Ethical M&A consultants
We’re experts in helping our customers to sell, acquire, and grow businesses. We do everything with compassion, integrity, and accuracy.
We’re experts in helping our customers to sell, acquire, and grow businesses. We do everything with compassion, integrity, and accuracy.
Proudly different from typical merger and acquisition consultants, our services are founded in empathy, integrity, and emotional intelligence. That means we are always by your side and on your side - not just chasing any deal. As you’d expect, we’ll deliver results by advising you on long term growth, maximising sale prices, and helping you find acquisition targets, but we’ll do it with heart.
Our guiding philosophy is underpinned by hard work and experience gained from:
Tired of widespread practices of poor client and employee treatment, including a lack ethics and integrity, we set out to become M&A consultants with a difference. We’ve maintained a clear goal of improving standards in the industry and adhering to the highest ethical standards.
CapEQ’s journey begins with James and Mark at the helm. We apply for B Corp status to underpin our vision, welcome Douglas as a partner, and launch our sell-side M&A service.
We’re awarded B Corp status, solidifying our commitment to ethical practice. We launch our buy-side M&A service and Frank Investments appointed to assist compliance with Financial Conduct Authority regulations.
We launch our transaction advisory service to offer our expertise in a flexible, targeted, short-term way.
We partner with Heropreneurs, a charity dedicated to helping ex-military entrepreneurs, to mentor veterans and support their business goals.
We launch our debt advisory service for scale-ups requiring development capital, and boost our team with two new roles in financial analysis and sales admin.
Also, we refresh our branding, including this website.
Co-founder & partner
Co-founder & partner
Partner
Senior executive
Director
corporate finance manager
Co-founder & partner
Associate
Content Editor
Marketing Manager
Non-Exec director
Head of Project Management
The M&A consultants driving CapEQ’s success.
Co-founder & partner
Few professionals have led, overseen or facilitated quite as many successful transactions as Mark, in as many jurisdictions. His personal tally exceeds 51, but he has overseen at least 115 more, leading teams in the UK, USA, Netherlands, Australia, Spain and Poland. This breadth of experience has given him a rare insight into global best practice, international contacts and unearthing opportunities. Matching depth derives from past lives in the RAF, oil industry and recruitment.
Mark co-founded CapEQ on the back of many years working for a corporate finance boutique. Having established their international office in New York, he helped complete several high-profile transactions, notably the sale of Optimum Lighting to Philips Lighting; Biokinetics to Foster Wheeler; and Precision Pipeline to Sentinel Capital. This fuelled expansion to Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Calgary. On returning to the UK in 2012, he completed deals across a range of mid-market and international projects.
Mark may have recently become a grandfather but belies this with youthful enthusiasm for rugby, a long stride when walking through the countryside, and a delight in travelling the world in search of old friends and new experiences. His sourdough feeds his entire street at weekends.
Co-founder & partner
Completing well over 50 M&A transactions is not James’ proudest achievement: it’s the way they got done that matters more to him – and his clients. Some of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs would testify that it was the combination of tireless energy, boundless patience, relevant expertise, cross-border experience and good humour that made the difference between transactional success and frustrating setbacks.
James co-founded CapEQ following a Director role within a boutique M&A practice, his notable mid-market transactions include the sale of AV Danzer to Wernick Group, Liberty Flights to Supreme Plc, Ashchem Pharmacy to Bregal Freshstream; Vegetarian Express to Bridges Ventures; WC Rowe to Iberia Industry Capital; and Ecutek Ltd to Autometer/Promus Equity. He has founded, grown and exited several businesses of his own, so understands and sees issues from all perspectives. A natural entrepreneur, James avowed intent is to be an antidote to corporate mediocrity.
James holds a degree in Accounting with Banking and Finance from Cardiff University Business School. He lives in Hampshire with his wife and a pair of livewire children who occasionally let him watch rugby as a break from cooking and renovating a house built by people unaccustomed to health and safety.
Partner
Critics and consultants: they all know how it’s done, but can’t do it themselves. Doug is the antithesis. Like everyone at CapEQ, he brings practical ‘been there, done that’ experience to bear on any transaction, advising from a position of insight and knowledge. Whether leading a deal, running a team or make a cross-border transaction stick, his proven expertise and credibility build trust and propel deals to positive conclusions.
