“We have worked with Sapient since 2012 and with its guidance we have invested more than £500m in the UK pub sector. Each investment has been very successful for us and our investors. We can’t imagine investing in the pub sector without Sapient’s advice.”
Ron Rawald - Senior Managing Director, CERBERUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
“We hired Sapient for its knowledge of the pub sector and potential buyers, which was clearly demonstrated throughout the sale process. Peter and Fraser as partners were involved in every aspect of the deal, and the team’s dedication, attention to detail and control of the process delivered a highly successful exit.”
Jon Ford - Co-Head of European Strategy, AVENUE CAPITAL
“We were delighted with the advice received from Sapient. A combination of wise counsel, good contacts and unrivalled knowledge of the market and private equity investors contributed to an excellent outcome for all stakeholders. I greatly appreciated the focus and attention the Sapient team gave to the transaction from start to finish. What Sapient offers is unique in that the partners execute the transaction. When you hire Sapient, you get Peter and Fraser.”
Michael Mowlem - Managing Partner, LEGAL & GENERAL VENTURES
“After a beauty parade of financial advisors it became very clear that Fraser, Peter and the Sapient team were best equipped to steer us through the process given their hands-on approach and experience in getting deals done. The Sapient team performed tremendously, overseeing a highly professional process that resulted in a very successful outcome. Sapient’s drive and commitment ensured that we transacted in a period of less than four weeks from Heads of Terms being agreed."
Nick Miller - former Chief Executive, MEANTIME BREWING COMPANY
“Sapient’s credibility with buyers allowed us to use a break-up strategy as a constant threat during negotiations. Throughout the sale process, Sapient’s detailed preparation and advice ensured that we remained in control of the process and ultimately delivered the maximum price for us.”
Adam Fowle - former Chief Executive, MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC
“Sapient was instrumental throughout the entire transaction from our initial investment through to the sale. Their contacts with the trade proved invaluable in the development of the business and in dealing with the ultimate buyer. In our opinion, Sapient is possibly the only pub M&A team in the UK who have a good working knowledge of every aspect of the sector.”
David Marks - Founder and Partner, BROCKTON CAPITAL
“We knew we were going to have to work hard to persuade the buyer to pay a full price on the sale of the business, especially since they were the only trade buyer in a difficult market. Sapient persuaded the buyer that there was a credible break-up strategy, which resulted in us achieving a premium price for an outright sale.”
Stephen Eighteen - Head of Non-Core Real Estate, RBS
“We selected Sapient as our corporate finance adviser on this transaction given its extensive knowledge of the pub and bar sector and the universe of buyers and investors. The Sapient team displayed complete control of the process and a huge commitment to get the deal done, which was instrumental in facilitating a successful outcome on the agreed timetable.”
Toby Smith - CEO, NOVUS LEISURE
“I have known Peter and Fraser for over ten years. We have visited over 100 pubs together as part of various transactions. They have an extensive knowledge of the sector and their detailed analytical approach is better than any other sector adviser. They dealt with us robustly but fairly when they sold us businesses in the past.”
Ian Payne - Executive Chairman, STONEGATE PUB COMPANY
“We worked with Fraser and Peter from the very beginning of our joint venture with our PE backers. They helped us to achieve our growth plans through various acquisitions and guided us through the sale process when it came time to sell. We found their advice indispensable.”
Nick Pring & Malcolm Heap - Co-Founders REALPUBS
“Sapient’s extensive experience and understanding of our business and the wider sector was invaluable in working with potential investors. Sapient provided constructive challenge and wise counsel throughout the process. We are enormously grateful to Peter, Fraser and the whole team at Sapient for their significant contribution to this successful outcome.”
Kevin Georgel - Former Chief Executive, ADMIRAL TAVERNS
“Sapient’s knowledge of the pub, brewing and drinks sectors combined with its strong relationships with UK mid-market private equity proved invaluable in articulating our strategy to investors and lenders.”
Mark Crowther - Former Chief Executive, LIBERATION GROUP