For such a highly specialised niche market, acquisition finance has certainly attracted its fair share of players. There is no shortage of organisations willing to offer their services.

Finding an organisation that says it can deliver acquisition finance is easy; finding one that does deliver the right finance for each deal is a far more problematic affair. At The Royal Bank of Scotland, we believe we have created the answer.

The Bank's Acquisition Finance Division is totally committed to delivering viable deals. Our specialists, backed up by the Bank's strong capital base and nationwide branch network, have the know-how and the resources to deliver.

This brochure gives a brief overview of our credentials, our approach and our commitment. I hope it strikes a chord.

Leith Robertson  Corporate Director

VIRTUOSO SKILLS AND RESOURCES IN HARMONY

At the heart of our service lies a dedicated team of acquisition finance specialists. Highly skilled and experienced, they are well versed in leading, participating in and advising on the funding of MBOs, MBIs and corporate acquisitions - in fact any kind of deal in which acquisition finance plays a part.

Know-how is nothing without the resources to put it into practice. Our specialist team is backed up by one of the UK's major banks. With assets of more than £36 billion and around 760 branches throughout the UK, The Royal Bank of Scotland is the market leader for corporate banking in Scotland and the fifth largest in England and Wales.

Based in three regional locations, Edinburgh, London and Manchester, our acquisition finance professionals are supported by corporate banking experts throughout the branch network. Highly specialised deal making expertise is thus combined with invaluable local business knowledge built up over many years.

RIGOUR AND VERVE FOR A CREATIVE COMPOSITION

When you call us in, the first thing we will do is secure an accurate but speedy answer to the following question: how viable is the deal? We undertake thorough analysis and ask difficult questions at the outset, not to delay the delivery of finance, but to establish the commercial viability of your proposal as well as all important mutual respect, confidence and understanding.

Once we have committed ourselves to a deal, we work hard to move it forward to completion. Every deal is different; each one requires its own unique blend of finance. Drawing on our expertise and resources, we will work closely with you and the other financial players to structure the finance to fit the needs of the business.

Matching the finance to the deal takes more than a flexible approach. It demands an open mind and no small measure of creativity. Using the various instruments at their disposal, including a full range of commercial banking services, our specialists can compose a financial structure that is as innovative as each deal dictates.

STAYING IN TUNE FOR A WINNING PERFORMANCE

Our commitment to completing viable deals is total. It's not in our interests, and it's certainly not in yours, to aim for anything less. When you come to us, you can be sure that we will be ready to respond professionally, quickly and with the right level of expertise and resources.

Given the complexities and time pressures involved in a deal, we don't pretend that the process is an easy one. On the contrary, we'd be the first to admit that delivering the right acquisition finance can be an arduous task - but it is one that we meet head on with skill and vigour.

The chances are that during the course of a deal various issues and problems will arise. For us, responding to these developments is par for the course. While the structure of the finance may have to be adapted accordingly, our fundamental commitment will remain unchanged: to deliver the deal.