Structured, strategic advice focussed on outcomes

Marcus' experience has taught him that it is vital to be clear about what you want from a transaction and what direction you want a business to take.

If you are not clear, then you need to get INFORMED about what your options are. Ideally, you will get informed before you start, but if not then, sooner rather than later. If you start without being properly informed, there is a good chance you will head off in the wrong direction. Being informed means being empowered, giving you the best chance of success.

To understand clients, Marcus asks questions such as:

• What are your objectives?

• Are they purely financial, or broader?

• What is your appetite for risk?

• How important is sustainability?

• Do you have partners? If so, are you fully aligned with them?

• How can a partner exit?

• On what terms can a partner sell their shares to a third party?

• Are there any matters which require unanimous agreement?

• Do you have a shareholders' agreement? If so, is it an "off the shelf" agreement or has it been customised?

• Is your shareholders' agreement still relevant to the business and the number of shareholders?

• How can you be prepared for changes in shareholder views and aims?

• Do you have effective governance arrangements in place?

Marcus believes his experience and insight gives him an ability to question clients in a way that prompts them to think about important issues before they become problems. He wants his clients to understand his advice and to reach their own conclusions. This is a preventative and collaborative approach that has paid dividends for many clients, both large and small.

Some people believe speed is paramount and decide it is better to just start and hope for the best. Some are lucky and may get away with a lack of preparation. Most however will suffer later because they did not take the time to put in place the right structure.

Marcus strives to provide advice of real value in the best interests his clients and he doesn't have any other agenda. He can also coordinate advice from other professional advisors to make sure it is aligned and targeted.