What is Incubation Ltd?
Incubation Ltd is run by Colin Wilkinson in partnership with eight private investors who are experienced entrepreneurs and business practitioners. We also call upon a wealth of other leading industry experts and external funds.
The fastest-growing aspect of our business is investing in and buying companies that are struggling or distressed and then turning them around. We offer direct investment and hands-on guidance.
We are not a business consultancy and do not charge fees for helping distressed businesses. Instead, we take a stake in these businesses to ensure our interests are aligned with the business owner’s.
What types of business do you invest in?
We invest in and buy businesses that meet all the following criteria:
• UK-registered limited company
• Turnover between £500k and £4m a year, possibly in
decline during the down-turn
• Reasonable proportion of turnover coming from repeat
customers
And at least one of the following:
• Director-shareholders under pressure from an
unmanageable level of creditors, issues with other
shareholders or a change in personal circumstances
• Trading at a loss and/or having problems with cash flow
• Facing possible insolvency or closure
What happens after I fill in the enquiry form?
1. We will contact you and explore the opportunity further
by phone
2. We then meet you face to face if we think we can add
value
3. We will generally make you an offer within a few days
of this meeting if we are ready to invest
Do you sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements)?
As is standard practice with investors, we will act with your confidentiality in mind. Specifically, we will not pass on or act on any of your information other than for the purposes of assessing your investment opportunity. We do sign NDAs but normally only after our initial exploratory discussion with you
What does it cost?
Nothing. We do not charge fees. Instead, we take a stake in or buy businesses outright to align our interests with those of the current shareholders
What happens if I accept your offer?
If you decide to act on our offer then we will draw up heads of terms ready for signature
What happens if I don't want to accept your offer?
If you do not accept our offer then neither party takes on any obligation. You will not be charged for any advice we may have dispensed in the process of our investigation
Do I have to give up control of my business?
We will take an equity stake in your business when we invest and in some cases may require short-term control. However, you'll be in charge day-to-day (if you want to be) and in some circumstances we will give you the option to buy us back out over time using the business's profits, so that you end up owning the majority of the shares. Sometimes owners of the business wish to sell the company and divest themselves of their day-to-day responsibilities.
Do I have to stay on in the business after you invest?
Up to you. Some people want to keep running their business. If you don't want to stay on for any reason, let us know and we'll look to tailor our offer to buy you out completely.
My
business is about to become insolvent and may go into liquidation in a
matter of days. Can you still help?
We can take very fast
investment decisions. If you're facing imminent insolvency, please make
this clear when you complete the inquiry form.
I've received a winding up petition. Can you help?
We can often save businesses even after they've received winding up petition notices, provided the underlying business is sustainable once the current debts are paid off. However, you would need to act quickly as the window of opportunity to save your business usually closes once the petition is heard in court.
Start-up, Turn-Around, Investment, Mergers & Acquisition
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
