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Articles by Jonathan Grant
When To Take Advice And When To Handle Your Own M&A Deal
Entrepreneurs are used to relying on their own judgement and are often sceptical about the value of professional advisors. In a challenging legal market, that can limit opportunity, and the value of an exit. Why? PE backed (buy and build models), together with strong international companies and Scandinavian investors, have been active through 2025. We have completed deals with Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish businesses. While good deals are available, we are not in a “bull market”.
M&A Trends 2025: A Sector-Based Performance Review And Strategic Outlook For 2026
The UK M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and momentum through 2025, notwithstanding political and geopolitical instability. Against that backdrop, DMH Stallard’s Corporate team experienced robust activity. This article distils what happened, why it mattered, and how corporate leaders can position for value-accretive deals in 2026. A positive M&A environment continued to support equity investment, eased debt raising, and enabled founder succession and sales.
A Risk Free M&A Deal?
DS DMH Stallard More DMH Stallard is an award winning South East law firm with offices in London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guilford, Hassocks and Horsham. DMH Stallard has grown rapidly since it was established in 1970, and continues to maintain its focus on building long term relationships with clients to help deliver their goals and objectives. These days, a risk free M&A deal may be possible, as warranty and indemnity insurance (W&I) is now available for deals of all sizes.
Can Growth Through Acquisition Dramatically Increase Your Exit Price?
We often meet business owners with an ideal exit value they would like to achieve, but without having really considered how that value might be delivered.
Is The M&A Market Heating Up?
Traditionally, a period of international instability and low business growth is not good for investor confidence, with the result that prices and deal volumes drop; but that is not what we are seeing. Last financial year, to end of March 2026, our M&A deal volumes were 20% up on the previous year with most deals in the £5m to £10m range. From the turn of the year, we have seen the average deal value increase with more deals £20m+ and, increasingly, £40m+; so what is happening?
When planning obligations stall delivery – and how to respond - Platinum Media Group
Affordable housing obligations are the single largest policy cost in most development appraisals and, increasingly, they are the reason otherwise viable schemes stall. Planning viability is the financial test of whether a development can meet its costs whilst providing appropriate returns for the landowner and developer. More often, it is affordable housing delivery that tips the balance.
Is the M&A market heating up?
Traditionally, a period of international instability and low business growth is not good for investor confidence, resulting in lower prices and deal volumes; but that is not what we are seeing. 2025’s improvement continues Last financial year, to the end of March 2026, our M&A deal volumes were 20% up on the previous year, with most deals in the £5m to £10m range.Since the turn of the year, we have seen the average deal value increase, with more deals at £20m+ and, increasingly, £40m+.
Directors’ duties: The BHS judgment – two years on - Platinum Media Group
In a landmark judgment in June 2024, the High Court decision found two of the directors of the collapsed retail giant BHS each personally liable for £6.5 million of wrongful trading to its liquidators, plus a further £110 million in compensation for misfeasance; the largest ever such award. Their third co-director was subsequently ordered to pay at least £50 million to the liquidators. What can company directors learn two years on from the judgment?
The government’s proposed overhaul of NDAs and non-competes
The government is proposing significant changes to the rules governing confidentiality clauses and non-compete agreements for employees. Two proposals stand out: 1. Restrictions on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination, and; 2. Limits on non-compete clauses that stop people from joining a competitor after leaving their job. For employers, these changes could have real, practical consequences. Non-compete clauses: What’s changing?
The Renters' Rights Act
Landlords and managing agents who have not yet served the mandatory Information Sheet on qualifying tenants should treat compliance as an immediate priority. The deadline for service was May 31st 2026, and local authorities now have the power to impose financial penalties for non-compliance. Below, we set out what is required, the consequences of failure, and the steps that should be taken without delay. What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?
Can growth through acquisition dramatically increase your exit price?
We often meet business owners who have an ideal exit value they would like to achieve, but who have not really considered how that value might be delivered.
Shared care and child maintenance: What parents need to know
When parents separate, one of the most challenging and emotionally sensitive issues to resolve is how children will divide their time between two homes, and how this arrangement affects child maintenance. These questions arise early, when families are adjusting to change and seeking stability.
A risk-free M&A deal?
These days, a risk-free M&A deal may be possible as warranty and indemnity insurance (W&I) is now available for deals of all sizes. W&I policies were created for mega deals (international deals between companies and private equity investors) in which sellers were unwilling to provide commercial/tax warranties. Over the past five years, mid-market deals (deals up to £250m) have been able to secure W&I cover with specialist brokers calculating premiums based on financial risk and business sector.
