Knightsbridge Brochure
Selling Businesses Since 1997
www.knightsbridgeplc.com
London
Glasgow
Birmingham
Bolton
Bristol
Leeds
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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4 10
6 12
8 14
INTRODUCING KNIGHTSBRIDGE
WHY CHOOSE KNIGHTSBRIDGE
MEET THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE TEAM
YOUR BUSINESS VALUATION
OUR PANEL OF LEGAL ADVISERS
EPCs EXPLAINED
16 22 34 OUR RECENT COMPLETIONS ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL SALE
CONTACT US: OUR OFFICES
Marketing your business to more buyers than any other broker “ ” Our fresh and innovative marketing strategies generate potential targets through a combination of the UK’s largest database of registered buyers, industry-leading email matching service, comprehensive website advertising and sophisticated research facilities.
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INTRODUCING KNIGHTSBRIDGE Knightsbridge Business Sales was established almost 25 years ago and has since completed thousands of successful sales across a multitude of sectors, including Licensed & Leisure, Franchise, Health & Beauty, Care & Childcare, Motor related, Catering, and Retail businesses.
We are based in the North West and provide nationwide coverage with Associate Directors and regional offices around the UK. Our team of skilled and dedicated staff will help to deliver an industry-leading service with the highest levels of confidentiality, expertise and marketing exposure.
A business sale is achieved by introducing a multitude of buyers, offering you choice through a range of offers from prospective purchasers. At Knightsbridge, we are dedicated to marketing your business to the widest range of buyers possible, both offline and online, giving you the best chance of a successful sale.
We’re dedicated to putting your business in front of the widest range of buyers
At Knightsbridge we combine the extensive resources and infrastructure of a large company with a personal and dedicated team approach, giving you a tailored service with the exposure of a national broker. Our Associate Directors will take the time to understand your requirements and the attributes of your business and property to tailor a marketing plan best suited to your requirements, thus generating the maximum levels of interest in your business.
We’re committed to a personal approach
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A division of K3 Capital Group plc, the UK’s first ever AIM-listed company sales adviser.
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Our marketing and advertising abilities are unrivalled in the industry and ensure that your business receives the widest possible exposure to potential buyers. We produce industry-leading sales documentation that is designed to highlight the most attractive and appealing attributes of your business.
WHY CHOOSE KNIGHTSBRIDGE?
We listen carefully to your requirements and reasons for sale to provide a service that is tailored to your needs.
Unlike most of our competitors, we don’t charge you a withdrawal fee should you change your mind about selling your business – that’s how confident we are that you will be delighted with our service.
Knightsbridge Business Sales offers a truly national service, with Associate Directors situated in key strategic locations across the UK, providing local knowledge with the backing and exposure of a national business sales brokerage. We employ over 50 dedicated and long-serving staff within Advertising, Marketing, Research, Negotiation and customer-focused roles, ensuring high levels of personal service throughout the process.
K3 Capital Group plc is the UK’s number 1 adviser for company sales.
We understand that many buyers have never purchased a business before, therefore we take extra care to guide them through the process whilst keeping your best interests at the forefront of our approach.
We recognise that, for some clients, maintaining confidentiality throughout the sale process is a key consideration. We will fully discuss your requirements and agree a suitable level of confidentiality with you. We will maintain this confidentiality throughout the process of selling your business. CONFIDENTIALITY
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industry leading buyer reach
Investors in People accreditation
over 20 years’ experience
nationwide coverage
market leading sales documentation
free, no obligation market appraisal
in-house research team
no withdrawal fees
fully qualified marketing team
professional negotiation
inclusive legal fees
tailored service
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SARA THOMASSON
GARY EDWARDS HEAD OF MARKETING & DATA
VICTORIA WILLIAMS
ANDREWMELBOURNE
LEANNE BOULDING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
MANAGING DIRECTOR
FINANCE DIRECTOR
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
JOE BULL REGIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CHRIS DARROUX REGIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
MARTIN BAARS REGIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
ANDRE FUNNELL REGIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
NEIL SMITH REGIONAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Each of our Directors and Associate Directors carry a wealth of industry experience and are dedicated to providing you with a professional and friendly service.
The Knightsbridge team are committed to offering our clients a superior service through a focus on continual staff training and development. The Knightsbridge team are vastly experienced and qualified in all areas of business sales, providing you with market leading advice and guidance from the initial meeting right through to the sale of your business.
