Unusually among our case studies, here’s an interviewee overseeing a business purchase not for herself, but on behalf of her company.
Severine Obertelli, 35, helped oversee the acquisition of a building material supplier by Smiths Brothers (Quinton) Ltd for an undisclosed sum in 2008.
Eschewing agents, the West Midlands-based manufacturer made the acquisition directly with the seller, and Obertelli reports a particularly smooth buying process.
Adam Bannister: What were the reasons behind this acquisition?
Severine Obertelli: Because it fitted in well with what we were doing and it was a good platform.
We wanted to integrate some of the new company's products and knowledge, and they had a good website
Severine Obertelli
We started a new division specialising in natural building and decorating materials. We found this business and incorporated it within this division.
We wanted to integrate some of its products and knowledge, and they had a good website.
AB: How did the company raise the capital?
SO: We had the finance to pay.
AB: Were there many twists and turns in negotiations?
SO: A little bit, but not much. There wasn’t much negotiation.
We had a very good relationship with the seller.
It’s been quite straightforward doing the contract because we had the cash and he was keen to sell.
AB: Wow, selling a business doesn’t usually run so smoothly...
SO: I suppose so. We were fairly lucky.
AB: What was the extent of your role in the sale?
SO: I’ve been dealing with it from start to the end. I’ve been responsible for it.
