Lawyer casts his Net wide

Roger Hinchliffe: “Our online database provides global access”

Oldham Works: a campaign to boost Oldham, its business, and its people

There is a silver lining to the credit crunch.

Some companies, through no fault of there own, are experiencing liquidity problems, making them open to the idea of merger or buy-out.

And there are potential buyers out there looking to pick up a bargain.

“Companies are willing to take on existing debts if they see potential in the market, or if the target company is in administration it may be free of debt”, said Roger Hinchliffe, of law firm Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law.

The firm’s new, online service — www.phcommerciallaw.co.uk — helps to identify and complete mergers and acquisitions.

Speaking from the firm’s Hollinwood Business Centre offices, Mr Hinchliffe added. “Mergers and acquisitions can also help a company in a given industry grow rapidly — and at lower cost — without having to create another business, thus, saving time and money in the process.”

The need to change direction or retirement can also be a factor. In short, not all target companies are in trouble, although some may be.

Either way, there may be an opportunity to buy a company at a rock-bottom price.

He said: “In the downturn, there are a lot of cheap assets available and strong companies have the opportunity to shop around for the right deal.

“A good example is in manufacturing where today it is up to 20 per cent cheaper to buy plant than to build new.

“We have potential buyers in this country and the United States, so our net is cast very wide.

“And with the pound so low at the moment UK companies are very attractive to foreign investors. Our online database provides global access.”

If you have a business you wish to sell, you can add it to the Pearson Hinchliffe online database.

Interested parties can contact Roger Hinchliffe on 0161-785 3500 or roger.hinchliffe@pearson-hinchliffe.co.uk for more information.