Our marketing and advertising power will ensure that your business is placed in front of as many suitable buyers as possible, maximising interest and, ultimately, getting the best value for you. Our efforts have been recognised through the achievement of the Investors In People accreditation.
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MEET THE TEAM
NIALL THOMAS SALES MANAGER
ALLISON CRANE
SAM JAMES CLIENT MANAGER
ELLIOT GRANT SENIOR CLIENT MANAGER
PAIGE TITLEY CLIENT MANAGER
CLIENT MANAGER
PAIGE BRINDLE SALES NEGOTIATOR
GARETH SMYTH MARKETING MANAGER
DEBBIE COLLEY MARKETING EXECUTIVE
SARA MANVILLE SENIOR SALES NEGOTIATOR
MATT HURFORD CLIENT MANAGER
SHEILA MCBURNIE CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER
CHLOE MCNULTY ADMINISTRATOR
MICHELLE PALIN ADMINISTRATOR
LYN DEVONPORT
CARMEN WONG DOCUMENT WRITER
CLIENT LIAISON
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OUR PANEL OF LEGAL ADVISERS
Knightsbridge Business Sales is the only true national broker to offer the option of inclusive legal fees relating to the sale of a business
We work with a carefully selected panel of solicitors, allowing us to offer preferential rates for the legal services of our nominated providers within our fee structure. This means that only one inclusive fee is paid on the completion of the transaction, and there are no abort costs in the unfortunate instance where a sale does not complete in the final stages because a buyer pulls out at the eleventh hour. The solicitors we work with are experienced in handling all legal aspects of the business sale process and will guide you throughout each stage of the deal, from the protection of confidential information to agreeing the key terms of the purchase agreement, including the appropriate indemnities, warranties and disclosures. Through a solution focused, pragmatic and proactive approach to the transaction, our chosen panel of solicitors will provide you with clear and straightforward advice to smoothly guide you through any issues that may arise. They add value at every stage of the deal by thoroughly understanding the key objectives of the transaction from our client’s objectives.
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Knightsbridge have worked with hundreds of solicitors over the last few years and have used that experience to build a panel of the most knowledgeable and well respected firms. If you engage with our services, you are assured that the sale will be handled by an experienced and successful broker, with legal representation from a respected law firm.
The benefits to you
They provide the highest level of specialist expertise, delivered in a clear and flexible way.
They have experience working with a wide range of clients in different sectors.
They take ownership of issues and develop solutions.
They anticipate problem areas and present them appropriately to a buyer, remaining in control of the transaction right up until the day of completion.
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EPC s EXPLAINED
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for non domestic buildings is an EPC rating of E. The rating is based on CO 2 emissions for both domestic and non-domestic properties.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate? An Energy performance Certificate (EPC) rates a building in terms of its capability to use energy efficiently. The building is rated on a scale of A–G. The rating is produced based on the building’s CO 2 emissions per m 2 of floor area and provides details of where the building’s energy is being used. Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate? It is an offence to construct, sell or lease a building without providing an Energy Performance Certificate to potential tenants, owners or occupiers. When will I need an Energy Performance Certificate? Since April 2012, it has been a requirement by law to commission an Energy Performance Certificate within 7 days of marketing the business for sale. A futher 21 days is allowed if, after using all reasonable efforts, the EPC cannot be obtained within 7 days.
How often will I need an Energy Performance Certificate? Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years, regardless of whether the building is re-sold, re-leased or re-let within this time period. What are the consequences of not getting an Energy Performance Certificate? Knightsbridge Business Sales cannot, by law, conclude or begin a transaction until an EPC is in place. How do I obtain an Energy Performance Certificate? In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only an accredited commercial energy assessor can supply a valid Energy Performance Certificate and recommendation report. Knightsbridge has negotiated favourable rates for our clients through nationwide suppliers. For further information about Energy Performance Certificates, please call us on 01204 555080.
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Unlike many other firms, Knightsbridge do not add commission on top of the cost of obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate. We can, however, point you in the direction of a reputable firm, allowing us to focus entirely on the task at hand, which is selling your business for maximum value.
Victoria Williams, Managing Director
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YOUR BUSINESS VALUATION
With an increasing number of buyers registering their interest to buy a business, it is important to receive an accurate valuation that reflects how much your business may be worth on the open market. The factors on the page opposite play an important role in determining your market value. Only after meeting with you and carrying out a full assessment will we be in a position to advise you accurately on the likely range of values that can be achieved. We can then give you specific guidance on a relevant marketing package to achieve this. Our process allows for an asking price to be advertised and tested, with feedback from interested parties discussed in detail with you.
