Who this is for
- People buying their first business, who want a clear view of what to look for and what to avoid.
- Owner-managers considering an acquisition to add to a business they already run.
- Buyers with a business in mind who want an independent commercial view before they commit.
How we help
- Acquisition strategy
- Defining target criteria, budget and deal-breakers.
- Opportunity assessment
- A commercial review of businesses the client is considering.
- Commercial due diligence
- Trading performance, margins, footfall and catchment, competition, operations, staffing and supplier terms.
- Price and terms review
- Whether the asking price stands up commercially.
- Negotiation support
- Strategy and points to raise.
- 100-day plan
- Taking over smoothly and making early improvements.
What you get
- A written acquisition strategy setting out your criteria, budget and deal-breakers.
- A commercial assessment of each business you are considering.
- A commercial due diligence report covering trading, margins, footfall and catchment, competition, operations, staffing and supplier terms.
- A view on whether the asking price and the terms stand up commercially.
- A negotiation brief, with the points to raise.
- A 100-day plan for the first months after you take over.
Typical timeline
The time needed depends on the business and on how quickly you need to move. A review of a single opportunity is shorter than a full commercial due diligence. We agree the scope and timing with you in writing before any work starts.
Common questions
I've found a business I like. How can you help?
We review it commercially: trading performance, margins, footfall and catchment, competition, operations, staffing and supplier terms. You get a clear view of whether it stands up, and what to raise with the seller.
Can you tell me what price to pay?
We give an indicative commercial view of whether an asking price stands up and what drives it. If you need a full written valuation, a qualified valuer or your accountant can provide one.
Do you work with my solicitor and accountant?
Yes. They handle the legal and financial checks. We cover the commercial side and work alongside them.
When should I involve you?
Early, ideally before you make an offer. It is much easier to set your criteria and your walk-away points before you are attached to a particular business.
DBS provides commercial consulting only. We do not provide legal, tax, accountancy or regulated financial advice; where these are needed we work alongside your own professional advisers.
DBS works alongside your own solicitors, accountants and other advisers. We cover the commercial side and leave the specialist work to them.
Thinking it over?
Tell us a little about your business and we'll come back to you, usually within two working days.
Start a conversation