A home for the

ambitious

Clearwater is the home for

Owners&Founders

We exist to nurture the full promise of business. Because when great businesses prosper, people prosper.

Learn more about...

  • Choosing an M&A adviser

    Not all M&A advisers are created equal.  The M&A process may appear standardised – but the depth and quality of each step can differ greatly.  And then there’s personal chemistry, independence, and a genuine commitment to extensively engage with your specific case.  How will you go about choosing the right adviser?  Are you clear on the need for an adviser?  Are you aware of the value an adviser can create?

    Read more
  • ESG assessment

    Our expert impact team supports companies to embed a strategic approach to ESG that aligns them with the requirements of investors and lenders.

    Read more
  • Partnering with PE

    If partnering with private equity (PE) evokes images of aggressive cost-cutting and heavy leveraging, let us reassure you that the contemporary approach of PE firms today is a far cry from the practices of times gone by!  Focusing on sustainable growth and long-term value rather than short-term gains, the primary mission of PE firms is to maximize investor returns, a goal that extends beyond the mere application of leverage.  But what’s the secret for entrepreneurs and companies seeking PE investment?

    Read more
  • Selling to a strategic buyer

    Often regarded as the ‘cleaner’ option, trade (or strategic) sales represent around 50% of all M&A.  It is an attractive option, not least because fellow businesses within your sector are often best positioned to recognise the strategic benefits of acquiring your business, so may offer a higher price to do so…

    Read more
  • Strategies to unlock value

    We believe that every business has a latent reservoir of talent, innovation, and value just waiting to be discovered and harnessed, however preparing and showcasing your business in such a way that it is the most attractive option for a potential buyer or investor requires both technical skill and creativity...  

    Read more
  • The process of selling a business

    Whilst there is no such thing as a typical transaction, and one size doesn’t fit all in the world of M&A, there are certainly some core steps in the process of selling a business, whether it be part or all the business, to a strategic buyer or PE...

    Read more
  • Valuing a business

    Valuing a business is as much of an art as it is a science. This means that, in practice, people generally don’t rely on just one approach to build a valuation...

    Read more
Speak with an adviser
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

Choosing an M&A adviser

Not all M&A advisers are created equal.  The M&A process may appear standardised – but the depth and quality of each step can differ greatly.  And then there’s personal chemistry, independence, and a genuine commitment to extensively engage with your specific case.  How will you go about choosing the right adviser?  Are you clear on the need for an adviser?  Are you aware of the value an adviser can create?

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

ESG assessment

Our expert impact team supports companies to embed a strategic approach to ESG that aligns them with the requirements of investors and lenders.

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

Partnering with PE

If partnering with private equity (PE) evokes images of aggressive cost-cutting and heavy leveraging, let us reassure you that the contemporary approach of PE firms today is a far cry from the practices of times gone by!  Focusing on sustainable growth and long-term value rather than short-term gains, the primary mission of PE firms is to maximize investor returns, a goal that extends beyond the mere application of leverage.  But what’s the secret for entrepreneurs and companies seeking PE investment?

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

Selling to a strategic buyer

Often regarded as the ‘cleaner’ option, trade (or strategic) sales represent around 50% of all M&A.  It is an attractive option, not least because fellow businesses within your sector are often best positioned to recognise the strategic benefits of acquiring your business, so may offer a higher price to do so…

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

Strategies to unlock value

We believe that every business has a latent reservoir of talent, innovation, and value just waiting to be discovered and harnessed, however preparing and showcasing your business in such a way that it is the most attractive option for a potential buyer or investor requires both technical skill and creativity...  

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

The process of selling a business

Whilst there is no such thing as a typical transaction, and one size doesn’t fit all in the world of M&A, there are certainly some core steps in the process of selling a business, whether it be part or all the business, to a strategic buyer or PE...

Read more
45cbebe37bcacab61eb15b49b61cc42c

Valuing a business

Valuing a business is as much of an art as it is a science. This means that, in practice, people generally don’t rely on just one approach to build a valuation...

Read more

Success stories

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image 106

H&MV and Clearwater: Driving exponential growth during a ten-year partnership

Advising H&MV Engineering on investment from Exponent

Knowledge

We don't hide behind jargon and complexity.  Instead, we aim to open up the black box of M&A, illuminating the path with clear insight, simplifying the process, and delivering valuable information.

Get in touch

We'd love to have a conversation

Birmingham

9 Colmore Row

Birmingham

B3 2BJ

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+44 845 052 0360

Leeds

1 East Parade

Leeds

LS1 2AD

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London

4th Floor

11 The Strand

London

WC2N 5HR

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+44 845 052 0300

Manchester

50 Brown Street

Manchester

M2 2JT

View on Google Maps

+44 845 052 0340