No obligation meeting As a trusted sales broker, we offer a free, no obligation business valuation with one of our experienced Associate Directors, who can provide you with an expected value range, based on understanding a wide variety of factors listed on the page opposite. The valuation meeting will include:
Introduction to Knightsbridge Deals completed in your sector Understanding your business
Our buyer reach explained Our service promises Your business valuation
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Each Associate Director can explain what important factors buyers are currently looking for in your sector and area, as well as providing guidance on what to expect throughout the process.
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value of fixtures / fittings
customer loyalty
trading history
quality of staff
lease / rent conditions
trading location
strength of the brand
sector demand
financial performance
future potential
supplier relationships
online presence
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Pharmacie Café Pizzeria is a well-established take-away pizzeria and café and has been in the ownership of our client for 20 years. The business benefits from a great location and the property has undergone a recent refurbishment. Pharmacie Cafe Pizzeria also offers huge potential for growth. The current shareholder instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of their business to enable them to move away from the business. Pharmacie Café Pizzeria proved highly popular and attracted 25 interested parties and six offers. The final offer came from a private buyer who will reopen the business and continue to trade after implementing some small changes. KNIGHTSBRIDGE OVERSEES SALE OF PHARMACIE CAFE PIZZERIA IN SIX MONTHS
LICENSED & LEISURE COMPLETIONS
THE UNION INN
ASHOVER BREWERY LIMITED
SUITE STAYZZZ
£46,000 LEASEHOLD
£126,000 LEASEHOLD
£385,000 LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
HIGHLAND RESERVE HOTEL
AWAY2DINE LIMITED
CHEEKY MONKEES LIMITED
KNIGHTSBRIDGE ADVISES ON SALE OF WHITE HEATHER HOTEL
£60,000
£50,000 FREEHOLD
UNDISCLOSED SOLD LEASEHOLD
White Heather Hotel, based in Cumbria, is a large freehold property that caters for a range of special occasions in a spacious function space. The hotel benefits from a larger carpark that can hold up to 400 cars. The current shareholder instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of White Heather Hotel in order to enable their retirement plans. Knightsbridge was able to generate high levels of interest with the successful offer coming from a private buyer. Following completion, the hotel will continue to operate as an events venue.
RELOCATABLE
SOLD
SOLD
ATLANIS SWIM SCHOOL
BLACKROOT BISTRO LIMITED
HIGHLAND RESERVE VILLAS
£580,000 LEASEHOLD
£60,000
£170,000 RELOCATABLE
RELOCATABLE
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF KINGFISHER HEALTH CLUB
HEALTH & BEAUTY COMPLETIONS
Kingfisher Health Club is a family run business that prides itself in looking after its members, offering a non-intimidating atmosphere and maintaining high standards. The health club is based in the North West and has 1,750 members. Kingfisher Health Club is well established and benefits from an on-site swimming pool. The current shareholders instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of their business to facilitate their retirement plans. The successful offer came from a private buyer who intents to continue to grow the business.
