Every week I interview someone from the world of mergers and acquisitions so we can find out their approach to buying businesses.  

On this week's episode, we are going to meet Dan Bown. Dan Bown is one of my Mastermind clients, and when he came on Mastermind, he wasn't entirely sure which type of business to buy.

He's settled on plant hire, and has just done his first eight figure acquisition. In this episode, we'll find out how he did it.

Key Highlights

[01:10] Dan introduces himself and his career before becoming a dealmaker [04:16] Dan talks about how he came to join Jonathan’s Dealmaker programme [05:28] Dan outlines the first sectors he considered [08:21] Dan describes his process for shortlisting companies to approach [10:08] Dan’s first, and only, initial response [11:05] The negotiations to agree a deal to buy the business [12:57] The deal seems to fall apart [14:26] The deal is back on! [17:57] Finding the right lender [21:16] Getting to Heads of Terms [25:38] The deal gets over the line [27:18] Dan’s competitors [31:26] Learning quickly about vacuum excavation [32:24] Establishing where to cut costs [37:44] The effect of further acquisitions [41:11] The future pipeline [46:39] Plans for readying the business for a future sale

I looked back at what I'd enjoyed most in my career. And the thing I'd enjoyed most was the cut and thrust of running what I would call a proper business, which I'd done for DHL in Romania, a big turnaround and a big growth project.

So my criteria was, I just wanted to buy a business where I'd earn a decent salary, something matching or close to what I was getting in corporate life.

So I sent the letters out to 400 businesses, and I got one reply, which was the business I bought. 

And I suppose the lesson from that is, yes, the experts help you, your deal team helps you, but you've also got to help yourself.

Resources

Buying a business is only the start, which is why we are now teaching what happens next on the Mastermind program. Now, if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information. 

If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

If you would like to take the next step to learn the best ways of buying a business, without risking your own cash, you can access my free training at: www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk

Watch my Webinar Training Video: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk

You can also request a free copy of my book at: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway/

If you want to jump straight to my live Zoom FastTrack course, please go to: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/fast 

Connect with Jonathan Jay at: Website: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-jay-3556b230/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDealmakersAcademy