Testimonials

 

What Our Clients Say

Clients Who Sold Their Business

“Prism’s advice and guidance during the sale was invaluable. Their years of M&A experience and specific knowledge of the IT services sector was evident throughout. We are very happy with the outcome.”

 

Tina Verney, Technology Means Business

“We first met Peter at a local financial services seminar and we felt he was the right fit to help us sell Scott Bradbury Ltd. The sale process went very smoothly. We’re thrilled to have found a great new home for the business.

 

Catherine de Salvo, Scott Bradbury

We joined one of Prism’s webinars and were very impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. While considering what route to take the business we were contacted by a number of interested buyers. Prism helped us with negotiations and reaching a successful completion.

 

Tom Oakley, Springboard Pro

“Thank you to Robert and the team at Prism for their unwavering support and advice throughout the process.”

 

Andrew Stevens, CNet Training

“I really appreciate all of the hard work you put into this over the months and your guidance throughout. I really couldn’t have done this without you.”

 

Jonathan Ralphs, Infomill

“From the creation of the IM to the selection of potential acquirers to handling initial negotiations for the sale of my business, Prism were knowledgeable, super-professional, impressive and wonderful to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who is planning to sell their business.”

 

Olga Travlos, Xanthos

“I was struggling to find the right partner and despite talking to other advisors just did not feel comfortable with them. After watching a seminar and speaking to Peter I was sold on Prism with their more personal approach and experience in the market.

 

It started with a very smooth engagement and throughout the sale process there was great communication, clear structure and definite value added by them. We worked well as a team and that chemistry was very important to me.”

 

Phil Purver, The Working Manager

“From our very first meeting with Robert at one of Prism’s seminars, we were immediately impressed with his obvious knowledge and experience in the ‘tech’ M&A sector. The advice we received then and in subsequent meetings helped us set our path towards an eventual successful sale.

 

When we were ready to enter the market, we were introduced to multiple possible buyers. Robert was always on hand to manage the negotiations, acting as a central point between us, our legal team, accountants, and the buyer and their team. As well as his expertise and advice, Robert also brought a large dose of level-headedness not to mention good humour, both of which were needed at times during the process.

 

We could not have achieved this deal without Robert and the team at Prism, and we thank them for the guidance, expertise and advice they gave throughout.”

 

A digital data services provider

“We have had an association with Prism for over ten years where they have successfully guided us through two acquisitions and ultimately the sale of our business to a PLC, following our decision to retire.

 

At all times we found Peter and his team professional and eager to understand our business model and how both the acquisitions and ultimately the sale would meet our needs and those of the business. They were actively involved throughout all three processes and proved to be an extremely useful intermediary between the parties.

 

I would thoroughly recommend anyone considering either an acquisition or sale of a business to discuss the matter with Prism.”

 

Nigel & Lyn Walters, RSM 2000

“The Prism sale process worked really well, even in unprecedented circumstances. I thought that with the lockdown situation the sale might get put back or cancelled altogether however Robert managed to keep the momentum going and encouraged us at every step. I am pretty confident in saying that without Robert’s help there was no way we could have achieved the sale alone. There were so many more aspects to consider and address than we could have ever imagined – many of which were totally beyond our abilities to do alone.”

 

Gidon Bahiri, Orion Future Technology

“It would have been impossible without expert support like yours!”

 

Denis Bidinost, NextG-Com

“I’ve been involved in a lot of M&A transactions and I have to say that working with Prism on our transaction was the smoothest of any I’ve been involved in. The process itself was very well run, very well managed, it was very smooth and very efficient.”

 

Angus Merelie, Flint IT

“It took me nearly a year to find Prism and I got the decision 100% correct. They did a great job. I enjoyed working with them and they delivered for me. The private equity company that funded the purchase said that it was the smoothest transaction they had ever undertaken. My accountants also remarked upon Prism’s professionalism. Prism were prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuff done when it was needed.”

 

Ray Perkins, Anatune

“I commend your business model and the very professional way you approach transactions which became very evident from the outset with the preparation of an excellent and comprehensive Information Memorandum.”

 

Michael Bradbrook, Yellowspring

“I attended a seminar organised by Prism about 4-5 years before I sold the business. I was impressed by their understanding of the complexities of selling a business, and the loyalties of a team that you are trying to look after as well as giving you the opportunity to move on.

Selling my business with Prism was a very positive experience. I enjoyed working with Peter. Using Prism gave me a cushion against the seller, there was someone who the communication was going through, rather than to me directly, which gave me time to think things through properly.”

 

William Averdieck, PCME

“Few of us sell a business more than once in a lifetime, so it makes no sense to re-invent wheels. Prism are the experts who know what they are doing. You get on with your day job while they search out the best deal, then stand by you with advice throughout the whole process of negotiation and completion.”

 

Geoff Dodgson, Chamberlain

“Peter and the Prism team were confident from the start that we could achieve our aspirations and worked with us successfully over an extended period to help maximise value. They understood the market and the value that we could bring to an acquirer, ensured that the momentum was maintained throughout and were able to secure a deal value and structure that ticked every box. We also really enjoyed working with them. Would we use them again? Absolutely.”

 

David Smithers, Velos-IT

“Prism provided practical advice and counselling on the sales process and procedures, ensuring we never felt alone or without the necessary experience to step through the sale. Just because I understood how to run a complex company… that did not provide the experience of selling a company. Peter and his team brought that very welcome experience. I believe that adding Prism to our team very early in our decision making to sell the company ultimately produced outstanding value for the shareholders. A job well done.”

 

Nick Clarke, Systems Administrators

“You did a great job, I know the amount of effort you put into this deal to bring it about.”

 

Pas Ruggiero, Integra ICT

“Thank you for your and Prism’s help with the sale of our business. I very much appreciated the professional manner in which you ensured continued progress, all the way through to completion. Throughout all discussions and negotiations the availability of your experience and expert advice, offered peace of mind and the perspective that we would arrive at a good outcome – which no doubt, we have. It was a pleasure to work with you on this project, and I know who to turn to at the appropriate time with my next venture!”

 

Christian Karg, Battery Force

Clients Who Bought/Merged A Business

“In 2014 Peter and Robert helped us develop a plan for growth through acquisition. The idea was to develop a diverse group of businesses so we could reduce our risk away from our core business which is highly exposed to the house building industry.

 

That journey has not been entirely straight forward, not least because there were many doubters about our capability to run a Group of different businesses. Prism have believed in us from the beginning and have been and are an intrinsic part of our acquisition team. To date, we have acquired ten businesses with Prism and continue to work with them on future opportunities.”

 

Sean Milbank, Milbank Group

“We’ve been in contact with Prism for about five years. Their advice and assistance has been invaluable throughout the merger.”

 

Jason Holloway, Bridgeway Security Solutions

“Thank you for all your support during our first acquisition. Peter’s experience, understanding and optimism were invaluable. It simply would not have happened without you!”

 

Will Evans, Environmental Protection Strategies

“I had the pleasure of working with Peter and Jack from the Prism team who guided and supported the KISS and Isle Interactive management teams as we went through a valuation process and ultimately a successful merger. Peter’s straightforward approach, sage advice and on-going help greatly supported our first corporate transaction.”

 

Simon Fryer, KISS Communications

“We have had an association with Prism for over ten years where they have successfully guided us through two acquisitions and ultimately the sale of our business to a PLC, following our decision to retire.

 

At all times we found Peter and his team professional and eager to understand our business model and how both the acquisitions and ultimately the sale would meet our needs and those of the business. They were actively involved throughout all three processes and proved to be an extremely useful intermediary between the parties.

 

I would thoroughly recommend anyone considering either an acquisition or sale of a business to discuss the matter with Prism.”

 

Nigel & Lyn Walters, RSM 2000

“We like to work with like-minded organisations and that’s why we chose Prism Corporate Broking. We felt they had similar business ethics to us with a focussed attitude towards assignments and with great experience under their belts. Prism have now helped us with several acquisitions. All the deals progressed as we hoped, smoothly and relatively quickly.” 

 

Brett Reynes, Entrepreneur

“I found Prism a great help in making this first acquisition. Prism identified a number of suitable acquisition targets, qualified them and then made the first critical approach. This, coming from a third party, made it feel less threatening to the vendors and gave greater flexibility to our negotiating position throughout the transaction. We received no nonsense advice and are now working together on the next one!”

 

Ian Hickson, Abbey Liftcare

“Prism presented a fantastic opportunity for us to substantially expand our customer base, and largely within our existing operational area. This acquisition takes us to a size where larger, high quality potential clients will feel confident that we have the resources and gravitas to supply services to them.  It also gives a great platform for our planned future growth.”

 

Justin Skinner, Orchard House Computers

“We are delighted with our first acquisition. The new business fits well within our current product and service offering. As well as inheriting a large pool of contract-based customers, we are delighted to welcome the excellent business development and support.”

 

Mark MacGregor, Connect Support Services

Options Review & Value Maximiser

“Prism’s comprehensive Options Review enabled us to make a key decision on the future direction of our business after years of stalling. Peter listened to each party in the process and presented a well-considered, balanced conclusion with all aspects of the business clearly evaluated and presented back in an honest, easy to follow format. He gave us recommendations for the future and facilitated the process of moving forwards with an EOT.”

 

A product design business

We found the process of collating and sending the necessary information to Prism straight forward and hassle free. The resulting Prism Options Review report was informative and easy to understand. The layout and innovative use of presenting data in diagrams allowed to us to quickly understand our strengths and weaknesses. The follow up meeting with Peter provided greater insight and gave us realistic options to consider for the future.”

 

An energy sector software developer

“Prism’s Value Maximiser report gave us honest feedback about where we were and the opportunities for exit. They have since worked with us for several years, guiding us along the right path to make our business more viable to sell. As a result, the business is in a much stronger position for selling and is sound for the future.”

 

A manufacturing software developer

“The Options Review was a comprehensive review of the business from the perspective of both business value but also business maturity and operations. It clearly demonstrated that we were considerably less mature than we thought, but thanks to it, we have since made huge strides forwards.”

 

A Microsoft managed services provider

Having Prism comprehensively analyse our business from an external perspective has brought huge benefits. It reassured us that were doing a lot right but also highlighted areas that we could improve from a process, commercial and administration perspective.”

 

A full service digital design agency

“The Prism ‘options review’ gave us invaluable information as to the prospects of a sale and our other options, and steps we might need to take to increase the chances (and valuation) of an eventual deal. Robert then helped us over a period of months to put those steps into place.”

 

A digital data services provider

“My overriding criterion for making a choice is what is in the best interest of our company as a whole. It is no longer just about a “gut feel” – it is about analysis that backs up the emotions. Such analysis has not only to be objective, grounded in facts and figures, but also to be in tune with the entrepreneur’s own feelings. The Prism Options Review did just that for me – it provided a simple but clear analysis of the industry, the competitors and future prospects in the market along with financial options of MBO, MBI, organic growth, mergers and acquisitions artfully woven into the fabric of the company’s vision, mission, history and shareholding

 

An oil & gas industry software developer

“Working with Peter Watson was extremely beneficial. It has helped us to broaden our views and choices in order to continue to make our business successful

 

An auto-tech systems manufacturer

The Prism Team

“After meeting Peter and Robert at one of their seminars in London we knew we wanted to work with them. They are very knowledgeable and straight talking, whilst also being nice and personable.”

 

A manufacturing software developer

“Prism is paragon of professionalism and politeness without judgement (other than the occasional raised eyebrow!).”

 

A Microsoft managed services provider

“I felt that Peter, Jack and I worked really well as a team. That chemistry for me was just so important in the whole process.” 

 

Phil Purver, The Working Manager

“Robert was absolutely fantastic throughout. He was extremely knowledgeable, extremely helpful and he just helped us all the way through. It wouldn’t have happened without him”

 

Gidon Bahiri, Orion Future Technology

“Prism were prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuff done when it was needed. My accountants also remarked upon Prism’s professionalism.” 

 

Ray Perkins, Anatune

Peter and Jack were extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and professional throughout. It was clear to us from day one that they we not only highly experienced business professionals but also really understand tech businesses. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with both Peter and Jack and Prism more generally in the future.

 

A full service digital design agency

“What impressed us from the outset was their ability to ask the challenging questions which we knew should be asked by prospective buyers and to properly understand our highly technical business. They were professional throughout and a pleasure to work with.

 

Nigel Johnson, Pi2 Solutions

“As well as his expertise and advice, Robert also brought a large dose of level-headedness not to mention good humour, both of which were needed at times during the process.”

 

A digital data services provider

“Peter has a wealth of business experience and a particular rapport with owner managers.”

 

Gerard Burke, Cranfield School of Management, BGP

“Peter and Robert at Prism proved their experience. They took everything in their stride, provided continual support and advice.”

 

Paul McCartney, Needham Chalks

“Prism add a lot of value through their understanding, experience and their active engagement in the process.”

 

Duncan Walker, Partner, BDB Pitmans LLP 

“Prism are one of the best corporate finance advisors in the technology sector. They bring that good sector knowledge and they are easy to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

 

Mark Thompson, Partner, Shakespeare Martineau LLP 

“I very much enjoyed working with Peter. He was able to provide constructive input to resolve problems and pushed for solutions not just completion. I look forward to working together in the future.”

 

Justin Nelson, Commercial Solicitor