FEEL HOT YOGA
MARK JOHN BARBERING
KINGFISHER HEALTH CLUB
£23,000 LEASEHOLD
£225,000 LEASEHOLD
£320,000
LEASEOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
MJS HAIR AND BEAUTY
WORLD GYM
PROSTYLES LIMITED
Established in 2012, MJ’s Hair and Beauty offers an extensive range of specialist treatments, based in Newport, South Wales. Over the years the salon has developed an excellent reputation including being a finalist in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards in 2014, going on to win the award in the following year. The owner of MJ’s Hair and Beauty approached Knightsbridge with the sale of their business due to a change in personal circumstances. The successful offer came from a private buyer as part of their current expansion plans. KNIGHTSBRIDGE OVERSEES SALE OF MJ’S HAIR AND BEAUTY
UNDISCLOSED SOLD RELOCATABLE
£172,00 LEASEHOLD
£125,000 RELOCATABLE
SOLD
SOLD
PIP BOX LTD
JHQ HAIR
DAISY’S BEAUTY HOUSE LIMITED
£20,000 LEASEHOLD
£66,000
£25,000 LEASEHOLD
RELOCATABLE
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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Busy Little Bees is a well-established childcare provider, which operates across two leasehold sites and accommodates 203 children. The current shareholders approached Knightsbridge with the sale of their nurseries to enable further growth whilst allowing the current owner will take a step back from the day-to-day running. The opportunity proved highly popular with an offer being received within the first month of Busy Little Bees coming to market. The successful offer came from a private buyer. KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF BUSY LITTLE BEES WITHIN SIX MONTHS
CARE & CHILDCARE COMPLETIONS
STICKY FINGERS
365 CHILDMINDING LIMITED £90,000
CHILDRENS ARK DAY NURSERY
UNDISCLOSED SOLD FREEHOLD
£120,000 LEASEEHOLD
LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
QUANTUM DOMICILLIARY CARE LIMITED £90,000
EDDIE CATZ
LITTLE MONSTERS
The company provides educational outdoor activity programmes. From their freehold property based in Wales the company offers a variety of programmes including residential trips, activity days and Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. The shareholders instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of their business. Knightsbridge was able to generate a number of viewings. The successful offer came from Fairways, who intend to grow the business further. The previous shareholders will remain with the company post-completion as an employee. KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF OUT DOOR ACTIVITY PROVIDER
£120,000 LEASEHOLD
£59,950 FREEHOLD
LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
VILLAGE HOUSE NURSERY
COLOUR BOX MONTESSORI
CHASE HOUSE LIMITED
£4,000,000
£52,000 FREEHOLD
£71,500 LEASEHOLD
FREEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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A&C Vehicle Services is a well-established company which specialises in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. The company has been trading since 1993, and benefits from a great location and large property. The shareholders of A&C Vehicle Services, Andrew and Carole Jackson, instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of their business in order to facilitate their retirement plans. The opportunity attracted five viewings and two competing offers. The final offer came from a trade buyer. The acquisition will enable the buyer to ensure further growth of A&C Vehicle Services. Knightsbridge Oversees Sale of A&C Vehicle Services
MOTOR RELATED COMPLETIONS
RELIANCE AUTO TEST
BUTLER & CO LIMITED
SEYMOUR HIRE LIMITED
UNDISCLOSED SOLD FREEHOLD
£150,000 LEASEHOLD
£185,000 LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
ATHERTON CAR SAFETY CENTRE
LU CAR & VAN RENTAL
GERRYDOVERMAN LIMITED
Knightsbridge Completes Sale of Best Autocentres Ltd
£380,000 FREEHOLD
£150,000 LEASEHOLD
UNDISCLOSED SOLD RELOCATABLE
SBest Autocentres Limited is a well-established motor vehicle service centre based in the south of England, which specialises in MOTs, maintenance and servicing. The business was founded in 2003 and incorporated in the same year. Derek Smith, the shareholder of Best Autocentres Ltd, approached Knightsbridge with the sale of their business in order to facilitate their retirement plans. The company attracted five viewings which resulted in successful offer from The Figaro Shop. Post completion Derek Smith will retain a 10% share in the business and Best Autocentres Ltd will continue to operate as it currently does.
SOLD
SOLD
DIDCOT AUTO CENTRE LIMITED
DRB CAR SPARES AND ACCESSORIES
JOCK SERGISON GARAGES LIMITED
£100,000 LEASEHOLD
UNDISCLOSED SOLD £250,000
UNDISCLOSED SOLD LEASEHOLD
SOLD
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KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF TOTON FISH BAR
CATERING COMPLETIONS
Toton Fish Bar was established over 30 years ago and is a popular fish and chip shop. The fish and chip shop have built an excellent reputation by delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality food, building a loyal and repeat customer base. The current shareholders instructed Knightsbridge with sale of their business in order to focus on other unrelated business interests. The opportunity attracted 121 enquiries, 13 viewings and four offers. The successful offer came from Ali Ismail and his wife, who intend to operate the business themselves.
