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Governance advisory
We guide boards and management teams in frameworks, team processes and leadership dynamics to deliver sustainable value.
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Financial services advisory
Get market-driven expertise to achieve your goals in banking, insurance, capital markets, and investment management.
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Business risk services
Our market-driven expertise helps firms keep growing and manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Risk
Meet risks with confidence and transform your business – we support you to manage risk and deliver on your goals.
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Economic consulting
Bespoke guidance grounded in complex economic theory and practical sector insight to help you make the right decisions.
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Government and public sector
Experience and expertise in delivering quality public sector advisory and audits.
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Business consulting
Partnering with you to deliver sustainable business change that helps you realise your ambitions.
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Transaction advisory services
Whether buying or selling, we help you get the deal done with our comprehensive range of transaction advisory services.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Corporate finance advisory
Building a business is never easy. We help you maximise the value of your business and find the right option.
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Valuations
Help to understand or support the valuation of a business or asset.
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Insolvency and global asset recovery
We provide asset tracing and seamless cross-border global recovery for clients.
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Forensic and investigation services
Market-driven expertise in investigations, dispute resolution and digital forensics.
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Restructuring
Our restructuring team help lenders, investors and management navigate contingency plans, restructuring and insolvency.
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Transformation consulting
Is business transformation a priority for your organisation? Our expert insight and guidance can help you achieve it.
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Pensions assurance
A tailored service that responds to evolving risks and regulations.
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Accounting services
Optimise your growth with expert accounting services. Contact us today.
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Royalty and intellectual property (IP) audits
Enhance IP asset protection with our royalty and IP audit services. Expertise in licensing, revenue detection, and compliance improvements.
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Business consulting
Partnering with you to deliver sustainable business change that helps you realise your ambitions.
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Corporate Simplification
Release value, reduce compliance complexity, and improve tax efficiency by streamlining your group structure.
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Economic consulting
Bespoke guidance grounded in complex economic theory and practical sector insight to help you make the right decisions.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Governance advisory
We guide boards and management teams in frameworks, team processes and leadership dynamics to deliver sustainable value.
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International
Unlock global opportunities with our local expertise and worldwide reach.
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People advisory
Driving business performance through people strategy and culture.
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Strategy Group
Successful business strategy is rooted in a clear understanding of the market, customer segmentation and how purchase decisions vary.
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Respond: Data breach, incident response and computer forensics
Are you prepared for a cyber failure? We can help you avoid data breaches and offer support if the worst happens.
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Comply: Cyber security regulation and compliance
Cyber security regulation and compliance is constantly evolving. Our team can support you through the digital landscape.
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Protect: Cyber security strategy, testing and risk assessment
Cyber security threats are constantly evolving. We’ll work with you to develop and test robust people, process and technology defences to protect your data and information assets.
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Corporate finance advisory
Building a business is never easy. We help you maximise the value of your business and find the right option.
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Debt advisory
Working with borrowers and private equity financial sponsors on raising and refinancing debt. We can help you find the right lender and type of debt products.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Financial modelling services
Financial modelling that helps you wrestle with your most pressing business decisions.
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Operational deal services
Enabling transaction goals through due diligence, integration, separation, and other complex change.
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Our credentials
Search our transactions to see our experience in your sector and explore the deals advisory services we've delivered.
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Transaction advisory services
Whether buying or selling, we help you get the deal done with our comprehensive range of transaction advisory services.
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Valuations
Help to understand or support the valuation of a business or asset.
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The ESG agenda
Shape your ESG agenda by identifying the right metrics, sustainable development and potential business value impact.
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ESG driven business transition
Whatever your ESG strategy, we can support your organisation as it evolves while maximising efficiency and profitability.
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ESG programme and change management
Do you have the right capabilities to drive the delivery of your ESG strategy to realise your targets?
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ESG risk management
You must protect, comply, understand and influence to successfully manage the risk involved with ESG issues. We can help.
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ESG strategy, risk and opportunity identification
We can help you clearly define your ESG Strategy, with the risks and opportunities identified and managed.
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Create value through effective ESG communication
Building trust and engagement with your stakeholders on your ESG strategy.
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ESG metrics, targets and disclosures
The pressure to report your ESG progress is growing. Do your targets measure up?
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ESG governance, leadership and culture framework
Make the most of ESG opportunities by effectively embedding your strategy across your organisation.
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ESG and non-financial assurance
Support your board to be confident in supplying robust information that withstands scrutiny.
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Transition planning to net zero
Supporting your organisation in the transition to net zero.
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Actuarial and insurance consulting
We consult extensively to the life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and pensions sectors.
