years combined
Experience across building, advising and scaling businesses.
Acquiring established businesses · UK & Ireland
The next chapter for the business you spent a lifetime building.
Ghost & Oak Holdings acquires and builds exceptional established businesses — protecting what already works, investing in growth and building for the long term.
£1m–£3m
EBITDA range
3–5x
Typical EBITDA valuation
UK & Ireland
North West preferred
10+ years
Established trading history
Who we are
Entrepreneurs and operators first. Investors second.
We bring more than 30 years of combined experience across business, sales, marketing, technology, communications and commercial growth. We understand the judgement, energy and persistence it takes to build something enduring.
Operator & investor mindset
Commercial judgement shaped by doing, not observing.
Experienced backing
Supported by accomplished investors and trusted advisers.
Long-term perspective
Patient ownership without an arbitrary exit timetable.
The people behind it
You deal with us, directly.
From the first conversation through to completion, owners and advisers deal directly with Jamie and Caspar — the people acquiring and building the business.
JW
Jamie Wood
Founder of Harkin.ai · Co-founder, Ghost & Oak
Experience across B2B sales, customer acquisition, technology, data and commercial partnerships.
FounderCommercialGrowthTechnology
CN
Caspar Nixon
Director, Communications EMEA @ Uber Eats · Co-founder, Ghost & Oak
Experience across communications, marketing and commercial strategy, including scaling Uber Eats across the UK and EMEA.
HospitalityGrowthPartnershipsBrand
Acquisition criteria
What we are looking for
Established, profitable businesses with something worth building on.
01
Sectors
Food manufacturing & processing · Foodservice & wholesale · Specialist food distribution · B2B distribution · Niche manufacturing · Maintenance & compliance services · Selected specialist B2B services
02
Geography
UK & Ireland, with a preference for the North West.
03
EBITDA
£1m–£3m
04
Profitability
Strong and consistent profitability, attractive margins relative to sector and strong cash conversion.
05
Valuation
Typically 3x–5x EBITDA, depending on quality and growth potential. Flexible transaction structures considered.
06
Growth profile
Clear, practical opportunities to grow without compromising the character of the business.
07
Operations
A capable team, sound processes and a business that is not wholly dependent on one individual.
08
Business profile
Defensible customer relationships, recurring demand and an established position in its market.
09
Ownership
Founder and family-owned businesses, often approaching retirement or succession, with 10+ years of trading history.
Retirement
A considered handover for an owner ready for their next chapter.
Succession
A trusted home when the next generation is not taking over.
Thoughtful transition
Flexible pacing and close collaboration to protect continuity.
Our approach
What we bring after the handshake
Strategic
Clear priorities, considered decisions and a practical long-term plan.
Operational
Stronger systems, disciplined execution and support where it counts.
Commercial
Better routes to market, customer development and sales effectiveness.
Technology & AI
Useful tools and automation introduced carefully, without disruption.
Financial
Thoughtful capital allocation, reporting and cash discipline.
People
Respect for existing teams, with support to develop and attract talent.
How we think about growth
Organic growth
Build on the strengths already within the business.
Commercial development
Deepen customer relationships and open new channels.
Investment
Put capital behind the right people, systems and capacity.
Acquisitions
Add complementary businesses when there is a clear fit.
Acquisition approach
Flexible where it matters. Disciplined where it counts.
We shape each transaction around the business, the owner and what creates the strongest foundation for the future.
Buyer equityAcquisition financeSeller financingRetained equity
A confidential conversation
Every good outcome starts with a conversation.
Whether you own a business or advise someone who does, we welcome a discreet, no-obligation discussion.
Direct. Respectful. Confidential.
Your details will be handled with care.