ITALIAN EXPRESS WORSLEY LIMITED
APRICOT MERINGUE LIMITED UNDISCLOSED SOLD RELOCATABLE
THE OLD BAKERY TEAROOM LTD
£350,000 LEASEHOLD
£38,000 LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
MEEPLE MAYHEM
WINCHELSEA BEACH CAFE
THE PAVILLION CAFÉ
S W Doughty is a well-established traditional butchers and abattoir based in Kent. The company was established in 1919 and was acquired by the current owners in 1996. The current shareholder approached Knightsbridge with the sale of their business to facilitate their retirement plans. The opportunity attracted five interested parties and two competing offers. The final offer came from Duncan Anderson of Holts Farm who currently provide the meat sold by the butchers. The acquisition will enable the farm to provide a full farm to fork service. KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF S W DOUGHTY
£40,000 FREEHOLD
£450,000 FREEHOLD
£70,000 LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
STRATLEAF LIMITED T/A BELEAF £76,000 LEASEHOLD
S W DOUGHTY BUTCHERS
PHARMACIE CAFÉ PIZZERIA
£85,000 LEASEHOLD
£42,500 LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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RETAIL COMPLETIONS
KNIGHTSBRIDGE COMPLETES SALE OF BROOM OFF LICENCE
Broom Off Licence is a well-established and successful business that has been trading for over 100 years. It has been in the hands of the current owner for over 45 years. The shop is located in a residential area and benefits from a loyal and repeat customer base. The current shareholder instructed Knightsbridge with the sale of their business in order to realise their retirement plans. The sale attracted 12 interested parties and three competing offers. The successful offer came from a husband and wife team, as a bolt on to their existing group of convenience stores in the area.
BROOMS EXPRESS
PHONE PARTS EXPRESS
CRAFTHOUSE COFFEE
UNDISCLOSED SOLD LEASEHOLD
£1,000,000
UNDISCLOSED SOLD LEASEHOLD
LEASEHOLD
SOLD
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OVERSEES SALE OF ACALA ONLINE LIMITED
TANTRA LIMITED
INCE POST OFFICE
DT BAIT DEVELOPMENT LIMITED £70,000
UNDISCLOSED SOLD LEASEHOLD
£50,000 LEASEHOLD
Acala Online Limited is an e-commerce business which offers an extensive range of natural, organic and vegan health and beauty products from several leading brands. The opportunity attracted six viewings and two competing offers. The successful offer came from Essential Care (Organics) Ltd, as a bolt on acquisition. Abi Weeds, of Essential Care (Organics) Ltd, commented on the process: “Knightsbridge provide relevant business opportunities and IMs are clear and well presented. Everyone who has contacted me has been highly responsive, professional, friendly, and provided swift answers from their clients.”
LEASEHOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SHAH’S NEWSAGENTS
SONALITY
WE ARE HALF HUMAN LTD
£60,000 LEASEHOLD
£158,000 RELOCATABLE
£50,000
RELOCATABLE
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL SALE
knightsbridge website
printed media
online portals
social media
matching and emailing system
research
e-magazine
professional network
multiple and corporate buyers
buyer mailshots
vendor intelligence
for sale board
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“
We put our shop for sale with Knightsbridge as they were the most professional out of the agents we contacted. The phone was answered immediately and if they were busy they always called us back straight after. The number of viewers sent by them was incredible. Sara Manville and the team are knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and professional and we felt like friends by the time the deal was completed. Our shop had a number of offers quite quickly and in the end, it was between two buyers. Jeannie and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Knightsbridge if you have a business to sell. Sharon Cawdron, Lunchmate
”
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PRESENTING YOUR BUSINESS At any one time, there are thousands of businesses for sale on the open market. Knightsbridge Business Sales understands that in order for your business to stand out, it is essential that it is presented in the best possible light. We take care to produce high-quality presentational documents, each detail of which is carefully considered and reviewed. Each of our clients is assigned a skilled and dedicated document writer, who will work closely with you to ensure that each document is approved to deliver maximum impact in the market.
In a highly competitive market, it is of the utmost importance that your business stands out from the rest. That’s why we place great emphasis on presentational material, as well as placing it in front of more buyers than any other broker. Our various presentation packages ensure that we have a marketing strategy tailored to each individual business, highlighting the salient points of the business and emphasising any potential opportunities for growth and expansion.
Matthew Bourton, Head of Documentation
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information memorandum
sales particulars
enhanced brochures
advert wording
This is the most popular selling document and provides a detailed insight into a business. This document will include both commercial and financial information and will highlight the key attributes of the business for sale such as the company overview, information on the location and premises, trading hours, customer base and financial profile. These documents are primarily designed for retail, catering, beauty and licensed and leisure businesses.
