Corporate Financial Advice How It Can Help You

If you run a business you are no doubt an expert in the specialism of that business – whether it’s engineering, retail, insurance, manufacturing etc.  But you may not necessarily be an expert in business finance and this is where a lot of businesses fall down.  That’s why it could be a good idea to look at obtaining corporate financial advice.  After all, the whole point of being in business is to make money, not lose it.

So in what ways can corporate financial advice help you?

• You may be considering improving your competitive position in the marketplace through a merger or acquisition.  This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and also can be disastrous if the right advice isn’t taken.  Corporate financial advice can help you identify possible prospects and research their suitability, and can advise you on such matters as developing a negotiating strategy.

• At some point you are likely to need to raise extra business finance, perhaps to expand your business.  You will need corporate financial advice to help with such matters as the process of raising the finance: how to find the best provider, what type of finance you should go for - overdraft, commercial mortgage, loan, venture capital etc.  – or what you should use for security.

• Corporate financial advice can include advice on your company’s general finance strategy, corporate restructuring etc.  Restructuring can involve a significant movement of an organisation’s liabilities or assets, and it is probably important to get expert advice.

• A management buy-out (when the existing management acquires all or part of the shares from existing shareholders) or management buy-in (when external management acquires the shares) can present you with a number of challenges.  It’s really important to seek corporate financial advice before either type of approach to shareholders is made.

• Financial projections are required in many business situations including: business start-ups (as part of the business plan); obtaining or renewing a borrowing facility; business valuations; or to help with cash-flow management.  You will almost certainly require the expertise, and also the objectivity, of a provider of corporate financial advice.

• Debt restructuring is often the result of a financial assessment or analysis.  It can be crucial to the financial future of the company and needs to be carefully handled.  You can use it to alter the terms of your debt agreement in your favour, or to take advantage of a lower interest rate elsewhere.  You should take corporate financial advice to ensure you get the result you need.

There are many reasons you might need corporate financial advice – in fact, there could be times when the survival of your business depends on getting the right advice. So when looking for corporate financial advice, be careful about the adviser you choose.  Don’t just go to the first Independent Financial Adviser you come across – make sure it is someone who specialises in corporate finance and has a good track record.  You owe it to yourself and your business to find the best advice you can.