Consider the Future

Insights by Peter Watson.

As 2025 draws to a close with the holidays fast approaching, it’s a good time to take stock… and at least the speculation regarding the Budget is finally over! The most relevant impact on business sales was the halving of the tax relief on Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). Not a great surprise given the increasing popularity of EOTs (and “lost” tax revenues) that the government has decided to reduce the incentives, however, it may cause owners to re-consider. If this stops the tax tail wagging the investment dog, then some good may yet come from it!

At Prism we’ve had another strong year and are still hoping to close more deals before the end of the month.

We kicked off 2025 with a plethora of Options Reviews – this is where we help identify the best route for a business to go down in order to achieve the owner’s goals.

Business sales have so far included Coretek Group, a managed IT services and support company, Exbos, a software developer, and AdvanceFirst Technologies, an EDI software developer, among others.

We’re also delighted to have supported Milbank Group through another two acquisitions – London Lintels and a second one which will be announced soon. We’ve now helped them add 12 businesses to their diverse and growing portfolio!

We always encourage owner-managers to be proactive about their retirement plans. Speak to advisors (both Corporate Finance and Investment Managers) and clarify your objectives for your business and for yourself. It often takes time to explore the personal stuff – so best start early. Over the holidays, if you get a chance for some quiet contemplation, then do consider what you would like to be doing in 1-5 years’ time (whatever time horizon is pertinent to you). Do you want to still be doing what you are today? If not, then you might benefit from a 1-to-1 Chat with one of our Directors of Corporate Finance.

Also, for those who are thinking about selling, we’re hosting another live webinar in February, please join us to find out how you can avoid an M&A disaster!

Whatever your plans, we’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Prism Team!