Arranged marriages are good for your business

Today, the M&A climate is undoubtedly difficult. The recent disposal of a large, diverse plastics and packaging company proves, however, that it is still possible to complete major transactions fast and efficiently while satisfying the priorities of both the shareholders and the businesses involved.

Our Corporate Finance practice recently led the search for a new financial partner for one of the few major UK-based manufacturers still wholly in private hands. Although it was a top quality international business, the current shareholders felt that it was time to consider a new ownership structure which would better meet the future demands of the business. The entire transaction was successfully completed in less than six months with a large, private equity house taking the majority stake. Even more importantly, according to the group’s executive chairman, it found "a financial partner wholly in sympathy with the values and strategy of our company".