Capital Transactions Support
The Lumen Collective provides finance-side support across the full deal lifecycle for UK SMEs. We work alongside your corporate finance adviser as a complementary, non-competing resource. Pre-deal services (12 to 18 months before transaction) include financial reporting upgrades, forecast model builds, KPI frameworks and tax structuring. During the deal we handle vendor due diligence preparation, data room content, buyer query responses and completion accounts. Post-deal we support finance integration, earn-out management and ongoing fractional finance on a retainer basis.
End-to-End Finance Support Across the Full Transaction Lifecycle
Most SME businesses are not deal-ready when a transaction opportunity arises. Management accounts are not investor-grade, forecasts lack clear methodology, there is no finance leader to work alongside buyers during due diligence, and tax structures create friction or reduce deal value.
The Lumen Collective provides finance-side support across the entire transaction lifecycle, before, during and after the deal, so your corporate finance advisers can focus on the deal itself.
We work alongside your lead advisory firm as a complementary, non-competing resource. We do not provide lead corporate finance advisory. We prepare the financial foundations, support the process and ensure a smooth transition post-completion.
Before the Deal: 12 to 18 Months Pre-Transaction
The most valuable deal preparation starts well before a transaction is on the table. Businesses that invest in their financial infrastructure early achieve higher valuations, faster processes and fewer deal-breaking surprises.
Our pre-deal services include financial reporting upgrades to bring management accounts to investor-grade standard, cash flow and forecast model builds using best-practice three-statement modelling with clear assumptions and methodology, KPI framework and dashboard design so you can demonstrate business performance with data rather than narrative, tax structuring and planning to ensure the business is optimally structured before going to market, and working capital optimisation to improve cash conversion and present a cleaner balance sheet to potential buyers or investors.
Starting this work twelve to eighteen months before a planned transaction gives you time to implement changes, demonstrate improved performance and present a credible track record to buyers or investors.
During the Deal: Active Transaction Support
Once a transaction is live, the finance function faces intense demands that most SME teams are not resourced to handle alongside day-to-day operations. We provide hands-on support throughout the active deal phase.
Our during-deal services include vendor due diligence preparation, assembling and quality-checking the financial information that buyers and their advisers will scrutinise, data room financial content preparation and organisation, management presentation support to ensure the financial story is compelling, consistent and defensible, responding to buyer due diligence queries with accurate, timely and well-supported answers, SPA financial schedule review covering warranties, indemnities and financial definitions in the sale and purchase agreement, and completion accounts preparation and support including working capital adjustments and any locked-box or completion accounts mechanics.
Having a qualified finance professional embedded in the process reduces the burden on your management team and gives buyers confidence that the financial information is robust.
After the Deal: Post-Completion Integration
The deal closing is not the end of the finance workstream. Post-completion brings its own set of challenges, particularly around integrating finance functions, meeting new reporting requirements and managing earn-out arrangements.
Our post-deal services include finance function integration, aligning accounting policies, chart of accounts and reporting timetables with the buyer's requirements, post-deal reporting to buyers and investors in the format and frequency they require, earn-out period financial management to ensure earn-out metrics are tracked, reported and, where necessary, defended accurately, and ongoing fractional finance support on a retainer basis through our fractional finance subscription plans, providing continuity through the transition period and beyond.
How We Work With Corporate Finance Advisers
We position ourselves as a complementary resource to corporate finance advisory firms, not a competitor. We handle the finance-side preparation and support that makes deals run smoothly, while your lead adviser focuses on origination, negotiation and execution. We are happy to work under the direction of the lead adviser and to integrate into their deal process and timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should we start preparing for a transaction?
Ideally twelve to eighteen months before a planned transaction. This allows time to upgrade financial reporting, build robust forecast models, address any tax structuring issues and demonstrate a track record of improved financial performance to potential buyers or investors.
Do you provide corporate finance advisory?
No. We provide finance-side preparation and support, not lead advisory, valuation opinions or deal origination. We work alongside your corporate finance adviser as a complementary resource focused on the financial infrastructure and due diligence workstream.
What does vendor due diligence preparation involve?
Vendor DD preparation means assembling, checking and presenting the financial information that a buyer's advisers will review. This includes historical financial statements, management accounts, forecasts, tax compliance records, working capital analysis and supporting schedules. The goal is to anticipate buyer questions and present clean, well-documented information that builds confidence and reduces deal friction.
Can you help with completion accounts disputes?
Yes. Completion accounts often involve complex judgements around working capital, normalisation adjustments and accounting policy application. We prepare completion accounts in line with the SPA mechanics and support any subsequent negotiation or dispute process.
What happens after the deal completes?
Clients can retain us on a fractional finance basis post-completion to manage the transition, handle new reporting requirements and provide continuity while the acquired business integrates with the buyer's operations. This can be structured through our Foundation, Performance or Transformation subscription tiers.