Testimonials | Meeting your needs

“Corbett Keeling came up with solutions for us where others could not find them. Their access to funding is excellent and their determination to get the deal completed in a tight time-frame was vital in achieving a successful outcome. What is more, we thoroughly enjoyed working with them.”

JENS PEDERSEN, CEO, EFFICIO

“I have worked with Corbett Keeling on a number of projects and the team is always efficient and responsive. Importantly, they have very good access to sources of funds, whether for equity or debt.”

MARK PATTLE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF GLENCAIRN

“Corbett Keeling advised Linguaphone on raising development capital over three successive funding rounds. It was the lead financial adviser on these transactions, providing necessary continuity throughout and ensuring a good balance of shareholders.”

GORDON POWER OF INFLEXION LTD, ONE OF LINGUAPHONE’S PRINCIPAL INSTITUTIONAL BACKERS

“Corbett Keeling were a breath of fresh air - they came highly recommended and I can see why. We were a young management team with no experience in selling a business or trying to achieve an MBO and it was initially quite daunting. Their approach was personal and it really felt like they were not only on our side but totally supporting us, ensuring we understood each step and what we could achieve. It was largely due to them that we achieved the MBO we wanted. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone and have already done so.”

HELEN MERFIELD, MD, HCML

“Corbett Keeling advised me on our recent MBO. It was the most important deal of my life and so it was essential I had the best advice available. Jim Keeling was engaged with the deal as if it was his own. His personal involvement, attention to detail, experience and sixth sense of knowing what to do and when, were a huge benefit and comfort to me. Experts in their field, Corbett Keeling are a corporate finance firm with the calibre and expertise to help you achieve your goals, but also the empathy and customer care to make you feel special.”

MARK CORNFORD, CEO, INTEGRITY PRINT

“The team at Corbett Keeling was imaginative and resourceful in finding the best possible investor to finance the management buy-out of Towry Law Insurance Brokers. They also played a crucial role in negotiating with the vendors and providing general guidance on the legal and financial intricacies of the deal. They were always available and responsive. It was a pleasure to work with them.”

MARTIN WRIGHT, CORBETT KEELING'S CLIENT AND LEADER OF THE BUY-OUT TEAM

“Beyond the professionalism and expertise, which is easily taken for granted, Corbett Keeling brings a remarkable talent for managing Buyer's and Seller's expectations throughout the process of putting a deal together. This is an essential ingredient for a successful MBO.”

CHRISTOPHER SPRATT, CHAIRMAN, TYSERS

“Corbett Keeling were my financial advisers on the successful management buy-out of BigHead Bonding Fasteners Limited. Their advice throughout the transaction was excellent; they have very good access to both equity and debt funds, and played a crucial role in negotiating detailed funding terms. CK also provided invaluable help in reaching agreement with the vendor on price, and their sector expertise was a key factor in consummating the deal.”

BRIAN GIDDINGS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BIGHEAD BONDING FASTENERS LTD

“Over the course of the sale of our business we worked with several members of the team at Corbett Keeling. They were all excellent – showing strength in depth and breadth. The care and attention they put into advising us, and their skill in finding a buyer and dealing sensitively with all the parties involved in the transaction, were outstanding.”

STEVE AND JULIE HILL, FOLLOWING THE SALE OF HARRIS HILL TO A MANAGEMENT BUY-IN TEAM

“Corbett Keeling helped us arrange a change of ownership at Gieves & Hawkes, with the controlling shareholder buying out the minority. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the firm and were particularly pleased with the efficient and cost-effective nature of their approach.”

MIKE NICHOLSON, CHAIRMAN, GIEVES & HAWKES

“Corbett Keeling identified a buyer for our business with pin-point accuracy. Many thanks for helping us to achieve a profitable end to our eight year period of owning and developing Interframe.”

WARRICK BUTLER, FORMER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTERFRAME

“Corbett Keeling advised us on restructuring the funding of Opus Holdings. They were particularly helpful in discussions between the company, its private equity backers, and its senior debt and mezzanine funding providers. They then advised management on exit strategies which led to a successful exit from the business.”

BOB BAREHAM, FINANCE DIRECTOR, OPUS HOLDINGS, BACKED BY BRIDGEPOINT CAPITAL LTD AND THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND

“Simon Keeling acted as our expert witness in a very complex professional negligence action. We asked him to consider a number of fund-raising matters, including the way in which one would go about attracting investment into a substantial overseas telecoms project. Simon’s input – in particular, his ability to translate arcane issues into comprehensible reports to be placed before a Court – was most impressive and was greatly appreciated by both the client and the legal team.”

TIM BULLIMORE, SQUIRE & CO, SOLICITORS

“Corbett Keeling advised us on a series of transactions, including a de-merger and two investments, leading to the successful disposal of Chivers. The service provided was always to the highest standard, with integrity, commitment and continuity.”

SIMON GIBBS, FORMER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHIVERS COMMUNICATIONS

“A million thanks to the team at Corbett Keeling for all your heroic efforts on our behalf … in the words of Harold Macmillan ‘No-one could have tried harder, no-one could have been more persuasive …’”

BORIS JOHNSON, MAYOR OF LONDON

“Corbett Keeling advised the owners of GB International on a phased exit. First, they introduced us to the company and then they helped funds we manage and the original owners exit, handling a delicate ‘single buyer auction’ to an overseas purchaser with great skill. We are grateful both for the introduction to the investment and for the continuity they provided.”

PHIL CAMMERMAN, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, YFM PRIVATE EQUITY

“John Herring has advised me on the pros and cons of a number of transactions. His assistance and advice are always timely and to the point, and it is a pleasure to work with him. His help on the acquisition of Edinburgh Woollen Mills was vital to the success of that transaction.”

PHILIP DAY, CHIEF EXECTUVIE OF EDINBURGH WOOLLEN MILLS, COMMENTING ON ITS PURCHASE FROM RUTLAND TRUST IN A SECONDARY BUY-OUT FUNDED BY BANK OF SCOTLAND INTEGRATED FINANCE

“Financial advisory firms have a critical role ... They introduce companies that are not simply investment ready, but investment grade ... Too many unadvised deals are excessively risky or simply not viable. It is, therefore, essential to invest in transactions that involve adequately remunerated advisers.”

MARK WIGNALL, CHIEF-EXECUTIVE, MATRIX PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS

“We have been deeply impressed by the integrity, tenacity and intellectual quality of your actions … your commitment and time input have been impeccable … working with you has been a first class experience and your support has been much appreciated … I hope we can continue a business relationship in the future.”

DOUGLAS BLAUSTEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OAKBURN PROPERTIES PLC, COMMENTING ON CORBETT KEELING’S ROLE IN THE BUY-OUT OF OAKBURN IN A CONTESTED TAKEOVER