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For local independent or family-owned Welsh businesses 'change of ownership’ can provoke fear and apprehension arising from inevitable inexperience, emotional legacy ties, staff welfare concerns, loss of control, corporate mortality denial or ‘life after’ uncertainty.

At the same time, a new owner’s leadership, performance track record and financial resources are key priorities for vendor’s consideration.

Transition, specifically through M&A (merger and acquisition) transactions, should not be seen as the end of a business’ era, or last resort for a distressed business, but an exciting opportunity, essential to scaling the business, not just for the old and new owner’s benefit, but for safeguarding valued employees, community and economic contribution.

Succession is still neglected by the majority of business owners whether family, corporate or employees. A robust succession plan and preferred outcome, whether it be through an external disposal, an internal management buy-out (MBO), an employee-ownership Trust (EOT), or even a simple share transfer to next of kin, often protects other stakeholders, including customers and supply chain contributors.

From the acquiror’s strategic perspective, the principal aim is to capture sustainable, profitable, growth which is not organically accessible. Gaining greater market share or entering a new geographic region with indigenous connections accelerates scaling-revenue, and economies of scale driven cost savings, enables human and physical capital leverage and eliminates operational duplication.

Access to new talent, know how, protective patents, extended distribution networks or technology platforms provide a rich seam of opportunity for expansion.

Change of ownership rarely results in homegrown companies leaving their locality. This is due to the rooted, loyal employee base, supplier and distribution networks plus other economic factors which override the case for disruptive relocation.

A classic example of this is Newport Wafer Fab, now known as Vishay Newport, following its acquisition from Chinese-owned Nexperia for £130m and investing £37m.