Acquisition Finance
Acquisition finance funds the purchase of a business, or a stake in one. Acquisitions are rarely funded by a single product — a typical structure blends term debt, asset refinance against the target’s existing assets, invoice finance against its debtor book, vendor deferred consideration and buyer equity.
How it works
- Tell us about the target business, the deal type and the funding gap.
- We assess what the target already owns — assets, debtors, contracted revenue — that can support part of the structure.
- A blended debt stack is built across multiple lenders and structures, rather than approaching a single bank.
- Completion typically follows in 6 to 12 weeks, depending on due diligence and legal timelines.
Typical terms
| Amount | £100k–£10m+ |
|---|---|
| Timescale | 6–12 weeks to completion |
| Structure | Typically blended: term debt, asset refinance, invoice finance, vendor deferred consideration, buyer equity |
| Security | Assessed against the target’s assets, debtor book and profit history |
Indicative only. Actual terms depend on the lender and your circumstances.
What it is used for
Management buy-outs (MBO), where the existing team acquires the business.
Management buy-ins (MBI), where an external team acquires the business.
Share purchases and asset purchases of a target company.
Buying a competitor to consolidate market position.
Buying out a co-shareholder, or a succession purchase from a retiring owner.
Who this typically suits
- Buyers acquiring a business with a track record of profit or contracted revenue.
- Deals where the target holds assets or a debtor book that can support part of the funding.
- Buyers who want a broker structuring multiple funding lines rather than relying on one bank’s single product.
When it is not the right fit
If the target has no assets, no contracted revenue and no profit history, acquisition finance will be very difficult to structure — a personal or unsecured Business Loan may be a more realistic starting point for a very early-stage purchase.
Business LoansIf the target's value sits mainly in unpaid invoices or a debtor book, Invoice Finance may fund part of the structure on its own.
Invoice FinanceIf the acquisition is really a property purchase — buying premises rather than a trading business — Commercial Mortgages is the more direct route.
Commercial Mortgages
What to have ready
None of this is required to start a conversation — it simply helps us understand the requirement faster once you get in touch.
- Information memorandum or summary of the target business
- Target’s recent accounts and asset register
- Deal structure — share purchase, asset purchase, MBO or MBI
- Your own funding contribution and any vendor terms discussed
Frequently asked questions
Tell us what you're trying to fund.
No need to select a finance product before getting in touch. Start with a short enquiry and a member of the team will be in touch.