UK-based buy-side deal originators

July 26, 2025

by a searcher from London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London in London, UK

Hi everyone, As acquirers, what's your experience of working with buy-side advisors in the UK? Any firms that particularly stand out to you? Thanks!

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Reply by an intermediary
in Manchester, UK

I think you’re best off separating buyside origination with buyside advisory. Having worked for a mid-market advisory firm (now in PE) that had half its deal volume as buyside mandates I think it’s fair to say they are very different gigs and most of the problems people have are an inability to recognise that. Market rate fees for “intros” is 1% of EV, fully contingent. Buyside advisory is likely 1.5% EV with a minimum fee, likely an abort or retainer fee unless you can offer repeat work (i.e. PE or corporate consolidator) but if not fully retained they likely aren’t “finding the deal”, just advising on it. If fully retained, then they may include some origination work alongside (drumming up mandates).

Reply by a searcher
from University of Oxford in London, UK

Hi Cameron, we are developing a platform in the UK that manages several buy-side advisors tasks. Would be keen to discuss with you your experiences with advisors to date.

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