Alan Frost
Alan is based in London, UK, and in Cambridgeshire, (near Stamford), but has worked in USA, South America, Australia, China......
In which specialist areas can you offer expertise?
In the business/commercial evaluation and personal implication to owners of potential acquisitions, disposals and mergers. All aspects of setting up businesses, new ventures and MBO's, particularly the business/commercial and personal implications of agreements with finance providers/venture capitalists and other stakeholders. Formulating agreements with stakeholders and the practical implications thereof for the parties.
How have you acquired this expertise?
I spent 3 years at BOC nurturing new ventures from start-up through to fully operating businesses, before moving to Bestobell plc where I was responsible for carrying out strategic acquisitions and disposals in UK, Australia and the Far East. I then moved to the Rank Group and was responsible for negotiating some two hundred acquisitions, joint ventures, disposals and management buy-outs, mainly in UK, USA and Western Europe. In total some 23 years of practical experience in all aspects of transactions.
What might a typical mentoring session look like?
The client, having identified what they would like to address, then thinks in an environment, built by me, that enables them to have their best thoughts; this is followed by a dialogue between us about the options available and the client, calling on the support of my skills, experience and knowledge, works out the most appropriate action(s).
'Alan acted as my mentor (and coach) during the period when, the company of which I was MD, was being marketed by our parent company following a change in strategic direction. From the very beginning Alan supported me through the formulation of alternative plans for the future of the company, including its financing options as an independent entity. The company was being sold as a trade sale and Alan's immense knowledge and practical experience coupled with his advice and support helped make the structuring of a deal with the parent company and new owner beneficial for all involved. Alan's insights into the implications of the whole transaction for me, the employees and my colleagues were invaluable. He was always there for me to bounce ideas off, and to keep me going in moments of doubt.'
Rod Broad, former M.D. Brightwater Engineering Ltd
