Patrick
Lynch

WHO I HELP

Owner-managed businesses. Company shareholders. Management teams. Active acquirers.

HOW I HELP

Mergers and acquisitions. Advising clients on succession and exit planning. Guiding clients through transactions from start to finish. Active problem-solving.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Industrials. Engineering. Manufacturing. Healthcare Services. Healthcare Products. Construction. Renewables.

“MY CLIENTS CAN TRUST THAT THEY ARE IN SAFE HANDS.”

Patrick Lynch is a Corporate Finance Partner and heads up the Corporate Finance team across the North of England based in Leeds.

Acting for owner-managed businesses, company shareholders, private equity firms, management teams, and active acquirers that are either seeking an exit or realise capital value in the company they own, making corporate acquisitions or delivering funding for growth purposes, Patrick has a hands-on and client-centric approach. He is particularly skilled at problem-solving and ensures that he is available for clients to contact throughout the transaction process.

ACTING AS A TRUSTED GUIDE

“In most cases, clients are going through their first merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction. Usually, they are seeking an exit or have identified an opportunity for growth, and are seeking expert advice and support to deliver the transaction.

In cases where clients are more experienced in M&A transactions, our role is vitally important from a technical and project management perspective. It is important the client can focus on running their business, rather than having to manage the transaction, coordinating the various work streams and driving all parties to a pre-agreed timetable.

It is important the clients have trust in their advisors to manage them through the process. These transactions can be sensitive and delicate – they are often one of the most important transactions within a client’s professional life – so I’m always mindful of this when advising clients during transaction. I want my clients to feel assured that they are in a safe pair of hands.”

CLIENTS ARE OUR PASSION

“Clients like to know that they are a priority for you – and my clients can always trust that this is true. I make sure I’m accessible and contactable for all my clients. My mobile is always on, so clients can call me or text me any time, and they know that I’ll pick up and answer any queries they have as soon as I can.

Ultimately what we’re here to do is provide the best possible service we can to all our clients; we’re here to provide technical advice and problem solve to make the transaction run as smoothly as possible from the client’s perspective. One of the AAB group values is that ‘clients are our passion’ and I definitely agree with this. It informs every aspect of my approach to my work.”

DELIVERING THE BEST OUTCOME

“There’s nothing better than achieving the best possible outcome for clients. It’s the culmination of months, or sometimes years working with a client, during which time you get to know them professionally and personally. So it’s really rewarding to be able to deliver a positive result.”

SUPPORTING TEAM MEMBERS

“For me, the most satisfying aspect of working with colleagues is developing people and assisting them through their careers. I enjoy giving team members the grounding and technical tools and knowledge to be able to take on more responsibility.

It’s great when you see people that you’ve been supporting for a few years taking ownership of projects, running their own deals, building their own relationships, and having the confidence to do that. I take a lot of pride in that.”

IN-PERSON COMMUNICATION

“When it comes to methods of communication, whilst virtual communication has its place, I think it’s important in certain situations to sit across the table from someone and make sure you have a mutual understanding of the situation.

When you’re in person, you’re able to read faces and body language better, and ‘read between the lines’ of what someone is saying, or maybe what they understand or need some further explanation on.”

MINIMISING RISK

“One of the biggest challenges in my area of expertise is time. Transactions are taking longer than they were five years ago. This is a challenge because the longer a transaction goes on, the more risk there is of something unexpected happening, such as a dip in trading which could then have a negative impact on the transaction. So, it is important to drive transactions to a timetable, to help ensure the transaction completes in an efficient manner.”

OFFERING SUPPORT THROUGHOUT A BUSINESS’ LIFECYCLE

“I think the most exciting thing about joining AAB is the opportunity to build a Corporate Finance team within a large group whilst having access to the breadth of knowledge and expertise that the wider AAB team offers. It’s exciting to be able to fill a gap in our offering at the AAB Leeds office, ensuring that we can support clients all the way through the lifecycle of their businesses, including any M&A transactions.”

APPROACHABLE & PERSONABLE

“I think the biggest strength I bring to AAB is my hands-on attitude, and the fact that I’m approachable and personable – not just from the client’s point of view, but also from the team’s perspective. It’s so important to have the trust of your peers, as this allows for the flow of the best advice, guidance, and feedback.

I’m also skilled at communicating appropriately depending on the audience. In my line of work, it’s important to be able to adjust your content and delivery depending on your audience.”