Exit Ahead
This event took place on Tuesday 23rd September 2025
This session featured first-hand insight from someone who has taken a consumer brand to exit, covering the growth moves that built its valuation, the workings of the deal and the post-sale transition. We also heard from legal and wealth experts on the preparations to consider long before a sale is even on the cards.
SPEAKERS
BUILDING A BRAND WITH EXIT IN MIND AND SUCCESSFULLY SELLING IT
Andrew Rayner, Managing Director, Nanogen
Andrew is Managing Director of Nanogen, a hair loss fibres and treaments brand sold direct-to-consumer and through marketplaces and retail partners. The business was recently acquired by a cosmetics manufacturer expanding its portfolio of consumer-facing brands. With a proven track record of scaling and exiting a consumer business, Andrew has led Nanogen's growth over the past two years, driving its sale and leading its integration into the operations of its new owner.
WHAT DIRECTORS WISH THEY'D KNOWN: LEGAL INSIGHTS FROM MULTIPLE BRAND TRANSACTIONS
Gillian White, Head of M&A, Howard Kennedy LLP
Gillian leads the M&A practice at Howard Kennedy LLP, advising both entrepreneurial ventures and large corporations on investments, joint ventures and acquisitions. The law firm has acted for a wide range of businesses across the retail, consumer and leisure sectors, including Pandora, Bimba Y Lola and Footlocker, with Gillian recently advising Vyrao on their investment from L Catterton. Gillian has deep expertise in structuring and negotiating deals.
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF WEALTH PLANNING BEFORE (AND AFTER) AN EXIT
Miles Kean, Director of Private Banking, Arbuthnot Latham
Miles leads the entrepreneur division at Arbuthnot Latham, a private banking and wealth management firm, where he supports founders and business owners with tailored banking solutions and specialist advice. He works closely with company owners to navigate the transition from wealth creation to wealth preservation in the run up to, and beyond the point of exit bringing together an in house team of experts.