How to win an Employment Tribunal claim
The Employment Tribunal system shows no sign of slowing down. Latest statistics from the Tribunals and ACAS show a rise in the number of claims presented and an increase in the proportion involving allegations of discrimination and whistleblowing. That rise in the Tribunal workload looks likely to continue as the Government reforms in the Employment Rights Act 2025 make it easier for employees to present claims to the Tribunal.
Has data protection compliance become a little easier?
GDPR has significantly impacted businesses across the UK and EU. Recognising scope for improvement, the UK government enacted the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) last summer to reduce administrative burdens and encourage economic growth. The EU is now looking at similar reforms. The DUAA is being phased in over a year, with the most recent changes coming into force last month.
Legally privileged - Platinum Media Group
The flagship offices of Monan Gozzett LLP are situated under the watchful gaze of the ancient castle that presides over the historic town of Arundel, in the heart of Sussex. The interplay of complementary legal services, combined with our exceptional attention to personal service, affords our clientele total legal protection. You may require one of our expert lawyers to assist you with your high-value divorce and the complex financial and child arrangements that often accompany legal separation.
When to take advice and when to handle your own M&A deal - Platinum Media Group
Entrepreneurs are used to relying on their own judgement and are often sceptical about the value of professional advisors.In a challenging legal market that can limit opportunity and the value of an exit. Why? PE-backed (buy-and-build) models, together with strong international companies and Scandinavian investors, have been active through 2025.We have completed deals with Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish businesses.
M&A trends 2025 in to 2026
The UK M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and momentum through 2025, notwithstanding political and geopolitical instability. Against that backdrop, DMH Stallard’s Corporate team experienced robust activity. This article distils what happened, why it mattered, and how corporate leaders can position for value-accretive deals in 2026. The market at a glance A positive M&A environment continued to support equity investment, ease debt-raising, and enable founder succession and sales.
The hidden value in leasehold reform: why businesses should care - Platinum Media Group
Leasehold reform isn’t usually a headline topic in the business community. It sounds technical, legalistic, and relevant only to homeowners in flats. Yet the Government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 marks one of the most significant property law changes in decades — and its commercial impact extends far beyond the residential market. For investors, landlords, developers and managing agents, the reforms are reshaping how property value is created and controlled.
Can a growth plan deliver the right exit value?
Many business owners have in mind a preferred sale price without working out how to get there.You need to appeal to the right buyers willing to pay a premium, which is easier said than done! Multiples vary Price is typically calculated by applying a multiple to the core profitability of the business. Buyers will pay a multiple based on how reliably the business can deliver that profitability.
Will HMRC changes affect your succession plans?
As a business owner, safeguarding the future of your enterprise and ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation is likely a key priority. Whether your assets include agricultural land, trading businesses, or investment portfolios, the structure of your estate and succession plans can have long-term implications for your family and the business itself.
Allica identifies £8.1bn funding gap to SMEs in the South East
New research from business bank Allica Bank has revealed that a gap of £8.1 billion in lending to South East SMEs (not including London) has emerged over the past 30 years. The research highlights how the ‘Big Six’ high-street banks have pulled back from SME lending in recent decades, leading to a lending gap for the UK as a whole of £65 billion. It has left the country with the lowest business investment rate in the G7.
M&A’s hidden trap: The overlooked Inheritance Tax shift in the 2024 UK Budget
For M&A lawyers, the focus on the 2024 budget was all around Business Asset Taper Relief (formerly known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief). The changes reduced the Capital Gains Tax discount available to entrepreneurs, impacting those who want to sell their business. While this attracted much of the attention in the immediate aftermath of the budget, the adjustment to Inheritance Tax (IHT) on qualifying business assets over £1m value, which comes into effect in April 2026, has been less talked about.
Bloom & Barber - Platinum Media Group
It’s no hyperbole to say that the club was 28 minutes from extinction in 1997. The Goldstone Ground, home of Brighton & Hove Albion for 95 years, had been sold to property developers, behind the fans’ backs, and the team had nowhere to play. The undertakers had just about finished measuring up the entire club, when the fans decided enough was enough.
NATIONAL INSURANCE: Practical steps to respond to changes in the Budget
The most significant individual tax measure announced in the recent Budget was the changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which are estimated to generate £25 billion annually for the Treasury. The changes can be summarised as the threshold at which an employer begins paying NICs reducing from £9,100 to £5,000 per annum, and the rate increasing from 13.8% to 15%. This increased NIC rate will also apply to taxable benefits-in-kind and PAYE Settlement Agreements.