As with his fellow directors, Doug has started successful companies, grown them, then moved on to conquer new challenges. Having held senior positions in technology and professional services companies, he understands strategy, motivation and the best way to get from problem to solution. Within M&A, his successful transactions include the sale of PE-backed Granicus’s acquisition of Firmstep; Cynergie UK to Davies Group; Paycircle to Access Group; and social media monitoring app Factmata to PE-backed Cision. Many of his M&A deals have involved private equity-backed and international buyers, particularly within technology, online retail and regulated sectors (though he loves applying his existing knowledge in fresh fields).
Sharing his CapEQ’s partners’ love of rugby, Doug can often be found going one further, standing touchlines in the rain, shouting at the sub-Wilkinson efforts of his four children. A runner and snowboarder, he’s probably the fittest of CaqEQ’s leaders: wise heads might point out this makes him the most prone to injury.
Senior executive
Simon joined the CapEQ team in 2021 and now sits right at the front end of the business: for many clients, he’s the immediate face and voice of the business, making early contact with acquirers, investors and companies considering a sale.
Behind his interpersonal and communications skills lie deep wells of expertise and experience. Simon has helped more than 100 businesses change hands successfully during his 20-year M&A career, blending an ability to develop proprietary market intelligence, adjust M&A strategies and maintain rigorous focus, while maintaining key relationships.
Though great company, Simon has become used to seeing his listeners’ eyes roll back in their heads whenever the subject turns to property prices or local planning debates. It’s safer to steer our Mr Tenacious onto gardening – or, to be honest, onto any subject other than the price of a four bed semi.
Director
Lee joined the CapEQ team in 2021 to lead our M&A research operations, buy-side advisory and venture debt advisory.
His role spans all three services, from matching potential acquirers for owners selling their business to defining target criteria for CEOs on the M&A trail. In addition, Lee helps preps founders and gets them infront of debt finance lenders.
Lee brings years of experience from previous M&A roles in managing relationships between clients, prospects and other third-party advisers such as lawyers.
He holds a first-class honours law degree, a post-graduate diploma in Legal Practice, and a master’s degree in Law, Business and Management – specialising in M&A, debt finance, and equity finance law.
A qualified non-league football referee, Lee is more used to refereeing his two cats these days – without VAR of course!
corporate finance manager
Vera’s lifelong love of numbers makes accounting the perfect career choice – but it wasn’t always this way.
When her own software start-up in her native Czech Republic lost a major contract to a competitor, Vera learnt firsthand the true cost of over-concentration of customers and lack of emergency financing.
The sad ending led her to appreciate the importance of getting to grips with budget control and contingency planning – experience she brings to her role as corporate finance manager – via stints in in-house payroll and finance roles in the oil, insurance and enterprise software industries.
From sales forecasts to financial health-checks on potential acquirers, Vera is driven by a desire to ‘keep going, keep smiling, and be the best” which came from an inspiring meeting with the top Czech brain surgeon.
Outside of work, Vera can usually be found walking her greyhound D’Artagnan or trying to beat her PB on another mammoth bike ride.
Like most of us, Vera loves Mediterranean food and can hold her breath underwater for ages (just not at the same time!).
Co-founder & partner
Completing well over 50 M&A transactions is not James’ proudest achievement: it’s the way they got done that matters more to him – and his clients. Some of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs would testify that it was the combination of tireless energy, boundless patience, relevant expertise, cross-border experience and good humour that made the difference between transactional success and frustrating setbacks.
James co-founded CapEQ following a Director role within a boutique M&A practice, his notable mid-market transactions include the sale of AV Danzer to Wernick Group, Liberty Flights to Supreme Plc, Ashchem Pharmacy to Bregal Freshstream; Vegetarian Express to Bridges Ventures; WC Rowe to Iberia Industry Capital; and Ecutek Ltd to Autometer/Promus Equity. He has founded, grown and exited several businesses of his own, so understands and sees issues from all perspectives. A natural entrepreneur, James avowed intent is to be an antidote to corporate mediocrity.
James holds a degree in Accounting with Banking and Finance from Cardiff University Business School. He lives in Hampshire with his wife and a pair of livewire children who occasionally let him watch rugby as a break from cooking and renovating a house built by people unaccustomed to health and safety.
Associate
Kathryn joined the CapEQ team in January 2024. She is often one of the first points of contact for our clients, whether they be looking to grow, acquire or exit their business. Her friendly approach, attention to detail and diligence make her an asset to the team.
She has also become our BCorp guru, sharing our passion that business as a force for good. She has guided us through our recent re-certification process, and drives us to make a bigger impact for local good causes, environmental improvements and staff wellbeing.
