Finding target companies via lawyers and accountants?

searcher profile

November 06, 2025

by a searcher from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London in Manchester, UK

Have you tried prop search by approaching lawyers and accountants to introduce their clients as a potential seller? If yes, do you recommend this method? How did you approach them and how did you decide which lawyers or accountants might have better leads?
6
27
428
Replies
27
commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from University of Bristol in London, UK
Speaking from the view of someone at an accountancy firm, we as a profession would generally welcome enquiries - for accountancy practices with a sell-side M&A business it never hurts to have another potentially interested acquirer, and you never know which of the firm's other clients may be on the lookout for an exit
commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, USA
^redacted‌ thanks for the tag. The company we acquired was referred to me by their accountant, whom I knew through my networking efforts as part of my search. Professional services firms, in general, (wealth managers, bankers, accountants, lawyers) have relationships with the business owners and often know they are selling before the market does. Because of the referral we were able to begin discussions with the owner before it was marketed to the general population.
commentor profile
+25 more replies.
Join the discussion