We would recommend a detailed and professional enhanced brochure for businesses with a quirky, modern or aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior. This document will provide comprehensive information regarding the key selling points of the business, its financial profile and in-depth information on the location and premises. Also featured are a number of high-quality images.
The Information Memorandum (IM) is our most comprehensive selling document. It is most suited and relevant for businesses with highly detailed operational information, which is presented together with forward looking projections and current management information. This fully bespoke document is carefully considered and our Document Writers will look to work with you in order to create a fully tailored and personalised document.
We advertise across an array of publications all over the UK and online. Our marketing team can create a bespoke, distinctive and fully optimised advertisement to highlight the key selling points whilst maintaining the confidentiality of your business, if required. This document highlights the key selling points, financial profile and customer base of the company, as well as potential growth opportunities.
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focus e-magazine
buyer mailshots
PROACTIVE TARGETING
With a regular circulation in excess of 50,000, our quarterly e-magazine is distributed amongst our registered buyers, as well as trade acquirers, institutional buyers and private equity / venture capitalists. The publication showcases all new to-market opportunities, as well as the latest ‘star businesses’ and price reductions. The e-magazine provides buyers with a range of available businesses as soon as they become available and often generates instant interest in a business.
Our research team is able to identify potential buyers from within your trade sector or geographical area. This proactive method, which targets over 50,000 potential acquirers each year, finds ‘off market’ buyers who perhaps were not actively looking to acquire until we place an opportunity in front of them. For many corporate / commercial businesses, the ideal buyer is often an existing business that has the financial ability to expand its portfolio, and a targeted mailshot campaign is often the quickest way to capture their attention.
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Each month, there are in excess of 100,000 online searches from buyers in the UK, looking for businesses for sale. We place an immense focus on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), which is the activity of ensuring your business opportunity can easily be found in search engines for words and phrases relevant to what is on offer. This investment ensures that we are appearing high up in the most popular UK search engines and are connecting with highly active buyers at all times throughout the day.
Our own website receives around 100,000 visitors each year, generating over 40,000 page views per month. Our straightforward search criteria allows visitors to narrow down their search by area, price, sector and sub sector, meaning the right buyers are directed to your business. The Knightsbridge website features sections dedicated to newly instructed businesses, those which are reduced in price and our weekly ‘star businesses’. As the Knightsbridge website is advertised heavily across all media, it provides us with hundreds of enquiries from active buyers each month.
Our industry leading system, which includes thousands of registered buyers, matches the attributes and salient points of your business against the requirements of the buyers already registered. The system then automatically alerts the buyer of the opportunity by email. This also occurs when any business details are amended or the asking price is changed, so that potential buyers are immediately aware of these changes. We send almost 1 million email matches to interested buyers each year, which are highly successful in proactively targeting buyers who we know are actively seeking opportunities.
If authorised to do so, we will advertise your business across our social media platforms, which are proving increasingly popular with buyers. The rise in the popularity of social media gives us access to many forms of buyer types and allows us to actively push opportunities to them. Our social media activity includes LinkedIn, and Twitter. Each of these platforms generates thousands of impressions each month resulting in more exposure for your business.
online exposure
our website
matching & emailing
social media
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“
I would just like to thank you for your hard work in making sure that the sale went ahead. I feel such relief in knowing that the business I owned for over 35 years is now in the safe hands of a new owner. I had been hoping to retire soon, and I was dreading the fact that my boys would have to sort out the sale of my business eventually if I didn’t organise it myself. So, the phone call that I received from Knightsbridge, asking whether I was thinking of selling the business, really couldn’t have come at a better time. Knightsbridge handled the sale with professionalism, and kept me up to date throughout the process at all times. I have no hesitation in recommending Knightsbridge to anyone looking to sell their business in the future. I’m sure that the new owner will continue to grow Border Bookshop in the years to come. I wish them all the best, and once again, thank Knightsbridge for all their help and assistance during the sale process. Our client, Borders Bookshop
”
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Although ‘For Sale’ boards are not suitable for every client, they can be highly effective in generating interest from the local community. ‘For Sale’ boards often bring buyers to the table who would not come from any other source. Generally, businesses with a ‘For Sale’ board receive more enquiries than those without and, as long as you have no confidentiality restrictions around the sale of your business, we would highly recommend them. Our modern boards can be erected at a later stage, if you feel it is necessary further into the process.
