Corporate finance
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
In the UK, the term 'corporate finance' generally refers to transactions in which capital is generated in order to create, develop, expand or acquire a business. It is typically associated with a corporate transaction that results in a revised equity structure or shareholder base, an ownership change in a business, along with the related issue underwriting, purchase or exchange of equity (and related warrants) or debt.
A corporate finance may be part of the following activities:
Mergers and acquisitions:
- Formulating an acquisition strategy, assessing targets and funding an acquisition.
- Undertaking negotiations with vendors and due diligence.
- Provision of advice on tax and the commercial aspects of deal structures.
- Implementation of a post-acquisition plan.
Management buy-outs/ins:
- Undertaking an assessment of the viability of a management buy- out proposition and business plan.
- Business valuation, deal structure, securing finance and tax planning.
- Project management of the transaction.
- Preparing the business for sale and developing an exit strategy.
- Undertaking research and making confidential approaches to potential buyers.
- Negotiating and project managing the transaction.
- Providing taxation and financial planning advice.
The range of roles involved in corporate finance might include:
- Corporate finance advisers: Generally working within an investment bank, accountancy/professional services firm or an independent advisory firm. Individual's may work as consultants.
- Reporting accountants: Accountants that work for the buyer, business investor or specialist investment fund to verify that the accounts of the target company are accurate and up-to-date.
- Lawyers: Providing specialist advise on corporate finance transactions.
- Private equity providers: Professionals involved with buying/selling/provision of finance to businesses.
- Debt providers/bankers: Specialists who are involved in corporate finance transactions.
- Brokers: Provide advice on and assist with raising capital for transactions.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has a corporate finance faculty and is a large professional membership body that supports chartered accountants around the world.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bridging loan.
- Budget.
- Business administration.
- Business process outsourcing (BPO).
- Cash flow.
- Chinese wall.
- Company acquisitions in construction.
- Compliance.
- Construction organisations and strategy.
- Corporate social responsibility in construction.
- Cost plans.
- Credit crunch.
- Design quality.
- Developer.
- Development appraisal.
- Equity and loan capital.
- Equity in property.
- Funding options for building developments.
- Funding prospectus.
- Investment.
- Investment Property Databank (IPD).
- Laissez faire.
- Microeconomics.
- Overage.
- Partnering and joint ventures.
- Partnering.
- PF2.
- Private Finance Initiative.
- Private sector.
- Profitability.
- Property development finance.
- Real Estate Investment Trusts.
- Solvency.
- Turnover.
- Working capital.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.
Building Regulations and Building Safety Act
CIOB publishes free advice for non-domestic clients.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.

