In her previous life, Kathryn was a psychologist; this helps her to understand the emotional aspects of the M&A journey for our clients.
When she’s not working, Kathryn can be found running around after her two high-energy children, or running at parkrun – both keep her on her toes!
Content Editor
Linda’s role is complex, but easily explained: she takes you to market.
As Content Editor, it’s her expertise and eye-catching prospectuses that make the case for a merger or acquisition. Each prospectus results from time spent delving behind the scenes and spending time with clients, gathering raw information and data. Her particular skill lies to translating what she discovers into crystal-clear facts and insights.
As a result, CapEQ clients keen to stand out and gain attention in the M&A market tend to become enthusiastic members of Linda’s fan club, impressed by her ability to bring out the best in any opportunity.
Building on a previous life in retail banking management, she’s spent more than a decade in M&A, adding depth to her breadth of experience. But like so many CapEQ people, still waters run deep. Having encountered Linda in the kitchen (she’s a heck of a cook), in the countryside (she loves a long walk) or in the gym, you might be surprised to find she’s equally happy in the mosh pit at a heavy rock gig – or cheering on Burnley FC. These ex-retail bankers, eh. What are they like?!
Marketing Manager
Our master of marketing, Steve understands the sophistication of strategy, the dark arts of branding, the data behind digital and that PR is far more than an upsetting medical term. He joined us in 2021, adding highly relevant capabilities across M&A and consultancy marketing, built upon the foundations of an early career in journalism.
Steve’s a rare beast, able to translate jargon and abstruse financial concepts into plain English. It’s already made him a favourite with CapEQ clients wanting to buy, sell or grow companies, but also to understand exactly what we do, how we help and where we make things happen. He’s also a dab hand at sharing best practice, M&A market updates and providing marketing expertise to support our international network – particularly with partners in Europe, Africa and Australia.
Married, with three expensive teens, Steve is a keen supporter of local food, conservation and similar projects which build resilience into local communities. When you next see him, ask him one or more of the following questions:
Non-Exec director
Deborah is a serial business owner who provides a ‘clients-eye’ view over our way of working, and shares her expertise across government, public sector and FTSE100 PLCs to shape our future direction.
Following an early career in the rail industry, Deborah founded rail consultancy Travel Point Trading in 2006 which was successfully sold to Amey PLC in 2016, and later led heating and renewable energy supplier DHR from administration to a successful disposal.
Deborah’s other NED roles have included five years with Better Bankside, the London Southbank Business Improvement District. Aside from CapEQ, Deborah works as an independent consultant and volunteer counsellor for Homestart.
Head of Project Management
Need a problem solved? A top negotiator on your team? A complex point clarified? Talk to Michelle.
For the past decade and more she’s built a track record in private client M&A work, working across Europe (she is based in Crete, with a remit which covers most of the continent).
With a string of seven and eight figure deals under her belt, her project management and leadership experience have made Michelle an in-demand coach, mentor and adviser across a range of sectors, including medical, food, manufacturing, transport and IT. Her ability to guide and support clients throughout the preparation, marketing, negotiation, and completion of a transaction makes her the perfect acquisition for CapEQ.
In previous lives Michelle worked in retail management before cutting her teeth in property services. Today, her eyes light up whenever she’s presented with a barrier or challenge, whether this relates to a business transaction or a home improvement: she’s an expert renovator with a keen eye for interior design.
So, if you have an enterprise to buy, sell. enhance or transform, Michelle’s dynamic direction could point the way to a surprisingly rosy future.
To increase our reach and serve more customers, we’ve built a network of trusted experts, who we’ve known for at least a decade, worldwide.
Director, Belgium
If a transaction touches food and agriculture, Stuart’s your man. Following an honours degree in Agriculture, he’s spent upwards of 30 years running, growing, buying and selling companies and businesses within the sector, across the EU, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. A founding shareholder and investor in three agri-tech, genetics and equipment fabrication businesses, Stuart has the contemporary real-world experience needed to read, navigate and shape the marketplace.
Poland
Tomasz has been active in business since the late 90s, and since 2012 he has merged into the M&A market, running a consulting company in Poland.
He has worked with clients from many industries ranging from distribution and aluminium foundries to lingerie and railway equipment, working with acquirers worldwide on several dozen M&A assignments.
Spain
Founding Partner and Director of Acuity One. Previously General Manager (Spain) of an international M&A advisor.