What impact has the 2024 Budget had on business sales?
Amidst concern about the change to Capital Gains Tax potentially disrupting the M&A market, there is a level of relief amongst deal doers. By Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate, DMH Stallard With scare stories rife, many businesses advanced their plans to sell ahead of the budget, and a number of deals were completed to an accelerated timetable.
What impact has the 2024 Budget had on business sales?
Home / Services / For Business / Corporate Law / What impact has the 2024 Budget had on business sales? Amidst concern about the change to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) potentially disrupting the M&A market and business sales, there is a level of relief amongst deal doers. With scare stories rife, many businesses advanced plans to sell ahead of the budget and a number of deals were completed to an accelerated timetable.
Corporate Commentary - Employee Share Schemes
Employee Share Schemes provide and allow key employees to have an equity interest in your business, without the risk of creating minority shareholder rights, or recovering shares if the employee leaves. Employees often qualify for shares immediately before a sale of the company (but with all the tax benefits of being a long-term shareholder). Clients often like the idea of simply making a gift to loyal employees after a sale (“don't worry I will look after you”).
Modern boarding – getting them ready for the world - Platinum Media Group
Boarding schools have long been part of our educational furniture. From Tom Brown’s School Days to the likes of Malory Towers and Harry Potter, these hallowed halls have captured the imagination of generations. We are all familiar with tales of children shipped off to fairytale-like surroundings, left to their own devices as they seek to navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence. Whilst they make fantastic stories, Mr Thwackum would not pass muster for the Safeguarding Team today.
Corporate commentary: M&A market
I have highlighted below some useful trends to be aware of in the M&A market, as we move toward a period of improved confidence and increased value. Direct approaches Business owners are still receiving direct offers, which is both encouraging, and flattering. It remains important to understand what experienced buyers will expect, and to ‘play your hand’ well. Price will be based on a multiple of earnings, adjusted for surplus cash, after debt and working capital have been provided for.
DMH Stallard advises on CP Cases acquisition
Founded by Peter Ross over 50 years ago, the company became a go-to supplier of made to measure flight cases for equipment owned by some of the world’s most famous bands, including Led Zepplin, Queen, Pink Floyd, The Who, Deep Purple, Abba, Elton John and many more. From a foundation built on rock and roll, CP Cases now supplies protective cases and cases to customers in 45 countries worldwide. Peter said: “It is now more than 50 years since we started CP Cases.
Law Is Changing - For Clients And For Lawyers!
A unique insight from Partner and Head of Corporate, Jonathan Grant, on the various routes into the legal profession and the range of law firms within which candidates may choose to develop their careers. Often considered one of the most conservative professions things are changing fast. In this article I look at ways to qualify and the range of law businesses. For those entering the profession, there is also now a wider choice as to how you qualify.
Investment readiness - Platinum Media Group
Welcome to this monthly series for business owners, where myself and my team aim to demystify the corporate market and highlight trends in a non-technical manner Securing the funding to allow your start-up to grow can be a challenge; investors will want to run a ruler over your business. To navigate that process, it pays to understand some key issues. That investor will want to know many things. Here, we will consider three areas. Contracts Contracts are essential for your business.
Law is changing - for clients and for lawyers - DMH Stallard
Often considered one of the most conservative professions things are changing fast. In this article I look at ways to qualify and the range of law businesses. Qualification For those entering the profession, there is also now a wider choice as to how you qualify. Traditional route Law graduates complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC)(full time) at the College of Law, followed by a two year training contract (moving disciplines every six months).
Navigating UK Corporation Tax payments
Sam Jones, Corporate Tax Partner at Kreston Reeves, takes you through the Corporation Tax ‘dates for your diary’ – the dates you need to know As the tax landscape continues to evolve, staying abreast of essential statutory obligations is imperative for businesses of all sizes. One obligation is the payment of Corporation Tax, a significant aspect of a company’s fiscal responsibilities.
When life gets in the way of a great plan!
Many businesses wait for problems to emerge, rather than anticipating them. Early attention can save a lot of cost and aggravation later. Here is some food for thought, based on real examples. Shareholders agreements – a not uncommon tale Two brothers ran a communications business, which was growing quickly; one was considerably older than the other, but they complemented one another.
Is the M&A market about to turn?
Private Equity (PE) has been notable by its absence in 2023, and the resulting M&A market was more challenging, with less pressure on buyers to close deals. Given many PE deals are supported by debt, the high cost of borrowing combined with a series of global disruptions have limited appetite. While we are not out of the woods yet, the picture is beginning to change. Certain sectors which have been quiet, such as travel, are now returning to a more normal pattern.
