Investor • Advisor • M&A Specialist
I work with established, profitable businesses across the UK — backing existing management, investing in what already works, and building towards outcomes that reward everyone involved. If you're considering your options, I'd welcome a conversation.
About Oliver
I specialise in acquiring and scaling established businesses — companies with proven models, loyal customers, and teams already delivering results. My focus is on profitable businesses that keep running regardless of what the economy does.
As the founder of Venta Capital, I bring capital, commercial clarity, and strategic leadership to businesses ready for their next chapter. I acquire at sensible valuations, back the existing team, and build towards a premium exit. No disruption to what is already working.
Let's TalkInvestment Philosophy
I take a disciplined, long-term approach to acquiring businesses. My philosophy is simple: find companies that already work, invest in what makes them great, and build towards an exit that rewards everyone involved. No turnarounds, no speculation — just sound businesses made stronger.
I look for businesses with proven models, loyal customers, and consistent cash flow. I don't buy potential — I buy performance, then unlock more of it.
The people who built the business are its greatest asset. I retain management, empower teams, and create incentive structures that align everyone towards growth.
Every decision I make is guided by one question: does this increase the value of the business at exit? I build deliberately towards a premium multiple.
I acquire at sensible valuations with conservative structures. I never over-leverage, never over-promise, and never put the core business at risk for marginal gains.
Acquisition Criteria
I focus on established, profitable, owner-managed businesses across the UK. I'm sector agnostic — what matters is the quality of the business, not the industry it operates in.
What I Offer
I acquire established, profitable owner-managed businesses where my capital and expertise can drive meaningful growth. I move quickly, value fairly, and operate with transparency from the first conversation to completion.
Not ready to sell? I work with ambitious owners as a strategic partner — bringing capital, commercial expertise, and exit-readiness planning. Together we build a business worth significantly more at the next inflection point.
I help owner-managed businesses identify what is holding them back, fix it, and build a clear path to scale or exit. No disruption to what is already working. Just clear, targeted improvement where it matters most.
When the time is right, I plan and execute exits that maximise returns for founders, management, and investors. I understand what acquirers look for and build towards those criteria deliberately, long before the process begins.
I don't acquire businesses to strip them down. I invest in what's already working, back the people who built it, and create the conditions for everyone to do well.
— Oliver Fairhurst
How I Work
Every decision I make sits inside a single framework: acquire good businesses, make them better, and exit at a multiple that rewards everyone involved. Here is how I do it.
A confidential, no-obligation conversation to understand your business, your goals, and whether there is a natural fit. No pressure, no corporate jargon — just an honest discussion about what comes next.
I conduct a thorough but respectful assessment of the business. If we agree on direction, I present a fair valuation based on real performance — not inflated projections or lowball tactics.
Every deal is different. I work with you to structure terms that reflect your priorities — whether that is a clean exit, a phased transition, or an ongoing partnership with shared upside.
Once we complete, I step in as an active owner-operator. The existing team stays, the culture is preserved, and we build towards the next milestone together. No disruption to what already works.
Insights & Updates
Valuation is where most deals go wrong. I share my framework for arriving at a fair price that works for both buyer and seller — without the games.
Every acquisition starts with a conversation. Here are the signals I listen for — and the questions I always ask — when meeting a business owner for the first time.
The deal is done — now the real work begins. I outline my approach to the critical first 100 days after completing an acquisition, and why most buyers get it wrong.
Whether you're ready to sell now or just exploring your options for the future, a confidential conversation costs nothing. Let's talk about what your business could be worth.
Get In Touch
Whether you are thinking about an exit, looking for a growth partner, or just want a frank conversation about your options — get in touch. No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest discussion about where your business is and where it could go.
Prefer to speak directly?
Book a 30-minute call on Calendly →
