In this instalment, the fourth of our 10 blog series, we will discuss the importance of brand values.

Benchmark International has advised on the successful sale of PDC Utility Services Limited (PDC) to Siteserv Group (Siteserv), in a deal which bolsters the industrial services division of its subsidiary, Deborah Services Limited (DSL), for an undisclosed fee.

In the third instalment of our 10-blog series about the steps business owners may wish to consider when working toward maximising value and saleability, we look at some of the external and internal factors at play:

We’re pleased to bring you the second instalment of our 10-part blog series about the steps you can take to improve your business in the eyes of an acquirer, before taking it to market:

Over the course of a 10-blog series, we will highlight the key steps business owners should take in order to maximise the value and saleability of their business. Industry specialist and founder of ‘Prepare to Sell’, Richard Wright, advises 10 key steps.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the successful sale of Michael Robb (Accountancy and Taxation Services) Limited to JM Taylor Limited.

The Aberdeen-based company Michael Robb (Accountancy and Taxation Services) was established in 1998 as a one-man business catering for all the needs of small to medium sized business, including accountancy, taxation, VAT, and payroll services. The continued success and growth of the Company has meant constant additions to staff, which now numbers five.

The acquirer, JM Taylor Limited, offers financial and accountancy services to the local business community. Established in 1978, JM Taylor has vast experience and acts as accounts/business consultants and independent advisers to circa 2,000 clients, both large and small.

The Company is ideally located for this acquisition as it has offices in three locations in the north east of Scotland, Aberdeen, Ellon & Blackburn.

Discussing the deal, Benchmark International Chief Operations Officer, James Thornton noted, “The opportunity generated 38 interested parties, resulting in two firm offers.

“With two competing offers providing a competitive atmosphere surrounding the deal, our client was afforded the opportunity to select an acquirer which would best suit his objectives and those he holds for the company.

“The timeframe in which the deal was completed is also worthy of note, just over eight months from the initial marketing phase being undertaken. On behalf of everyone involved at Benchmark International, I would like to wish them all the best for the future.”

For several years, Private Equity firms have been slowly shifting their focus toward sub-$50 million acquisition opportunities. These smaller acquisitions offer bolt-on opportunities for firms to integrate into their current portfolios, and also represent reduced risk for firms still wary of over exposing themselves following the uncertainty of the past few years.

Benchmark International will sponsor ACG Intergrowth 2015, held at the Waldorf Astoria Resort, Orlando Florida, 13-15 April.