Mark homing in on buyouts

Apr 11 2008 by Paul Gannon, Evening Gazette

JEZ DAVISON

ENTREPRENEUR and business turnaround specialist Mark Blayney has revealed he is in “early stage discussions” to snap up two Tees Valley-based manufacturing firms.

The owner of Darlington-based Turnaround Help and Creative Finance sees Teesside as a natural extension of his company portfolio, which includes Kanban Sheet Metal in Wigan and Lancaster-based Kanban Supplies.

He said: “The two Teesside manufacturers are seeking retirement sales.

“I’m hoping that deals can be done in the next few months. Generally, if business sales take longer than six months, they are unlikely to happen.”

Mr Blayney also plans to create a new processing centre in the Tees Valley to deal with online enquiries from Creative Finance customers. The company specialises in commercial lending and bespoke funding packages for businesses.

He said: “If it goes ahead, the move would create around 10 jobs initially and hopefully many more.”

The author of several books, including Turning A Business Around, Mr Blayney is the Society of Turnaround Professional’s small business champion for an initiative with UK clearing banks to provide advice to businesses facing difficulties.

He provides advice on cash crisis management, financial reporting and business restructuring primarily to owner managers of £5m-£25m turnover companies.