WHO I HELP

SMEs. Owner-managed businesses. Founders. Business owners considering growth opportunities. Business owners preparing for exit. Companies exploring acquisitions. Businesses seeking strategic investment. Organisations navigating mergers and acquisitions.

HOW I HELP

Acquisition target identification. Business valuations. Financial analysis. Due diligence support. Financial modelling. Strategic growth planning. M&A advisory. Negotiation support. Market intelligence. Transaction management. Business succession planning. Growth and exit strategy advice. 

 

“M&A isn’t just about combining balance sheets; it’s about connecting people to create a stronger future.” 

Craig Blackmore is a Partner for Corporate Finance at AAB, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth planning, and transaction advisory services. Working closely with business owners and management teams, Craig helps clients identify opportunities for growth, evaluate acquisition targets, and navigate complex transactions with confidence. Combining strong analytical expertise with a people-focused approach, he is passionate about helping businesses unlock value, achieve their ambitions, and create stronger futures through successful acquisitions and strategic partnerships. 

Driving Growth Through Strategic Transactions 

“My career in corporate finance was shaped by the realisation that mergers and acquisitions are about far more than numbers on a spreadsheet. While financial analysis and valuation remain critical, the most successful transactions create meaningful transformation for the businesses involved. I was drawn to the profession because of the opportunity to help organisations scale, modernise, and achieve their long-term ambitions through strategic growth initiatives.  

Today, much of my role revolves around helping business owners assess opportunities and make informed decisions about their future. My weeks are typically a blend of acquisition target identification, financial evaluation, relationship building, and transaction management. I spend a significant amount of time analysing businesses, assessing financial performance, modelling future projections, and ensuring opportunities align with a client’s wider growth strategy. Alongside the analytical side of the role, I also spend considerable time speaking with business owners, understanding their ambitions, and helping them explore what growth or succession could look like for their business.  

Having worked extensively within corporate finance, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the operational, financial, and cultural factors that influence successful transactions. This allows me to look beyond headline figures and identify the underlying value, risks, and strategic opportunities that may not always be immediately visible.”  

Making a Positive Impact 

“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing a transaction reach completion and knowing that both parties are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead. Whether helping a founder realise the value they have spent years building or supporting a growing business through a strategic acquisition, it is incredibly satisfying to see positive outcomes delivered for everyone involved.  

One recent example involved supporting a high-value business that had a strong market presence but lacked the internal reporting structure required to accurately demonstrate its value. Working closely with the leadership team, we helped improve financial reporting processes and provide greater clarity around performance metrics. This not only improved confidence in the business but also paved the way for a successful high-value acquisition.  

The ability to make a genuine difference to a business owner’s future is one of the things I enjoy most about working in corporate finance. Every transaction has its own challenges but helping clients unlock value and achieve important milestones makes the work incredibly rewarding.”  

Commitment & Dedication 

“Trust is the foundation of every successful client relationship, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. Business owners are often entrusting you with something they have spent years building, so transparency is absolutely essential. My non-negotiable when working with clients is being open and honest from the very beginning, whether discussing valuations, opportunities, risks, or potential challenges.  

One relationship that stands out involved a founder who was initially reluctant to pursue a sale because of concerns about what would happen to their employees and long-standing clients. Rather than focusing solely on transaction values, I worked closely with them to create a post-acquisition plan that prioritised people and protected the aspects of the business they cared most about. By focusing on trust, communication, and shared objectives, we were able to build a strong relationship and achieve a successful outcome.” 

 SUPPORT THROUGH EVERY DECISION 

“The greatest compliment I’ve received from a client was being told that I made a stressful and complex process feel manageable while keeping people at the centre of every decision. For me, that perfectly reflects how I aim to support clients throughout a transaction.”  

A Compassionate Approach 

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that culture often plays an even bigger role than strategy in determining the success of a transaction. Early on, I focused heavily on the financial and legal mechanics of deals, but over time I realised that long-term success depends just as much on people, values, and cultural alignment.  

This has shaped the way I approach transactions today. While financial due diligence remains critical, I also spend considerable time understanding how organisations operate, how leadership teams interact, and whether two businesses are genuinely compatible. Taking a people-first approach often leads to stronger long-term outcomes and smoother integrations.”  

Tackling the Challenges 

“The current economic climate presents constant challenges for businesses and advisers alike. Market volatility, changing valuations, and evolving investor expectations all create additional complexity within the M&A landscape. To navigate this effectively, I focus on robust data analysis, market intelligence, and evidence-based decision making rather than relying on assumptions or instinct alone.  

A common misconception about mergers and acquisitions is that they are aggressive, corporate, and purely transactional. In reality, the best deals are highly collaborative partnerships that create value for everyone involved. Successful transactions are built on trust, communication, and a shared vision for the future.” 

Looking Ahead 

“Looking ahead, I’m particularly interested in the growing role of AI and advanced data analytics within corporate finance. The ability to enhance due diligence processes, improve predictive modelling, and analyse acquisition opportunities more efficiently will help advisers make even faster and more informed strategic decisions for clients.”