Acquiring, Merging and Disposing
Proven experience is a vital ingredient of any corporate transaction since the act of acquiring or merging a business can be fraught with risk. Similarly, disposal of a company should represent a final reward for years of business achievement. In practice, often because the principle fails to obtain specialist tactical advice, the business fails to realise the best outcome.

Our clients never venture alone into the negotiating chamber and with our partners spearheading their attack, they can feel confident of tackling any business problem successfully.

Buying-out and Buying-in
Although we have advised upon many Management Buy-outs and Management Buy-ins, we guard constantly against becoming complacent about the unique attributes of each transaction. We understand that for individual management teams, their buy-out or buy-in is often the biggest career decision they will ever take. With Houghton Stone, absolute diligence at all times is guaranteed and our commitment and experience are reflected in demonstrable successes in the marketplace.

Raising Equity Capital
As beneficiaries of strategic equity investment, companies frequently go forward to achieve their true potential. We have an acknowledged ability to raise support from a wide range of equity houses. In negotiating the terms of investment, our partners are skilled at positioning our clients to obtain the best available deal.

Structuring Debt
We are regularly involved in discussions with banks and other debt-providing institutions on our clients' behalf. Usually, these encounters concern the provision of optimum, gearing on the best available commercial terms. Our clients negotiate from a position of strength when they have our endorsement.

Supporting Start-ups
Every business starts up hopeful of success. By using the right professional advice it can plan to avoid the usual pitfalls. Our firm often plays devil's advocate by questioning every assumption and forecast made in an aspiring entrepreneur's plan. By challenge we ascertain that the new business has a profitable rather than just a possible future. Our support is seen by potential investors as a confidence-boosting factor in their decision making process.