A QoE on the same business produces different reports depending on who commissions it. The scope, audience and warranty position diverge meaningfully.
The honest take
Sell-side QoE protects price: the seller's FDD provider builds a defensible EBITDA bridge before any buyer arrives. Buy-side QoE protects the buyer: the FDD provider stress-tests the seller's bridge and reframes the working-capital target. On a competitive process, a clean sell-side QoE compresses the buyer's timeline by 2-3 weeks and reduces re-trade risk. On a bilateral deal, the buyer commissions its own. Lenders will usually require their own reliance package regardless of which side commissioned the report.
Side by side
Grant Thornton UK
Tier-2
Mid-market FDD, tax DD and QoE house. Strong sub-£100m EV sweet spot with sector benches in technology, financial services and consumer.
Sectors: Technology, Financial services, Consumer, Healthcare
Pricing: Quote-only. Sub-£20m EV FDD engagements anchored £20-60k by ICAEW market practice; not published by the firm.
Adviser profile ->RSM UK
Tier-2
Mid-market transactions practice with deep PE coverage. Strong on bolt-ons and carve-outs in the £5-50m EV range.
Sectors: Consumer, Industrials, Technology, Professional services
Pricing: Quote-only. No published rate card. Engagement scoping window typically 5-10 working days.
Adviser profile ->This page is anchored to UK primary legislation and named regulator guidance only. Not legal advice. Confirm position with your appointed adviser before signing.