Putting your stamp on your space
Workplace interior design says a lot about your business and its culture. Driven by the hybrid and remote work revolution, companies are re-evaluating the look and feel of their office space and trying to understand what helps to make a great environment to work.
Corporate Commentary Episode 9
Many businesses wait for problems to emerge, rather than anticipating them; early attention, can save a lot of aggravation and cost later. Here is some food for thought, based on real examples. Shareholders agreements – any point? Two brothers ran a communications business, which was growing quickly; one was considerably older than the other, but they complimented one another.
Corporate Commentary Episode 8
Issue No. 8 Private Equity (PE) has been notable by its absence in 2023, and the resulting M&A market was more challenging, with less pressure on buyers to close deals. Given many PE deals are supported by debt, the high cost of borrowing combined with a series of global disruptions have limited appetite. While we are not out of the woods yet, the picture is beginning to change. Certain sectors which have been quiet, such as travel, are now returning to a more normal pattern.
Corporate Commentary Episode 7 - Corporate and Company Law - UK
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the "Act") introduced screening powers for the UK government to scrutinise and potentially block acquisitions of UK business, on grounds of national security (the "NSI Regime"). Because the Act was widely drawn, a lot of M&A deals have been selfreported for clearance, slowing completion of those deals by a couple of months.
Why you should consider selling your business in 2024 - Platinum Media Group
As we stand on the brink of a new year, many entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads, pondering the future of their businesses. While the decision to part ways with a venture you’ve poured your heart and soul into is never an easy one, the dawning of 2024 might just be the perfect moment to consider selling your business. In this article, we explore the compelling reasons why seizing this opportunity could be the key to unlocking new horizons in both your professional and personal life.
Employee share schemes - Platinum Media Group
These provide and allow key employees to have an equity interest in your business, without the risk of creating minority shareholder rights, or recovering shares if the employee leaves. Employees often qualify for shares immediately before a sale of the company (but with all the tax benefits of being a long-term shareholder). A cheaper alternative? Clients often like the idea of simply making a gift to loyal employees after a sale (“don’t worry, I will look after you”).
What’s changing in the employment law and HR world? - Platinum Media Group
Next year there are some legislative changes coming into effect which will impact all employers. Employers not only need to be aware of the changes ahead but also be proactively reviewing and updating their practices and policies now to align with the new legislation and protect their organisation. Pam Loch of Loch Associates explains what’s happening… One of the most significant changes to employee rights ahead is the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.
Growing pains - Platinum Media Group
Michael Pay of EMC Corporate Finance discusses the commonly-raised issue of how a business owner prepares their business for growth “How to cope with growth” may sound like a high class problem but it turns out to be a very similar question to “how to avoid stagnation”.
How prepared is your business for Net Zero? - Platinum Media Group
Are UK SMEs prepared for Net Zero or the 1.5ºC pathway? Here are some of the issues and how businesses can get started. Every business (and every business sector) is coming at Net Zero by 2050 from a different starting point, and is on a different journey of awareness. It would be helpful if there was more of a framework for SMEs as there are lots of different terminology, and it is difficult to navigate. It needs to be a clearer, more obvious journey with incentives to encourage businesses.
Marriage, divorce and relationships in estate disputes
Our relationship status at the time of our deaths plays a key role in how our estates are dealt with. However, the last thing you are likely to be thinking about when getting engaged or moving in with a new partner is what will happen when you die. Common misconceptions – marriage Firstly, it’s important to understand that there is no such thing as a common law marriage.
Equity or debt? - Platinum Media Group
For any sale transaction, you will need legal and tax support, with many deals involving corporate finance When the cost of borrowing is high (as now), growing businesses will look to equity investment, in order to finance working capital/growth. What should businesses consider, when looking at an equity fund raise? ‘Crowd funding’ was popular a few years ago, particularly for businesses with a strong image/link to consumers (drinks companies are the obvious example).
DMH Stallard advises on St Barnabas and Martlets Hospice merger
St Barnabas Hospices and Martlets Hospices have merged. The new group, which already incorporated St Barnabas House in Worthing and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, will continue to operate under their existing names and identities, but will be governed by a unified leadership team. The merger is described by St Barnabas as a move that ‘aims to create a stronger, more sustainable and comprehensive hospice care organisation that is committed to delivering outstanding patient care’.
Corporate awards are ‘gr-eight’ for DMH Stallard
The event recognises outstanding professional advisory companies, who advise on deals in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.
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