Michael Thornton holds an MBA from Oxford Saïd Business School and has spent 15 years in corporate finance and private equity. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for the mid-market sector. Michael advises business owners on valuation techniques, raising capital, and preparing companies for a lucrative exit.
Michael Thornton's career has been defined by the deal. having worked for a leading boutique investment bank, he has overseen dozens of business acquisitions and disposals ranging from £1m to £50m in value. He possesses a deep understanding of what makes a business sellable, from clean balance sheets to recurring revenue models. Michael writes for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to grow through acquisition rather than organic plodding, explaining complex concepts like EBITDA multiples, vendor finance, and leveraged buyouts in plain English. He is an expert on the due diligence process, teaching buyers how to spot 'skeletons in the closet' before signing the contract. Beyond the transaction, Michael advises on post-merger integration and how to retain key staff during a transition. He also covers the financing side of business growth, comparing the merits of private equity, angel investment, and traditional debt leverage. His insights are crucial for any business owner looking to understand the true value of their enterprise.