Buy-side advisory
Buying a business
Whether it’s your first acquisition or you’re adding to a company you already own, we help you find the right business, check it properly and agree a deal that you can finance and live with.
- Who it’s for
- Individuals, owner-operators, companies and investor groups
- Transaction focus
- $500K–$30M
- First step
- A conversation about what you’re looking for
Who we work with
You don’t need to be a professional investor. Many of the buyers we speak with are buying their first business.
First-time buyers who want to own and run an established business rather than start one. We help you work out what you can afford, what kind of business suits your experience and how a purchase would be financed.
Business owners looking to grow by buying a competitor, supplier or complementary company. We help find and approach suitable targets quietly and work out what they’re worth to you.
Investor groups and private equity looking for well-run companies in our size range. We help with sourcing, assessment and deal execution.
How we help
From a clear brief to the day you take over.
Define what you’re looking for
Industry, size, location, the role you want to play, how much you can invest and how much you’d need to borrow. A clear brief saves months.
Find and screen businesses
We look for businesses that fit, including ones that aren’t openly for sale, and filter out those that don’t meet your criteria.
Assess the business
We look at what the business really earns, how much it depends on the current owner, its customers and its risks, so you know what you’re paying for.
Make an offer
We help you decide on price and structure, including how much is paid at closing, any seller financing or earnout, and the conditions in your letter of intent.
Arrange financing
We prepare the information lenders ask for and coordinate with them. Lenders make their own decisions; we help you present a clear, well-supported request.
Due diligence and closing
We help organize the review of the business and coordinate with your accountant, lawyer and lender through to closing.
What buyers say
I had been searching for a manufacturing acquisition for some time and was working with several intermediaries. Kingston team stood out for its responsiveness, professionalism and patient, pressure-free approach. They remained supportive throughout an extended due-diligence process, and I would trust them with future transactions.
From signing the LOI through closing, Khaled demonstrated professionalism, patience and a strong commitment to the transaction. His team guided us at each stage, including connecting us with an appraiser, banker and lawyer, and helped us complete the acquisition efficiently and without unnecessary complications.
Questions buyers ask
All FAQsDo I need experience in the industry to buy a business?
Not always, but it helps, and lenders will ask about it. If you don’t have direct experience, a business with a capable management team, or a seller willing to stay on for a transition period, makes the purchase easier to finance and to run.
How much of my own money will I need?
It depends on the business, the lender and the structure of the deal. Lenders usually expect the buyer to put in a meaningful amount of their own money. Seller financing can reduce the cash needed at closing. We can help you work out a realistic structure once we know what you’re looking for.
What if you’re selling the business I’m interested in?
In any one transaction we act for one side. If we represent the seller, our client is the seller, although we’ll deal with you openly and professionally and keep the process moving. Make sure you have your own accountant and lawyer reviewing the deal for you.
What should I look for in due diligence?
Whether the earnings are real and repeatable, how dependent the business is on the owner and a few customers, the condition of equipment, contracts that might not transfer, employee matters and any tax or legal exposures. Your accountant and lawyer should be part of this review.
Other ways we can help
Confidential conversation
Looking for a business to buy?
Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll give you a realistic view of the market, what it might cost and how it could be financed.