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Business risk services
Our market-driven expertise helps firms keep growing and manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Financial crime
Helping you fight financial crime in a constantly changing environment
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Financial services business consulting
Leverage our diverse capabilities to manage challenges and take opportunities: from assurance to transformation
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Financial services tax
Helping financial services firms navigate the global financial services and funds tax landscape.
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Regulatory and compliance
Providing an exceptional level of regulatory and compliance to firms across the financial services industry.
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Corporate intelligence
Corporate intelligence often involves cross-border complexities. Our experienced team can offer support.
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Litigation support
Industry-wide litigation support and investigation services for lawyers and law firms.
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Disputes advisory
Advising on quantum, accounting and financial issues in commercial disputes.
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Forensic investigations and special situations
Do you need clarity in an uncertain situation? If you're accused of wrongdoing we can help you get the facts right.
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Forensic data analytics
Our forensic data analytics team are helping businesses sift the truth from their data. See how we can help your firm.
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Monitoring trustee and competition services
Monitoring trustee services to competition, financial and regulatory bodies.
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Financial crime
Supporting your fight against financial crime in an ever-changing environment
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Public sector advisory
To deliver excellent public services, local and central government need specialist support.
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Public sector consulting
Helping public sector organisations maintain oversight of services and understand what's happening on the ground.
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Public sector audit and assurance
As a leading UK auditor, we have unparalleled insights into the risks, challenges and opportunities that you face.
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Contentious estates and family disputes
We manage complex and sensitive disputes through to resolution.
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Digital Asset Recovery
Get guidance and technical expertise on digital finance and cryptoasset recovery from our dedicated crypto hub.
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Grant Thornton Offshore
Grant Thornton Offshore is our one-stop global solution for insolvency, asset recovery, restructuring and forensics services.
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Insolvency Act Portal
Case information and published reports on insolvency cases handled by Grant Thornton UK LLP.
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Litigation support
Industry-wide litigation support and investigation services for lawyers and law firms.
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Personal insolvency
We can support you to maximise personal insolvency recovery and seek appropriate debt relief.
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South Asia business group
Supporting your growth in the UK-India economic corridor and beyond.
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US business group
Optimise your trans-Atlantic operations with local knowledge and global reach.
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Japan business group
Bridging the commercial and cultural divide and supporting your ambitions across Japan and the UK.
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Africa business group
Connecting you to the right local teams in the UK, Africa, and the relevant offshore centres.
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China-Britain business group
Supporting your operations across the China – UK economic corridor.
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Asset based lending advisory
Helping lenders, their clients and other stakeholders navigate the complexities of ABL.
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Contingency planning and administrations
In times of financial difficulty, it is vital that directors explore all the options that are available to them, including having a robust ‘Plan B’.
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Corporate restructuring
Corporate restructuring can be a difficult time. Let our team make the process simple and as stress-free as possible.
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Creditor and lender advisory
Whether you're a creditor or lender, complex restructurings depend on pragmatic commercial advice
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Debt advisory
Our debt advisory team can find the right lender to help you in restructuring. Find out how our experts can support you.
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Financial services restructuring and insolvency
Financial services restructuring and insolvency is a competitive marketplace. Our team can help you navigate this space.
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Pensions advisory services
DB pension-schemes need a balanced approach that manages risk for trustees and sponsors in an uncertain economy.
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Restructuring and insolvency tax
Tax will often be crucial in a plan to restructure a distressed business. Our team can guide you through the process.
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Restructuring Plans
Market leading experience in advising companies and creditors in Restructuring Plan processes.
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Controls advisory
Build a robust internal control environment in a changing world.
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Data assurance and analytics
Enhancing your data processes, tools and internal capabilities to help you make decisions on managing risk and controls.
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Enterprise risk management
Understand and embrace enterprise risk management – we help you develop and connect risk thinking to your objectives.
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Internal audit services
Internal audit services that deliver the value and impact they should.
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Managing risk and realising ESG opportunities
Assess and assure risk and opportunities across ESG with an expert, commercial and pragmatic approach.
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Project, programme, and portfolio assurance
Successfully delivering projects and programmes include preparing for the wider impact on your business.
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Service organisation controls report
Independent assurance provides confidence to your customers in relation to your services and control environment.
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Supplier and contract assurance
Clarity around key supplier relationships: focusing on risk, cost, and operational performance.
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Technology risk services
IT internal audits and technology risk assurance projects that help you manage your technology risks effectively.
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Capital allowances (tax depreciation)
Advisory and tools to help you realise opportunities in capital allowances.
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Corporate tax
Helping companies manage corporate tax affairs: delivering actionable guidance to take opportunities and mitigate risk.
