Insights

Buzzacott advised Astra Holding on their acquisition of J Manny Ltd, providing financial due diligence, tax due diligence and transaction advisory services.

The UK industrial and manufacturing sector remains an active ground for buy and build strategies, with fragmentation, niche specialisms, and opportunities for operational improvement driving sustained M&A activity. Investors and acquirers are drawn to the UK’s potential for scale, high quality, and premium products, but must be wary of the risks the sector faces with rising labour and overhead costs, labour shortages, and increased international competition.

Led by George Thresh, Buzzacott provided Financial and Tax Due Diligence, Transaction Advisory and Tax Structuring services to Norte Partners on their acquisition of Kid Ease.

Divorce is never easy. Beyond the emotional toll, it often brings financial complexities that can attract the attention of HMRC. For those with significant assets or intricate financial arrangements, HMRC may initiate enquiries during a divorce to ensure tax compliance.

Grant funding remains a valuable source of nondilutive finance for UK businesses developing innovative products, processes and services. However, the funding landscape has changed. Some longstanding programmes have been paused, while others, notably Horizon Europe, are now firmly re-established and open to UK applicants. For SMEs, scaleups and large companies, securing grant funding now requires a more targeted and strategic approach than in previous years.

One in three UK charities were targets of fraud in 2025, and whilst this is the lowest level in five years, the impact fraud has on reputational damage, financial loss and internal fraud remains a top concern. To mitigate the future risk and impact of fraudulent activity, there are several meaningful steps charities of all sizes can take to build resilience and safeguard their resources.

The merged R&D expenditure credit (RDEC) scheme (“the merged scheme”) is now well-established, and serves as the primary R&D incentive for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 April 2024. For most seasoned claimants the focus has now shifted from understanding the legislation to dealing with its practical consequences.

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have become an increasingly popular succession planning tool, supported by government tax incentives and the promise of employee engagement. But when an EOT-owned business enters the M&A market, the dynamics shift significantly. For buyers, these transactions present unique challenges compared to a traditional deal.

We’ve worked extensively on EOT transactions, helping businesses set up trusts, advising on valuations, and guiding both buyers and sellers through complex negotiations. Here, we explore what makes these deals different and why specialist advice is crucial.