Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jamil shares his journey from a career as a paramedic to owning a $4.5 million revenue business without using his own money. He explains his decision to leave a lucrative corporate career to pursue business acquisitions, detailing his process of selecting and acquiring a business in the fire safety sector, which is recession-resistant and ripe for innovation. Jamil describes the negotiations and the structuring of the deal that involved retaining some equity for the sellers. He also discusses the importance of joining Mastermind for guidance and networking, ultimately emphasising the value of investing in self-education for successful business acquisitions. Key moments 01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities 02:10 Meet Jamil: A Successful Acquisition Story 03:00 Jamil's Background and Journey 09:30 Choosing the Right Business Sector 13:19 The Acquisition Process 22:58 Negotiating the Deal Structure 23:48 Justifying Personal Investment 24:58 Finalizing the Agreement 26:19 The Importance of Immediate Action 28:10 Reflecting on the Journey 29:01 Navigating Deal Changes 32:39 Securing Financing 37:41 Completion Day Challenges 39:27 Post-Completion Reflections 39:47 The Value of Mastermind   ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan continues his discussion with Cara as she shares her experience of expanding her salon business from a few part-time staff to a seven-location enterprise. Cara discusses the challenges faced post-acquisition, including managing staff behaviour, implementing new management structures, and overcoming initial cash flow issues. She emphasises the importance of having a solid company structure, HR, and finance management to ensure smooth operations. Cara also highlights the benefits of rapid business growth through acquisitions, allowing her to reduce the financial stresses of organic growth. Finally, she encourages listeners to consider joining the Mastermind program, attributing her success partly to the structured guidance it offers. Key moments 01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities 01:44 Cara's Business Journey: Part 2 02:51 Post-Acquisition Challenges 04:51 Implementing Management and HR Solutions 07:02 Financial Management and Centralization 21:35 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 24:59 The Value of Mastermind Program 27:01 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan Jay talks with Cara, a successful student of his Mastermind program. Initially owning a single beauty salon with an annual revenue of £150,000, Cara expanded to seven salons with a revenue of £1.3 million in just over a year. Cara shares her journey of buying businesses without hefty initial investments, her strategy for growth, and the personal transformation she underwent through the process. The discussion highlights key insights into negotiating deals, leveraging marketing strategies, and navigating the challenges of business expansion. Cara emphasizes the significance of mindset, strategic planning, and the network benefits provided by the Mastermind group in achieving business success. Key moments 01:23 Upcoming Events and Opportunities 02:21 Introducing Cara's Success Story 02:41 Cara's Journey: From One Salon to Seven 04:56 The First Deal: No Money Down 10:05 Challenges and Growth in Business Acquisition 15:35 Transition to Delegation 16:16 Personal Growth and Leadership 18:55 Future Plans and Ambitions 19:40 Mindset and Overcoming Doubts 21:32 The Power of Networking 24:06 Evolving Deal-Making Skills 28:37 Facing Challenges and Staying Resilient 29:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.