PRINTED MEDIA Knightsbridge undertake advertising in publications from local, regional and national press to trade specific media and directories, when applicable.
printed media
‘for sale’ boards
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research team
multiple buyers
professional network
OUR NETWORK
Our dedicated research team utilise the latest business intelligence software to target buyers for your business and is particularly useful where we expect the buyer to be from within the trade. The research team attract potential companies that have the appetite and financial means to make a strategic acquisition. Our researchers can access financial information on over 4.5 million UK companies, allowing us to identify an array of buyers who may be interested in your business. We will target their company directors by phone, post or email to determine whether an acquisition is of interest. acquirers to your business by proactively targeting existing
We retain a database of over 10,000 professional contacts who represent active purchasers for businesses across all sectors. These contacts include advisers, accountants, lawyers and investment groups, many of whom we have developed long-standing relationships with. We communicate with these advisers on a regular basis, detailing relevant opportunities that may be of interest to their clients.
We maintain contact with a variety of ‘multiple’ buyers such as supermarkets, restaurant chains, pub chains and other retail chains who may be looking for smaller businesses to enlarge their portfolio, or land and premises for development opportunities. We retain information on their specific requirements, so in certain circumstances, where we both agree that this type of buyer is right for your business, we will inform them of the opportunity and the potential it offers them.
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“
Your agency has been extremely helpful to complete the purchase of the vacant property, previously trading as Westleigh Residential Care Home. I have had a brilliant service from the very first point of contact, right through until the sale was completed. I unreservedly recommend Knightsbridge Business Sales to anyone looking for a potential business, due to their professionalism when dealing with myself and fellow parties throughout the completion process. Tariq, Westleigh Residential Care Home
”
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Each of our Directors and Associate Directors carry a wealth of industry experience and are dedicated to providing you with a professional and friendly service. Every member of our team works closely together in order to determine the most suitable way to approach the sale of your business. Our Associate Directors are local to your business, which ensures local knowledge is combined with the exposure available from a national broker. Matt Clancy, Director
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MANAGING THE PROCESS Knightsbridge Business Sales places an immense importance on ensuring that your expectations have been met throughout the process, which is why we assist you all the way through to completion. We can introduce you to suitable solicitors and can even include legal fees within our fee structure, so that you know the full extent of fees payable upon completion of the sale.
Knightsbridge Business Sales will assist the buyer wherever possible with legal, accountancy and financial partners to ensure a smooth process. It is important to remember that some buyers have never purchased a business before and part of our service is to provide them with the necessary help and guidance to complete a transaction. Our team will also help you with all the required paperwork and assist with ‘Heads of Agreement’, which is where the main details of the sale are agreed in writing by both parties. Our process ensures that momentum is maintained throughout and pre-agreed timelines are adhered to, but above all, that your expectations are met and your objectives delivered by our team.
Our team of dedicated negotiators will maintain regular dialogue between all parties involved, during each stage of the process, from the receiving of offers to assisting with the legal and financial aspect of the sale. Once offers are received, our team will evaluate and discuss them, in order to determine whether they meet your expectations, and negotiate the best possible terms for you. Upon a buyer requesting a meeting, our team will also provide advice and assistance to prepare you for typical questions and scenarios, to ensure that the true benefits of your business are understood.
HASSLE FREE APPROACH
It is vital that such an important transaction is installed in the hands of a negotiation team who can be trusted to lead the sales process on your behalf and allow you to concentrate on running your business.
The experience and skills of our advisers can help to ensure that you do not get unnecessarily ‘caught up’ in what can be a time consuming process.
Leanne Boulding, Operations Director
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OUR OFFICES
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Birmingham
Glasgow
Leeds
Turnberry House 175 West George Street Glasgow G2 2LB
Workspace Hub, Northgate 118 North Street Leeds Yorkshire LS2 7PN leeds@knightsbridgeplc.com
Spaces, Lewis Building 35 Bull Street Birmingham B4 6EQ
glasgow @knightsbridgeplc.com
birmingham@knightsbridgeplc.com
Bristol
London
KBS House 5 Springfeld Court Summerfield Road Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 2NT sales@knightsbridgeplc.com
3rd Floor, Vintry Building Wine Street Bristol BS1 2BD
High Holborn House London WC1V 6RL
Head Office
bristol@knightsbridgeplc.com
london@knightsbridgeplc.com
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KBS House 5 Springfeld Court Summerfield Road Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 2NT 01204 555 080
sales@knightsbridgeplc.com www.knightsbridgeplc.com
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