Renews Ltd, an established digital publishing company in the renewable energy sector, was successfully operated by its two founders for over 20 years. In 2023, following the retirement of one of the founders, the owners decided to evaluate options for the future including a range of potential routes to exit.
Selecting the Right Corporate Finance Partner
The partners reached out to a trusted friend with expertise in mergers and acquisitions for guidance on seeking a tailored corporate service better geared to the size of Renews than the large commercial agents. They were advised to engage a boutique corporate finance firm that would prioritise their long-term goals and deliver a more personal experience aligned with their needs.
Based on their accountant’s recommendation, the partners approached The MGroup Corporate Finance team. The MGroup proposed beginning with a Business Exit Review, a step that aligned perfectly with the owners’ desire to explore and understand all potential exit options, rather than defaulting to a single, restrictive strategy. This approach gave the partners the confidence that their needs and goals would drive the process.
The MGroup Approach
The MGroup team immediately set themselves apart with their commitment to understanding the business, its culture and the specific objectives of the owners. They took the time to identify prospective buyers who not only had the resources to complete a transaction but also aligned with the values and vision of Renews Ltd. This level of care was critical to the owners, who wanted to ensure a smooth transition for their loyal team and their client base.
Throughout the process, the MGroup team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and attention to detail. Their ability to collaborate with trusted partners further enhanced the experience, introducing the owners to an experienced lawyer who complemented their approach perfectly, creating a cohesive and effective team to support the transaction.
The business owners highlighted Geoff and Sandie from The MGroup for their outstanding contributions. Geoff’s work ethic, professionalism, and personal commitment stood out, providing reassurance during what can often be a stressful process. Sandie’s expertise and collaborative style, especially during the due diligence phase, ensured that every detail was managed effectively.
The Outcome
Thanks to The MGroup’s efforts, Renews Ltd was successfully acquired by Lewis Business Media, a buyer whose culture and strategic goals aligned with the values of the company. The transaction was completed smoothly.
Reflecting on the experience, the business owners expressed their gratitude for The MGroup’s support. They noted that the process felt fair, transparent, and aligned with their original objectives. The owners felt they received value for the fees paid and a level of service that exceeded their expectations.
Conclusion
The sale of Renews Ltd exemplifies the importance of choosing the right corporate finance partner. By working with The MGroup Corporate Finance team, the founders were able to achieve a successful exit that respected their goals, the company’s culture, and their long-term vision.
The business owners highly recommend The MGroup Corporate Finance for their expertise, professionalism, and personalised approach. Co-owner Dan Rigden said:
“I couldn’t have wished for a better team supporting the deal. The MGroup team certainly earned their fee, and I’m grateful for their efforts. They were professional, approachable, and worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for us. Their dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for our long-term goals were evident from start to finish. I would recommend Geoff and his team without hesitation to anyone considering an exit.”
Geoff Pinder, Partner at The MGroup Corporate Finance said:
“At The MGroup Corporate Finance, we pride ourselves on delivering a personal, tailored approach to every deal. With Renews Ltd, we started with our Business Exit Review, which is designed to help business owners explore all available options and clarify their strategic goals on a business and personal level. This step was crucial in aligning the founders’ long-term vision with the right exit strategy. By understanding their priorities from the start, and building a close working relationship, we were able to identify the right buyer and negotiate a deal that reflected their values. It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated and thoughtful business owners.”
If you would like to find out more about how The MGroup Corporate Finance can support your business exit, please contact Geoff Pinder: g.pinder@themegroup.co.uk