Octavio started his career as an Account Auditor and Risk Consultant at BDO. He subsequently worked as a financial analyst for the SG Berkshire group, developing mainly Leverage Buy Out operations, until he became chief analyst for the investment fund Acuity AG.
Spain
Founding Partner and Director of Acuity One. Previously Head of Operations, advising on all M&A transactions for Spain.
Irene began her career as a Financial Auditor at Deloitte. Later, she worked as Strategy Consulting Manager for EMEA & LATAM in the Strategic Consulting and Investments department of the Adecco Group, in Switzerland.
Master in Audit and Management Development from ICADE and Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of Alcalá.
Transactions completed: +20
Netherlands
After an international career in software and outsourcing Derk has been an M&A Advisor since 2011. Based in the Netherlands he serves Dutch as well as international clients in software, professional services, manufacturing, wholesale etc, etc. His clients laud his pragmatic and problem solving approach to get a deal over the finish line.
South Africa
My business career began the year after I graduated from high school, when I started and ran my own company. Six years later, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and sold the business. I then spent a year in New York managing a large South African insurer’s operations in Bermuda.
Australia
Richard Barlow is the founding director of Onyx Ventures Australia and Onyx Corporate Australia. Born into an entrepreneurial family in former Rhodesia, he studied law and became an advocate (barrister), before transitioning to in-house M&A counsel for some of South Africa’s most prolific acquirers. He also co-founded his own supply chain management business, and successfully listed it on the stock exchange. In 1998, Richard moved to Australia, started up another supply chain business there, and became an executive shareholder in various start-ups – including business advisory consultancy Onyx Corporate in 2013. Richard’s experience in the corporate world and as an SME entrepreneur helps clients understand the business sale process, and how to attract potential acquirers – both national and overseas.
Director, Belgium
If a transaction touches food and agriculture, Stuart’s your man. Following an honours degree in Agriculture, he’s spent upwards of 30 years running, growing, buying and selling companies and businesses within the sector, across the EU, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. A founding shareholder and investor in three agri-tech, genetics and equipment fabrication businesses, Stuart has the contemporary real-world experience needed to read, navigate and shape the marketplace.
Poland
Tomasz has been active in business since the late 90s, and since 2012 he has merged into the M&A market, running a consulting company in Poland.
He has worked with clients from many industries ranging from distribution and aluminium foundries to lingerie and railway equipment, working with acquirers worldwide on several dozen M&A assignments.
Spain
Founding Partner and Director of Acuity One. Previously General Manager (Spain) of an international M&A advisor.
Octavio started his career as an Account Auditor and Risk Consultant at BDO. He subsequently worked as a financial analyst for the SG Berkshire group, developing mainly Leverage Buy Out operations, until he became chief analyst for the investment fund Acuity AG.
Spain
Founding Partner and Director of Acuity One. Previously Head of Operations, advising on all M&A transactions for Spain.
Irene began her career as a Financial Auditor at Deloitte. Later, she worked as Strategy Consulting Manager for EMEA & LATAM in the Strategic Consulting and Investments department of the Adecco Group, in Switzerland.
Master in Audit and Management Development from ICADE and Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of Alcalá.
Transactions completed: +20
Netherlands
After an international career in software and outsourcing Derk has been an M&A Advisor since 2011. Based in the Netherlands he serves Dutch as well as international clients in software, professional services, manufacturing, wholesale etc, etc. His clients laud his pragmatic and problem solving approach to get a deal over the finish line.
South Africa
My business career began the year after I graduated from high school, when I started and ran my own company. Six years later, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and sold the business. I then spent a year in New York managing a large South African insurer’s operations in Bermuda.
Australia
Richard Barlow is the founding director of Onyx Ventures Australia and Onyx Corporate Australia. Born into an entrepreneurial family in former Rhodesia, he studied law and became an advocate (barrister), before transitioning to in-house M&A counsel for some of South Africa’s most prolific acquirers. He also co-founded his own supply chain management business, and successfully listed it on the stock exchange. In 1998, Richard moved to Australia, started up another supply chain business there, and became an executive shareholder in various start-ups – including business advisory consultancy Onyx Corporate in 2013. Richard’s experience in the corporate world and as an SME entrepreneur helps clients understand the business sale process, and how to attract potential acquirers – both national and overseas.
If you’re passionate about operating with integrity, enjoy building relationships with clients, and have experience in the M&A industry, we’d like to hear from you.
We're dedicated to setting a new standard of M&A service levels and pride ourselves on operating differently.
Whether you’re ready to work with us or simply need some advice, we’re here to help.