Knowledge and Structured Approach

    36:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    37:06 Conclusion and Resources

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • Smart Business Buying - Avoiding Personal Financial Risks

    Smart Business Buying - Avoiding Personal Financial Risks
    Oct 3 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan and Ed discuss the advantages of using external financing for business acquisitions instead of personal funds, and why you should never risk personal assets. They discuss strategies for using other people's money through diverse funding sources, challenging the broker narrative that necessitates being a cash buyer. Rob from Canada shares his experience pivoting from British food shops to acquiring coffee shops, emphasising the importance of having a strategy and being confident in the buying process. Jonathan also provides insights into choosing the right size and location for a first business acquisition, advocating for larger, locally-based businesses with established management structures. Key moments 01:26 Why You Shouldn't Use Personal Finance for Business Acquisitions 04:30 Financing Business Acquisitions with Other People's Money 08:21 Refinancing and Restructuring Business Deals 10:49 Interview with Rob from Canada: Switching to Coffee Shops 23:00 Determining the Right Size for Your First Business Acquisition

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls

    Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls
    Sep 26 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan discusses the critical difference between buying a business and merely buying a job. We conclude the discussion about the psychology and expectations of both buyers and sellers, featuring insights on maintaining a strategic mindset to avoid becoming trapped in day-to-day operations. Jonathan emphasises the importance of acquiring businesses that are large enough to support management, thus allowing buyers to focus on growth rather than operations. The conversation also touches on practical considerations such as ensuring cash flow and understanding the true financial health of a business. Jonathan is joined by an experienced accountant, Johan, who offers advice on sense-checking potential acquisitions, highlighting the importance of cash flow over profit figures. Johan also shares practical tips for using modern accounting systems to facilitate smoother due diligence processes. Key moments 01:32 Avoiding the Trap of Buying a Job 03:35 The Importance of Management in Business Acquisition 06:52 Mindset and Strategy for Successful Deal Making 11:44 Psychology and Expectations of Buyers and Sellers 15:35 Building Confidence and Control in Negotiations 22:28 Understanding the Business Sales Process 25:48 The Role of Accountants in Business Acquisition

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Understanding the Psychology and Process Behind Business Acquisitions

    Understanding the Psychology and Process Behind Business Acquisitions
    Sep 19 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan delves into the psychology and expectations of both buyers and sellers in the business acquisition process. He emphasises the importance of having a structured system and understanding the emotional dynamics at play. The episode also features insights from Andrew, who scaled his business by acquiring five others and discusses best practices for managing acquisitions. The discussion also highlights the critical post-acquisition phase, detailing strategies for smooth transitions and maintaining business value. Key moments 01:36 Understanding Buyer and Seller Psychology 02:44 Emotions in Business Deals 04:21 Seller's Fears and Hopes 06:03 Buyer's Fears and Hopes 06:47 Motivations Behind Business Sales 13:16 Andrew's Acquisition Journey 15:48 The Importance of Deal Flow 24:14 Post-Acquisition Challenges

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Eliminating Risk and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

    Eliminating Risk and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
    Sep 13 2024

    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan discusses strategies for eliminating personal risk when purchasing a business.

    Key points include not using personal finances or guarantees, structuring acquisitions correctly, and understanding the seller's motivations. The episode also covers common business buying mistakes, such as not having the right advisors, insufficient cash, and buying distressed businesses.

    Additionally, guest Daniel shares his experiences with business consolidation, highlighting the challenges of integrating acquired companies and the importance of cultural alignment.

    Key moments

    01:24 Eliminating Personal Risk in Business Acquisitions
    03:01 The Importance of No Personal Guarantees
    04:45 Protecting Mental Health in Business Deals
    08:00 Advanced Methods for De-risking Acquisitions
    10:46 12 Business Buying Mistakes: Part 2
    10:55 Mistake 7: Not Getting the Right Advisors
    12:46 Mistake 8: Insufficient Cash Flow
    15:38 Mistake 9: Buying Distressed Businesses
    18:22 Mistake 10: Understanding Seller's Motivation
    21:09 Mistake 11: Company Reputation
    22:58 Mistake 12: Insufficient Due Diligence
    25:25 Interview with Daniel: Challenges in Business Consolidation
    25:47 Daniel's Experience with Roll-ups and Exits
    31:37 Structuring and Financing Deals
    33:34 Private Schools Acquisition Strategy

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Buying off-market businesses and avoiding key business buying mistakes

    Buying off-market businesses and avoiding key business buying mistakes
    Sep 4 2024
    In this week's episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan's focus is on purchasing businesses off-market and avoiding common mistakes that new business buyers often make. Jonathan highlights six of the twelve most common mistakes, including the risks of using personal money, buying businesses you don't understand, overpaying, and quitting your job too soon. The episode also features Nick, who successfully bought a poultry business by leveraging creative financing and avoiding the usual pitfalls. Nick talks about strategies for financing acquisitions without personal money, the importance of buying larger businesses to avoid effectively purchasing a job, and the value of negotiating a fair price. In a conversation with podcast producer, Ed, Jonathan advises new dealmakers to look for off-market businesses rather than going through brokers to avoid overpaying and the complications of dealing with experienced brokers. Key moments 01:24 Common Mistakes in Business Buying 02:59 Financing Your Business Acquisition 05:04 Avoiding the Job Trap 06:08 Negotiation and Valuation Tips 09:02 Understanding the Business You Buy 11:01 Balancing Business Buying with a Day Job 13:10 Thinking Big in Business Buying 15:22 The Importance of Off-Market Deals 26:11 Case Study: Buying a Poultry Business 34:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Corporate Structures, Risk Management, and the Buy & Build Strategy

    Corporate Structures, Risk Management, and the Buy & Build Strategy
    Aug 28 2024
    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, we talk about insights on smart business acquisitions without risking personal capital. Jonathan shares key strategies from a presentation at the Marbella business retreat, emphasising the importance of getting corporate structures right and de-risking leases. The episode features a discussion with Ed on the effectiveness of the buy and build, or roll-up strategy, and an in-depth interview with David, a successful mastermind client who combined multiple business acquisitions to win a substantial local authority contract. The episode concludes with practical tips on avoiding personal guarantees, linking business payments to performance, and the integration challenges in buy and build strategies. Key moments 01:42 The Importance of Corporate Structure 04:23 Avoiding Personal Guarantees 07:45 De-risking Leases in Business Acquisitions 11:40 Linking Payment to Business Performance 15:03 Success Story: David's Multi-Business Acquisition 25:57 The Benefits of a Buy and Build Strategy 34:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins