The Sale of Renews Ltd to Lewis Business Media

Introduction

Renews Ltd, an established digital publishing company in the renewable energy sector, was successfully operated by its two founders for over 20 years. In 2023, following the retirement of one of the founders, the owners decided to evaluate options for the future, including a range of potential routes to exit.

Selecting the Right Corporate Finance Partner

The partners reached out to a trusted friend with expertise in mergers and acquisitions for guidance on seeking a tailored corporate service better geared to the size of Renews than the large commercial agents. They were advised to engage a boutique corporate finance firm that would prioritise their long-term goals and deliver a more personal experience aligned with their needs.

Based on their accountant’s recommendation, the partners approached The MGroup Corporate Finance team. The MGroup proposed beginning with a Business Exit Review, a step that aligned perfectly with the owners’ desire to explore and understand all potential exit options, rather than defaulting to a single, restrictive strategy. This approach gave the partners the confidence that their needs and goals would drive the process.

The MGroup Approach

The MGroup team immediately set themselves apart with their commitment to understanding the business, its culture and the specific objectives of the owners. They took the time to identify prospective buyers who not only had the resources to complete a transaction but also aligned with the values and vision of Renews Ltd. This level of care was critical to the owners, who wanted to ensure a smooth transition for their loyal team and their client base.

Throughout the process, the MGroup team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and attention to detail. Their ability to collaborate with trusted partners further enhanced the experience, introducing the owners to an experienced lawyer who complemented their approach perfectly, creating a cohesive and effective team to support the transaction.

The business owners highlighted Geoff and Sandie from The MGroup for their outstanding contributions. Geoff’s work ethic, professionalism, and personal commitment stood out, providing reassurance during what can often be a stressful process. Sandie’s expertise and collaborative style, especially during the due diligence phase, ensured that every detail was managed effectively.

The Outcome

Thanks to The MGroup’s efforts, Renews Ltd was successfully acquired by Lewis Business Media, a buyer whose culture and strategic goals aligned with the values of the company. The transaction was completed smoothly.

Reflecting on the experience, the business owners expressed their gratitude for The MGroup’s support. They noted that the process felt fair, transparent, and aligned with their original objectives. The owners felt they received value for the fees paid and a level of service that exceeded their expectations.

Conclusion

The sale of Renews Ltd exemplifies the importance of choosing the right corporate finance partner. By working with The MGroup Corporate Finance team, the founders were able to achieve a successful exit that respected their goals, the company’s culture, and their long-term vision.
The business owners highly recommend The MGroup Corporate Finance for their expertise, professionalism, and personalised approach. Co-owner Dan Rigden said:

Client testimonial

“I couldn’t have wished for a better team supporting the deal. The MGroup team certainly earned their fee, and I’m grateful for their efforts. They were professional, approachable, and worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for us. Their dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for our long-term goals were evident from start to finish. I would recommend Geoff and his team without hesitation to anyone considering an exit.”

MGCF team comment

“At The MGroup Corporate Finance, we pride ourselves on delivering a personal, tailored approach to every deal. With Renews Ltd, we started with our Business Exit Review, which is designed to help business owners explore all available options and clarify their strategic goals on a business and personal level. This step was crucial in aligning the founders’ long-term vision with the right exit strategy. By understanding their priorities from the start, and building a close working relationship, we were able to identify the right buyer and negotiate a deal that reflected their values. It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated and thoughtful business owners.”

Geoff Pinder, Partner, The MGroup Corporate Finance

Testimonials

What our Customers Say

The MGroup have really been there for me and my business through the good times and the more difficult ones. Their advice has always been spot on, and has really ...
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Jessica Harvey-Smith
Debate Chamber Limited
The MGroup have really been there for me and my business through the good times and the more difficult ones. Their advice has always been spot on, and has really helped me to plan ahead and to consider angles on decisions which I might not have thought about otherwise. As well as being admirably clear and straightforward, everyone I have dealt with there has been friendly, patient, and thoughtful, and has really taken the time to get to know my business.
Jessica Harvey-Smith
Debate Chamber Limited
Mark has given me excellent Corporate Finance advice and support for 3 years and I would thoroughly recommend him. He is very tenacious in finding suitable companies to acquire and then ...
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Mark Swaby
Management Buy In client
Mark has given me excellent Corporate Finance advice and support for 3 years and I would thoroughly recommend him. He is very tenacious in finding suitable companies to acquire and then good at negotiating and putting deals together, including the all important funding. He is also very innovative in finding solutions to issues arising along the way.
Mark Swaby
Management Buy In client
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgeable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. ...
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Peter Mace
Managing Director, TT Concrete
Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgeable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. We frequently get approaches from other accountancy firms and I tell them that we have no need to look elsewhere as everything is catered for very efficiently by Peter Smith and his team. I couldn't fault them.
Peter Mace
Managing Director, TT Concrete
I have nothing but admiration and respect for Geoff, Sandie and Lesley, the team at MGroup Corporate Finance who led us through the sale process - they are...
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Dan Graham
co-founder of F45 Training Stratford
I have nothing but admiration and respect for Geoff, Sandie and Lesley, the team at MGroup Corporate Finance who led us through the sale process - they are true professionals. Our key contact was Partner, Geoff Pinder, who took us under his wing, asking the right questions to help us make sensible decisions and protect our best interests. From the very first conversation it felt like they cared as much about our endgame as we did. We were both under a lot of pressure to close the deal and move on with our lives, so having a team we trusted by our side as we navigated game-playing, time-wasting potential buyers, was incredibly helpful. They are all wonderful people, and I would highly recommend you talk to them if you’re planning to exit your business.
Dan Graham
co-founder of F45 Training Stratford

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Jordan Lyne

Partner

Jordan has worked with various client’s over his ten years at The MGroup. The services provided range from bookkeeping, VAT returns, annual accounts and management accounts. He has been involved in recruitment of new staff members and helped move the firm on with it’s systems by creating and improving internal controls and procedures.

Jordan manages his resources efficiently to meet deadlines and where clients have specific requirements, he works closely with them to ensure these are both feasible and met in a timely manner. Jordan has clients in various sectors, ranging from international companies to smaller locally based businesses.

Wendy Tatham

Partner

Wendy joined the firm in 2015, after starting in finance for the NHS and then qualifying with another local firm of accountants. She brought with her experience across all areas, having previously managed payroll support, corporate and personal tax compliance and planning alongside other general practice elements.

Wendy works with clients across a range of sectors and enjoys supporting them with their statutory reporting, internal financial processes, corporate and personal tax planning and business advisory services. A key area of interest is working closely with her clients to support them with growing and restructuring their businesses to align with their long term goals.

In her spare time Wendy is the lead volunteer for Oxfordshire Scouts, supporting 95 Scouts groups across the county to deliver a fun programme of activities to young people aged 4 to 24.

Geoff Pinder

Corporate Finance Partner

Geoff has operated in the Mergers & Acquisitions and the corporate finance arena since 2004. He has held Executive roles leading and managing the performance and productivity of cross functional teams focused on delivering a high quality service to clients across complex portfolios.

Selling a business is a life changing event, and Geoff’s passion is working with businesses owners to help them explore the various exit options and strategies available to achieve their objectives, leading to excellent results for all stakeholders.

Geoff has been involved in over 500 deals across multiple industry sectors, working predominantly on the sell side of transactions, including sales to strategic buyers, private equity, and MBO’s.

Darren Green

Partner

Having grown up in North Oxfordshire, Darren joined The MGroup in 1999 as a trainee, qualified in 2003, and became a partner in 2010. Darren is best known for his ability to ‘go the extra mile’ for clients; even changing a flat tyre outside the office when it was discovered after a meeting, helping his clients to safely make their way home.

Aside from changing tyres, Darren enjoys helping clients to grow their varied and interesting businesses, and gaining insights into a wide range of sectors. In particular, he likes working within the corporate finance team, assisting with financial projections and due diligence for prospective buyers. Darren enjoys the challenging and pressurized nature of this type of work. Many of his clients are from manufacturing, technology or start-up backgrounds.

In his spare time Darren is a family man and he also enjoys sport, including football, skiing and running. He has taken part in a 26 mile walk for a cancer charity with colleague Geoff.

Peter Smith

Partner

Peter joined The MGroup in 1990 and became a partner in 1996. Originally from Wiltshire, Peter is a member of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce where he has been a Chamber council member for over 20 years.

Helping to provide a complete finance solution to companies is one of Peter’s key focus areas. He believes this to be a service that sets the partnership aside from its competitors, alongside The MGroup values and employees.

Peter provides financial mentoring, support with strategy and planning, solutions to increase profitability and improve cash flow, and help with expansion/diversification plans. His specialist interest areas include not-for-profit, healthcare and international organisations.

Peter enjoys the opportunities and challenges he is faced with every day at The MGroup and making a difference to clients’ lives. He is also a keen local charity supporter, regularly helping to raise funds and awareness for SeeSaw and SpecialEffect where he is an ambassador.

Outside of work, Peter is a Chelsea Football Club season ticket holder. He likes walking in the local area, especially if there is a pub or café at the end of the walk, and enjoys holidays in Devon, in particular to a secret escape in Dartmouth.

Richard Clayton

Partner

In 1984 Richard became the youngest ever partner at The MGroup at the age of 27 and is now the longest serving partner. Richard is a true team player, having been a prominent local footballer in his early years. He very much brings the team ethos to The MGroup who like to work as an integral part of their client teams.

Richard qualified in 1982 and has worked with many of his clients for decades, evidence of the excellent service provided by both Richard and the firm. Richard is proud of the firm’s exceptional reputation. He continues to develop new strategies and explore improvements to the services they provide and remains highly ambitious and committed. Outside of work Richard enjoys golf, football, spending time with his family and the very occasional glass of wine (normally accompanied by too much food!).

Richard has a depth of knowledge and experience in all areas of the construction industry and also deals with most of the firms agricultural clients. He also deals with a wide range of other clients which include a substantial number of UK subsidiaries of overseas companies together with a number of high profile local businesses. Richard is a firm believer that the role of a trusted accountant is to provide clients with the best possible advice and support. The client does not always have to follow advice but he believes they must have all options on the table to form a meaningful decision.