M&A Zing (Ep. 9) – Buy-Side Breakdown: An Online Tools Retailer

Episode 9,   Apr 09, 07:44 PM

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In this episode of M&A Zing, hosts Alfie Lambert and Gareth Wilkins introduce a fresh format: the “Buy-Side Breakdown.” They select a real online tools retailer listed for sale—one claiming £1.2M in annual revenue—and dissect its financials, market position, and operational quirks. Alfie and Gareth debate everything from the company’s heavy reliance on Amazon/eBay to the challenge of valuing inventory at book value. How do you account for platform risk, brand ownership, and potential growth when deciding whether to buy or pass?

You’ll also hear the latest news from the search fund ecosystem across Europe and beyond—featuring newly launched funds in the UK, France, Germany, and the UAE. If you’re exploring your first acquisition or looking to expand a holdco, tune in for valuable insights on seller negotiation, online distribution, and EBITDA multiples. Finally, cast your own vote: Would you buy or pass on this online retailer?

Welcome to **M&A Zing**—the weekly show for acquisition entrepreneurs, search funders, and holdco builders across the UK & Europe. In this episode, Alfie Lambert and Gareth Wilkins try out a new format called a “Buy-Side Breakdown.” They pick a real company listed for sale—a 30-year-old online tools retailer—and walk through its financials, risks, and growth potential. Would **you** buy or pass?

**Timestamps:**
[00:00:12] **Introduction & Welcome**  
[00:00:30] **This Week’s News**  
• Ethos Partners spin-out → Orca Equity  
• Matchers Search Capital closes round  
• Sokolovsky (France) gains top-tier backers  
• Our Legacy Fund (UAE) raises for GCC deals  
• Tembo Search Partners (Germany) launches  
• FT Advisor insights: UK small-caps at a discount

[00:09:40] **Buy-Side Breakdown**  
• Online Tools Retailer: Key Stats (1.2M turnover, 230k EBITDA)  
• Valuation Thoughts: Goodwill & Stock at Book Value  
• Platform Risk: Heavy Reliance on Amazon/eBay  
• Potential Growth Levers & Operational Questions  
• Is This a BUY—or a PASS?

[00:30:40] **Wrap-Up & Sign-Off**  
• Join the conversation: Would you buy or pass?  
• “Keep on Crunching!”  


Episode Highlights

  • Platform Risk – The pros and cons of relying on Amazon and eBay

  • Inventory Value – How to approach stock valuations and negotiations

  • Growth Upside – Whether it’s DTC brand-building, geographic expansion, or optimizing eCommerce

  • Buy or Pass? – Gareth leans “buy,” Alfie says “pass”—listeners get the casting vote!

Have questions or feedback? Drop them in the comments, or join our BizCrunch Community for private AMAs and deep-dive resources on SMB M&A.

About M&A Zing

Hosted by:

  • Alfie Lambert – Co-Founder of BizCrunch (multiple-time startup founder, outreach & marketing specialist)

  • Gareth Wilkins – Co-Founder & CEO of BizCrunch (serial acquirer, M&A investor with multiple exits)

Each week, they explore the real-world stories of small and mid-market acquisitions—especially in the UK & EU.

Join the BizCrunch Community

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 Sign up here: [Your Community Link]

Community Perks

  • Early access to new episodes

  • Live Q&A with hosts & guests

  • Networking with acquirers & investors

Thanks for Watching!

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#MergersAndAcquisitions #SearchFunds #BizCrunch #DealFlow #UKSMB

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