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Employer solutions
We will help you deliver value through your employees, offering pragmatic employer solutions to increasing costs.
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Indirect tax
Businesses face complex ever changing VAT regimes, guidance and legislation. We can help you navigate these challenges.
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International tax
Real-world international tax advice to help you navigate a changing global tax landscape.
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Our approach to tax
We advise clients on tax law in the UK and, where relevant, other jurisdictions.
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Private tax
Tax experts for entrepreneurs, families and private business. For now and the long term.
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Real estate tax
Stay ahead of real estate tax changes with holistic, tax-efficient solutions.
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Research and development tax incentives
We can help you prepare optimised and robust research and development tax claims.
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Tax dispute resolution
We make it simple to stay compliant and avoid HMRC tax disputes
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Tax risk management
We work with you to develop effective tax risk management strategies.
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Skills and training
Get the right support to deliver corporate and vocational training that leads the way in an expanding market.
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Private education
Insight and guidance for all businesses in the private education sector: from early years to higher education and edtech.
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Facilities management and property services
Get insight and strategic support to take opportunities that protect resilience and drive UK and international growth.
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Recruitment
Helping recruitment companies take opportunities to achieve their goals in a market where talent and skills are key.
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Food and beverage (F&B)
We can help you find the right ingredients for growth in your food and beverage business.
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Travel, tourism and leisure
Tap into our range of support for travel, tourism and leisure businesses in this period of challenge and change.
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Retail, e-commerce and consumer products
With multiple challenges and opportunities in the fast-evolving retail sector, make sure you are ready for them.
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Banking
Our expertise and insight can help you respond positively to long term and emerging issues in the banking sector.
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Capital markets
2020 is a demanding year for capital markets. Working with you, we're architecting the future of the sector.
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Insurance
Our experienced expert team brings you technical expertise and insight to guide you through insurance sector challenges.
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Investment management
Embracing innovation and shaping business models for long-term success.
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Pensions
Pension provision is an essential issue for employers, and the role of the trustee is becoming increasingly challenging.
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Central and devolved government
Helping central and devolved governments deliver change to improve our communities and grow our economies.
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Infrastructure and transport
Delivering a successful transport or infrastructure project will require you to balance an often complex set of strategic issues.
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Local government
Helping local government leverage technical and strategic expertise deliver their agendas and improve public services.
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Regeneration development and housing
We provide commercial and strategic advice to assist your decision making in pursuing your objectives.
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Health and social care
Sharing insight and knowledge to deliver transformation and improvement to health and social care services.
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Charities
Supporting you to achieve positive change in the UK charity sector.
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Education and skills
The education sector has rarely faced more risk or more opportunity to transform. You need to plan for the future.
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Social housing
We are committed to helping change social housing for the better, and can help you make the most of every opportunity.
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Technology
We work with dynamic technology companies of all sizes to help them succeed and grow internationally.
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Telecommunications
Take all opportunities to realise your goals in telecommunications: from business refresh to international expansion.
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Media
Media companies must stay agile to thrive in today’s highly competitive market – we’re here to support your ambitions.
Going public, or preparing for transactions requiring an investment circular, represents a huge time and resource commitment. A reporting accountant plays a key role and can help expedite the process.
Whether you’re a private company embarking on an initial public offering (IPO) or a public company undertaking a transaction that requires an investment circular, you need documents that your board and sponsor or nominated adviser can have confidence in.
With years of involvement in the equity capital markets, we can help you navigate even the most complex of IPOs or public company transactions.
Why Grant Thornton
You need confidence that your reporting accountant can deliver on what is an important transaction for you. That’s why a partner or director actively leads your assignment team, bringing in technical and sector specialists as and when you need it.
Each reporting accountant assignment is different. We’ve delivered assignments across a wide range of transactions and sectors, and worked with all of the main advisers active in this market. Expect friendly, insightful, personalised support throughout.
Reporting accountant reports and letters
The specific suite of public and private reports and letters that you need will depend on the nature of your transaction. Other factors include the relevant capital market, the type of investment circular being issued, and the requirements or preferences of your listing rules sponsor or AIM-nominated adviser (‘nomad’) or equivalent.
Sometimes two firms may split the reporting accountant deliverables. The auditor is then typically responsible for the public reports and an independent reporting accountant is responsible for the private reports. We have practical experience of acting as reporting accountant in these split cases.
Here are the key reports and letters that we can advise and assist with:
Where existing financial statements don’t meet the regulatory requirements, you need to prepare and include special purpose financial statements or historical financial information for inclusion in the investment circular.
