Inform Magazine

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ave you ever put yourself in the shoes of a potential business acquirer rather than solely as a seller?

“We also introduced Innov8 Spotlight, our internal staff benefits programme that aims to not only introduce new benefits available to the Innov8 family, but to bring everyone together now we are on this rapid growth journey. “Some of our benefits include the electric car scheme, and the onsite EV facilities are free for our employees. We think showing we care about our employees is so important and we will always look to continue to add additional benefits to ensure they know how valued they are. “As Innov8 has grown, we are set to go through the 100-employee threshold in the next few months and we are looking at adopting some more socially-conscious choices – sponsoring events within the local community and we will continue to be an environmentally-conscious business as our carbon footprint is super-important to us. “In terms of future acquisitions, we know a lot of the industry partners but that famous ‘culture is key’ motto will continue to play an

Understanding a buyer’s motivations and objectives, and weighing them up alongside your own as a potential seller, can help considerably to ensure both parties are aligned in terms of achieving the mutually desired end result. Of course, at KBS Corporate we do everything we can to make certain every transaction in which we are involved is completed as smoothly and harmoniously as possible. However, there is no better way of learning just what makes an acquisitive company tick than to hear it from the buyer themselves – and Innov8 Technology is an ideal example. Innov8 is an award-winning, Stockport-based provider of business software and IT throughout the UK. With our help, the company bought Wharncliffe Business Systems Ltd, a fellow leading Sage Business Partner and

technology provider to add another important vertical solution to their portfolio. Carl Maher, Managing Director of Innov8, gave us an insight into the key acquisition factors for his company. “There are lots of motivators that drive the decision to acquire,” said Carl. “For Innov8, our driving motivation is growth to get further, faster. That need or want to get further, faster has heightened as time has gone on in order to get Innov8 to where I want it to be in its journey. “In the world of Sage, we are currently viewed by the big five or six Sage Partners as one

important factor for us – the culture has to marry well with that of Innov8.” Returning to our original question at the beginning, let’s put the boot on the other foot and ask Carl for the advice he would offer to someone planning to sell their business. The watchword? “Preparation,” he stated. “Having an advisor is completely necessary as it ensures sellers are better informed ahead of time for what can be a lengthy process. “When you think most people only sell a business

“Having an advisor is completely necessary as it ensures sellers are better informed ahead of time for what can be a lengthy process."

of the chasing pack – which is great, and it also really matters in terms of gravitas. We are constantly assessing the room, so to speak. “As we get to our next objective, which is to be at a revenue of £20m in the next two years, acquisitions will play a big part in getting us there. When we get there, we will stop and assess the room once more. Who will be in the room then? What will that partner community look like? I’m always thinking ‘what’s next?’” For both seller and buyer, the futures of staff who are being directly impacted by the change of ownership has to be another hugely important consideration. “Naturally, with the cost of living and inflation, employees are looking to their employers more and more to close the gap, and employers want to do all they can whilst making sure it’s viable without compromising the business. It’s a tricky balancing act,” explained Carl.

once or twice, it just makes sense to have an advisor there to make sure a potential transaction flows with less potential for hiccups. We loved working with KBS on the Wharncliffe deal - having an advisor is absolutely necessary for a seller. “As I mentioned earlier, our objective to be at £20m revenue in the next two years will be at the forefront of our plans and no doubt we will look to KBS to keep us in mind for the right targets that align to help us realise those plans.” If you are considering acquiring a business yourself, you can get in touch with us to ensure you will be kept informed of relevant opportunities when they become available. Phone: 01204 555 058 Email: info@kbscorporate.com

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