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Sullivan Ventures
Corner of a City of London building at dusk

Acquisitions

What we look for.

We acquire established, profitable businesses with strong foundations and clear potential for further growth. We are selective by design, so our acquisition criteria are deliberately clear.

A good fit looks like this

Six things we look for in an acquisition

  • Established and profitable

    A proven trading history with consistent operating profit. We are interested in established businesses that already perform, not businesses whose value depends primarily on future projections.

  • An owner considering what comes next

    We work with shareholders considering retirement, a full exit, de-risking or simply the next chapter. We can accommodate both a clean handover and an agreed transition period.

  • Strong financial foundations

    We look for healthy cash generation, a sound balance sheet and financial performance that supports the underlying profitability of the business.

  • A capable team and operating structure

    We favour businesses with strong people, established processes and knowledge beyond the owner. The business should have the foundations to continue performing through a change of ownership.

  • Potential to build further value

    We look for opportunities where commercial development, technology, operational improvement, additional capital or strategic acquisitions could create further value.

  • Sectors we understand

    Our focus is on established businesses where we can understand the economics, risks and opportunities. We are particularly interested in business services, essential services, distribution and specialist trades, while remaining open to compelling opportunities elsewhere.

Where we are not the right buyer

We would rather say no early

An honest answer at the first conversation is worth more than a drawn-out process that ends nowhere. If your business sits outside these lines, we will tell you and, where we can, point you toward someone better suited.

  • Pre-revenue or early-stage startups seeking growth capital
  • Turnarounds that are already in distress or insolvency
  • Highly cyclical or single-contract businesses
  • Opportunities requiring a majority of the value to come from unproven forecasts

Think your business could be a fit? A first conversation is always confidential.

Acquisitions

A discreet conversation, whenever you are ready.

Whether you are months or years from a decision, an early, private discussion costs nothing and keeps your options open.