Acquisition criteria

What we buy

We focus on four sectors we understand deeply — and we're not looking to expand that list. Narrow focus means we can make faster decisions and be better owners.

The numbers

Our typical deal at a glance

<£200k Annual turnover
£40k Minimum deal size
£105k Typical upper range
UK England & Wales focus
What we look for
  • Recurring or contracted revenue — the more predictable, the better
  • A customer base that isn't wholly dependent on the owner's relationships
  • At least one or two staff in place — not a pure sole-trader operation
  • Two or more years of trading history with clean, verifiable financials
  • A genuine reason for sale — retirement, health, lifestyle change, or moving on
  • An owner willing to support a sensible handover period
How we value businesses

We value on a multiple of adjusted net profit — the profit left after reasonable owner's salary and all operating costs are accounted for.

Typical multiples in these sectors range from 2× to 3.5× net profit, depending on the quality and stability of earnings, the age of the client base, equipment condition, and staff in place.

We'll always show you how we reached our number — there's no black box. If you disagree, we'd rather have that conversation than lose a good deal.

Note: We consider add-backs fairly — if your accounts show personal expenses run through the business, we'll factor those in.
Sector focus

The four sectors we buy in

We've deliberately stayed focused. These are the sectors we understand, and where we can be genuinely good owners — not generalists muddling through.

Commercial Cleaning

Contract-based cleaning businesses are among the most reliable small businesses to acquire. Clients sign up for regular visits — weekly, daily, or monthly — and cancellations are rare when the service is good.

We're particularly interested in businesses with a mix of office, retail, or light industrial clients. Domestic-only cleaners are harder to scale; commercial contracts give us the recurring income base we need.

Ideal contract base 10+ regular clients, minimum 6-month average tenure
Staff requirement At least 1–2 employed cleaners (not all self-employed)
Equipment Owned equipment in reasonable condition; we'll invest if needed
Geography Compact route preferred — not spread too thin

Grounds Maintenance

Regular grounds maintenance contracts — mowing, hedge trimming, leaf clearance, and seasonal work — create predictable income streams. We're comfortable with the seasonal nature of the work; it's baked into the model.

We look for businesses serving commercial sites, housing associations, or local authority frameworks. One-off garden clearances are fine as a supplement, but we need a contracted base to anchor the income.

Contract type Annual or seasonal contracts; framework agreements valued highly
Equipment Ride-on mowers, trimmers, van(s) — owned, not leased where possible
Seasonal income Winter drop acceptable if offset by contract commitments
Geography Route density matters — tight geographic focus preferred

Vending

Operated vending routes generate cash income with relatively low overhead. We like the model: machines placed under agreement with host sites, stocked regularly, and generating consistent daily income without significant labour costs.

We're interested in food and drink vending, and open to mixed routes. What matters most is the quality and remaining term of site agreements, the condition of the machines, and a clear record of income by location.

Machine count Typically 10+ machines with site agreements in place
Site agreements Written agreements with minimum 12 months remaining preferred
Income records Per-machine income records essential for valuation
Machine condition Must be serviced and compliant; age is fine if maintained

Window Cleaning

Round-based window cleaning businesses are among the most straightforward acquisitions we make. A well-maintained customer list, regular visit frequency, and a capable team in place is all it takes.

We buy both domestic and commercial rounds — or a mix of both. WFP (water-fed pole) systems are preferred. The round itself is the asset: we want to see it documented, collected consistently, and profitable.

Customer list Documented round with addresses, visit frequency, and pricing
Collection rate Must be actively collected — unpaid balances are a red flag
Equipment WFP system, van, water tank — owned preferred
Mix Commercial adds value; domestic-only rounds considered on merit
Out of scope

What we don't buy

Being clear about what we're not looking for saves everyone time. If your business falls into any of these categories, we're probably not the right buyer — but we'll always tell you quickly rather than stringing you along.

  • Businesses with turnover above £200k or below £30k
  • Sectors outside our four areas of focus
  • Businesses that are loss-making or in financial distress
  • Pure sole-trader operations with no staff and no transferable goodwill
  • Businesses where all income depends entirely on the owner's personal relationships
  • Businesses requiring specialist regulatory licences we can't maintain
  • Retail, product-based, or e-commerce businesses
  • Businesses in Scotland or Northern Ireland (for now)
Not sure?

We'd rather you asked.

The criteria above are a guide, not a rigid checklist. If you're uncertain whether your business fits, reach out anyway.

We've had enquiries that didn't tick every box on paper but turned out to be excellent acquisitions. The only way to know is to talk.

"We'd rather spend ten minutes telling you it's not a fit than have you spend weeks wondering."

Our first conversation is entirely informal. No forms, no NDAs, no obligation. Just an honest chat about your business and whether there's something to explore.

Have a conversation →
Flexible deal structures

We're open to seller financing.

Not every seller needs all the money upfront. And not every deal works best that way.

Seller financing — where you receive a portion of the purchase price over time from the profits of the business — can be a good outcome for both sides. You often get a higher total price, and we reduce the upfront capital requirement.

It's not suitable for everyone, and we'll never push it on a seller who needs a clean exit. But if you're open to it, it's worth discussing early.

How our process works →
Think you fit?

Tell us about your business.

No broker, no middleman. Just reach out directly and we'll come back to you within two working days.

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