Graeme Carling explains how he moved from a large Scottish property portfolio into construction services, acquired McGill out of administration, used deferred payment terms, and built momentum for further off market acquisitions.
Listen to the EpisodeEpisode 189 | Runtime: 26:01 | Audio Episode
Hear Graeme Carling break down how he acquired a high profile Scottish construction business out of administration and turned it into a platform for further acquisitions.
Episode
189
Runtime
26:01
Topic
Distressed business acquisition
Format
Founder interview and live private audience case study
Three acquisition lessons from Graeme Carling's move from property investing into construction services buy and build.
Graeme used the McGill administration process to acquire assets, brand value, premises, IP, and market profile without taking on the full operating liabilities of the old company.
By negotiating time to pay for key assets, he created room to arrange finance against the property value rather than trying to fund the entire transaction on day one.
The McGill acquisition gave Graeme credibility, PR value, and sector presence, helping him open conversations with larger construction services businesses that were not actively for sale.
In this episode, Jonathan Jay speaks with Graeme Carling, a Scottish entrepreneur who first built a substantial residential property portfolio before moving into construction and building services acquisitions. Graeme explains how he identified McGill as a strong local name with scale, contracts, assets, and reputation, then found himself in the right place at the right time when the company entered administration.
The discussion breaks down how the McGill deal was structured, including the role of administrators, the 28 day process, the 14 day preferred bidder window, deferred payment on the building, and how asset value supported the financing. Graeme explains why buying from administration can be strict and fast moving, but also why clear thinking on price, terms, assets, and downside can create an opening for buyers who are prepared.
The conversation then moves into buy and build strategy. Graeme shares how acquiring McGill created profile and credibility, which helped him approach other building services companies directly through off market outreach. He covers EOT acquisition structure, deferred consideration, owner psychology, deal flow, sector focus, board credibility, and the discipline required to keep hunting for quality businesses.
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