Search Funds explained: insight series
7 Jan 2025 • Corporate Finance • Transaction Services
Written by
Our Search Fund insight series is designed for entrepreneurs and investors looking to acquire and grow a business.
Each article breaks down key considerations - from structuring a deal to post - acquisition priorities - helping you make informed decisions with confidence. Browse the series below and click through to read in full.
An introduction to Search Funds/Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
What exactly is a search fund, how does it operate and why is it growing fast in the UK? This piece breaks down the model, the capital structure and why it can create strong outcomes for searchers, investors and exiting founders.
Five key due diligence issues that can derail a search fund transaction
Due diligence can make or break a search fund deal. This article explores the five issues that most often derail acquisitions and highlights why early identification is key to preserving search capital and maintaining investor confidence.
Traditional vs self-funded search funds: How the models differ at the five key stages in a fund lifecycle
This article breaks down the two models stage-by-stage and highlights how each path impacts control, equity and deal dynamics.
Eight steps to keep a search fund transaction on course
Search fund deals have many moving parts. This insight sets out eight steps that help searchers maintain momentum, manage lenders and investors effectively, and keep the transaction on track through to completion.
Six improvements to make in the first 100 days post transaction
A guide to the first 100 days as CEO under a search fund acquisition. We outline six early improvements that consistently add value in UK SMEs, from financial reporting upgrades to strategy, controls and debtor management.
The strategic value of bolt-on acquisitions following a successful Search Fund transaction
Growth doesn’t stop at completion. Bolt-on acquisitions can expand capability, reach new markets and increase valuation through multiple arbitrage and synergies. Here’s how searchers are using them to scale faster.
Five tax structuring matters a searcher should consider before making their acquisition
Perhaps unsurprisingly for such an innovative asset class, search funds can experience some challenges from a tax structuring angle. We highlight five critical tax structuring points that can significantly enhance your outcomes before executing a deal.
Planning for an exit - what drives strong outcomes for search funds?
In this article, we outline the factors that most consistently influence exit outcomes for search funds, based on insights from our transactions experience.
How we can support your journey
If you’d like to discuss a Search Fund transaction or have a question about any of the topics covered in this series, our team would be happy to help.