Unify.
HOW WE WORK
Listen, Explore, Advise, Deliver
About us
Unify Corporate Finance is an independent, specialist M&A boutique. We deliver the highest quality advice to shareholders, management teams, corporates and finance providers. We cover the full spectrum of corporate transactions, offering expert guidance on selling or buying a business, management buyouts (MBOs), raising finance (private equity and debt), business planning, exit readiness, buyer research, pricing analysis and adviser selection.
Though we're a small team, we bring Big 4 experience to the table. Between us, we've advised hundreds of companies on every possible type of transaction.
We understand that choosing a partner for what's likely the most significant transaction of your life is a big deal. Naturally, you'll want the best deal - and we're here to make sure you get it. That's why the team you meet at the start will be with you every step of the way. We believe that great deals don't come from pitch packs; they come from determination, hard work, honest advice and a wealth of senior-level experience. We love what we do, and it shows in everything we deliver for our clients.
SERVICES
What we can help with
Sell a business
For many business owners, selling their business is the culmination of a lifetime's work. It's not a possession that's being sold, it's much more personal than that. It's often an extension of the founder's own personality and vision. The sale process needs to be managed thoughtfully, confidentially and with a clear focus on one thing: maximising value.
We work with our clients to build the list of buyers and design the sale process. It's a bespoke process. We'll also help you decide whether to market your business to private equity firms and your existing management team.
Sometimes, we go to market immediately, but often we wait until the time is just right. Our role is to project-manage the entire process from start to finish - so you can stay focused on running your business.
Buy a business
Acquisitions happen for many reasons—often to accelerate growth or to expand into new markets. Whatever your motivation, you might also need to raise finance at the same time. And, of course, you've got a business to run.
Large organisations often have corporate development teams to manage their acquisition pipeline, execute the transaction, raise the finance and write the Board paper. If you don't have that in-house capability and need some help, then come and talk to us. Our approach is flexible and tailored to your needs. We've got the time and experience to focus on the detail. If needed, we can manage the entire acquisition process for you, leaving you to focus on running your business.
Management buyout (MBO)
Most management teams have never gone through an MBO before, so they need clear advice on the financial mechanics of the transaction. It's a complex process that raises big questions: Who gets what? What's the right price? How will the deal be funded? What's normal? Often, it's an emotional roller coaster!
We work closely with management to write the business plan and make sure it meets the requirements of potential funders. We'll connect you with the right financial partners, ones that align with your business's size, sector, and unique personality.
And when it comes to negotiating with sellers - whether they're retiring shareholders or a corporate vendor - we're by your side to support (or even lead) that process.
Raising finance (Private Equity and Debt)
As businesses grow, they generally reach a stage where external capital is required to fund growth. Sometimes, that's combined with the founders talking cash out and incentivising the next generation of management. Whether you are looking to raise debt or equity, we can help. The process always starts with a business plan and financial model.
Providers of finance are your new business partners. You need time to get to know them, and they need time to get to know you. We'll ensure the process allows for that, and we'll help you understand what these investors bring beyond just capital - and what happens if things don't go as planned.
Business planning
Business planning sounds simple, but it can be incredibly challenging. Having an independent partner alongside you can make all the difference by providing just the right balance of support and challenge. We've crafted lots of Business Plans. They don't need to be long, but they do need to be built on solid data and structured for the audience that will be reading them.
Exit readiness
Not ready to sell just yet but want to prepare? We can help. Our extensive experience means we've seen almost every reason why deals can fall apart during due diligence. Of course, the business's performance is key, but many issues can be avoided with proper preparation.
Unfortunately, there aren't any shortcuts. But, areas like contracts, intellectual property, employee claims, tax returns or the quality of your financial model can all trip you up if not addressed early. We've developed an exit readiness process that covers all the bases - and we'd love to help you.
Buyer research & valuation
Over the last 30 years, the volume and quality of data available on buyers and M&A transaction pricing has increased exponentially. If you're just after the raw data then come and talk to us. I don't recommend you learn on the job and do your own deal though!
Adviser selection
Sometimes we're not right for you - if that's the case, no worries! For example, you might need an accountant, lawyer, tax adviser, due diligence provider, financial modeller or wealth manager. No problem, come and talk to us. We've built lots of relationships with great people at great firms and would be very happy to introduce you to them. Save yourself time, effort and potentially costly mistakes.
CLIENTS
Who we have
worked with
Over the years, the Unify team has worked with hundreds of different companies. We work in close collaboration with our clients, often operating like an extension of their Board or Corporate Development Team.
We work with like-minded clients who share our passion for quality work and enjoying what we do. Honesty and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our relationships, some of which have been built up over decades.
Here is a selection of names we're proud to have worked with over the years:
Meet the Unify Team
PEOPLE
Meet our team
Andrew Hodgson
Managing Director
Andrew advises business founders, family companies, corporates, management teams and finance providers on the full range of corporate transactions, including succession and exit planning. He also holds a number of NED roles.
He established Unify Corporate Finance, a boutique M&A advisory firm, in 2023 following a highly successful 33-year career with KPMG. As Senior Partner for KPMG in Bristol, he led a team of 600 people, and also led KPMG Corporate Finance across the South West, South Wales and Thames Valley.
Andrew has specialised in Corporate Finance transactions for over 30 years, since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1993. During that time, he has advised clients on the full range of domestic and cross border transactions including Company Sales, Acquisitions, MBOs, Business Planning and Strategic Advice.
Rhys Jennings
Associate Director
Rhys has been an active member of Bristol's Corporate Finance scene for over a decade, advising numerous owner-managed businesses on a wide range of transactions.
He started his career at EY, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with first-time passes, before transitioning to M&A. At RSM, Rhys spent six years developing his expertise before joining Unify in September 2024. He specialises in trade and sponsor-backed buy-side and sell-side deals, as well as preparing businesses for successful exits.
Rhys manages transactions on a day-to-day basis, ensuring everything runs smoothly by staying on top of every moving part. He collaborates closely with clients on strategy, oversees deliverables and drives the deal to completion. With experience from leading both domestic and cross-border sales, Rhys is well-versed in navigating complex processes to achieve successful outcomes for his clients.
Tom Hodgson
Associate
Tom joined Unify Corporate Finance from EY, where he trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with first time exam passes. Prior to joining EY, he gained a First-Class Honours degree from Newcastle University in Accounting and Finance.
During his time at EY, Tom worked with a diverse range of clients from family-owned businesses through to FTSE 100 companies, across both domestic and international markets. At Unify, Tom plays a pivotal role in managing client projects, ensuring the smooth execution of transactions and providing support to his clients and colleagues throughout the process.
Contact us
At Unify Corporate Finance, our door is always open. We value meaningful connections.
If you're considering your transaction options, then come and talk to us.
07802 647237
andrew@unifycf.com
28 Queen Square
Bristol, BS1 4ND