Typically, historical financial information is required to cover the last three years and is prepared under UK-adopted international accounting standards.
An accountant’s report accompanies this and acts a special purpose 'true and fair' audit opinion on the historical financial information.
Pro forma financial information shows the hypothetical effect of the transaction on the company's most recent balance sheet and income statement, as if the transaction had occurred at the start of the period being reported on or the balance sheet date reported. It is either required or voluntarily included in the investment circular.
We provide the required limited assurance report on the proper compilation of this financial information and whether the basis of preparation is consistent with the company’s accounting policies. Depending on the capital market, this may be either a private report or a public report published alongside the pro forma financial information in the investment circular.
A profit forecast gives a maximum or minimum level of results for a period following the audited financial statements. It may be stated in words or figures, either in express terms or implied.
For a transaction subject to the Takeover Code, any new or existing ‘live’ profit forecast needs to be included in the offer document or offeree board circular (as appropriate), together with an accountant’s report.
We provide the required limited assurance report on the proper compilation of the profit forecast on the basis stated and that the basis of preparation is consistent with the company’s accounting policies.
A quantified financial benefits statement contains expected synergies or stand-alone cost savings made in relation to the proposed transaction.
For a transaction subject to the Takeover Code, if the offeree or offeror publishes this information during an offer period, it must be accompanied by an accountant’s report.
We provide the required limited assurance report on the proper compilation of the quantified financial benefits statement on the basis stated.
Most UK capital markets require applicants to have established procedures that provide a reasonable basis for the directors to make proper judgements as to the financial position and prospects (FPP) of the company and its group.
To demonstrate this, the company must prepare a detailed board memorandum that documents group FPP procedures and any changes due to take place from the point of admission to the capital market.
We can provide one or both of the following.
Due diligence report: descriptions of the procedures that the applicant considers necessary in meeting its FPP procedures obligations; findings from our enquiries made of the directors and management; a factual commentary on strengths and weaknesses and other matters to assist the directors and the sponsor/nomad to assess the procedures described, together with our recommendations.
Limited assurance report: our opinion on whether FPP procedures have been established.
In the context of a Class 1 acquisition or disposal by a company with an existing premium segment listing, we can also provide an FPP procedures limited scope due diligence report. This focuses on the incremental effects of the acquisition/disposal on the group’s existing FPP procedures.
A long form report is a private due diligence report that the reporting accountant prepares for the directors of the company and the sponsor/nomad. It forms part of their due diligence in relation to the company’s proposed admission to a UK capital market and typically covers:
- business history and structure
- business activities and operations
- management and staffing structure
- taxation compliance
- historical trading results, cash flows and balance sheets
The historical review period usually mirrors the track record period of the historical financial information, and any interim financial information, published in the investment circular.
A long form report tends to be more comprehensive in scope than for a private financial due diligence report. This is because the sponsor/nomad is acting out of an abundance of caution and keen to show they’ve met their regulatory due diligence obligation.
Using our reporting accountant experience and sector expertise, we work with you and your sponsor/nomad to refine the scope of the long form report. We ensure that it focuses on the key drivers and risk areas for your business while also still meeting their needs.
The investment circular includes a public statement confirming that working capital (ie, liquidity) is sufficient for at least the next 12 months. Private or internal financial forecasts will also need to support this.
We prepare a due diligence report on the company’s supporting financial forecasts (a working capital report). We comment on the financial forecasts and whether or not the working capital statement has been made after due and careful enquiry. The scope typically covers:
- review of the forecast model covering at least 18 months post investment circular
- assess the key forecast assumptions and basis of preparation
- check the method of compilation including deal structure
- sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of the directors' statement under a reasonable worst-case scenario
- comment on adequacy of headroom under base case and reasonable worst case, including compliance with any financial covenants
We provide comfort letters covering the following.
Financial extraction comfort letter: agreeing financial information in the investment circular (as ‘circled up’ by legal counsel) to the source financial statements or underlying accounting records.
Significant change statement comfort letter: agreed-upon procedures targeted at identifying any significant changes in the company’s financial position and performance since the period end of its most recent published financial information.
Investor tax disclosures comfort letter: confirming that the paragraphs in the investment circular that explain the tax position of a holder of the company’s shares are accurate.
Capitalisation and indebtedness comfort letter: agreed upon procedures covering the figures in any capitalisation and indebtedness statement in a prospectus.
Are you IPO ready?
Instead of acting as your reporting accountant, we can assist you in preparing materials for review by another firm acting as reporting accountant. Such materials may include:
- historical financial information
- financial position and procedures board memorandum
- financial forecast models to support a working capital statement or a profit forecast
- historical financial and tax due diligence materials