In an industry built on numbers, timing, and negotiation, true success often comes down to something less tangible — judgment.

After more than 35 years working at the cutting edge of business, Mike Whittle, Managing Director of EvolutionCBS, has seen every side of the dealmaking table: the excitement of a successful exit, the intensity of due diligence, and the leadership required to guide both clients and teams through the process.

As he reflects on many years in M&A, since the founding EvolutionCBS 15 years ago, Mike shares the lessons, values, and philosophy that continue to shape EvolutionCBS today.

1. The Power of Perspective

When asked what’s changed most over the years, Mike doesn’t hesitate.

“The market has evolved — buyers are smarter, information moves faster, and data is everywhere. But the fundamentals haven’t changed. Deals are still about people, trust, and alignment. That’s what closes transactions.”
— Mike Whittle, Managing Director, EvolutionCBS

In other words: while technology and data have transformed the process, human connection and strategic insight remain at the heart of every successful deal.

This balance between rigour and empathy is what continues to define EvolutionCBS’s approach.

2. Building a Firm on Purpose

Since its founding, EvolutionCBS has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent M&A advisory firms, responsible for completing 360+ transactions worth over £2bn. But for Mike, growth was never about scale — it was always about standards.

“We built EvolutionCBS around the idea of doing fewer deals, better. Every client deserves senior attention, strategy, and care. That’s why we’ve always kept the business selective — it’s how we protect quality.”

This principle became the foundation of what the firm calls its Low volume, Premium Guided Service — a highly personal, research-led model where each client receives a minimum of 1,500 hours of dedicated time from the team.

It’s this focus that has driven the firm’s success rate approaching 80%, and its reputation for precision, integrity, and exceptional results, driven by our uncompromising standards

3. Lessons in Leadership

After over 25 years of leading teams and advising entrepreneurs, Mike’s leadership philosophy is simple: clarity, accountability, and consistency.

“Whether you’re leading a business or selling one, people follow vision and clarity. You need to know what you stand for, communicate it clearly, and deliver on it consistently. That’s true leadership — in a team or a transaction.”

He believes the best M&A leaders are those who blend analytical skill with emotional intelligence — who can interpret data but also read people, anticipate reactions, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

4. What Experience Teaches You

In his time at the helm of EvolutionCBS, Mike’s seen market booms, recessions, and the rise of private equity as a dominant force in mid-market M&A.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that preparation beats prediction. You can’t control the market, but you can control how well you’re prepared for it. The best deals are always built long before they’re marketed.”

That’s why EvolutionCBS invests so heavily in research, buyer mapping, and deal readiness — leveraging tools to access data on 50 million+ companies worldwide, supported by a global network of 2,800+ trade, private equity, and family office buyers.

5. The Future of M&A

Looking ahead, Mike sees a continued shift toward strategic alignment over speed, value creation over valuation, and collaboration over competition.

“The best deals happen when everyone wins — the seller, the buyer, and the people behind the business. That’s what good M&A looks like in 2025 and beyond.”

It’s this balance — between results and relationships, data and dialogue — that continues to define EvolutionCBS after 15 years of deals, decisions, and lessons learned.

fraser.hodgkiss@evolutioncbs.co.uk
Get In Touch
www.evolutioncbs.co.uk
07957 834506
0118 959 8224

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If you would like a no-obligation consultation on the sale of your business or would like to discuss our Business Valuation Service, click here.

As a long-established premium provider of business sale advisory services to UK businesses, EvolutionCBS offers business owners a complimentary and confidential discussion on how their specific objectives could be met and provides them with pragmatic, practical advice on how to begin preparing both themselves and their businesses for future sale or investment.

EvolutionCBS works with owners of UK businesses in any sector, finding buyers from around the world through highly targeted research and supporting clients with dedicated Director-led teams, at every stage of their journey to a successful sale or investment, we boast a market leading success rate with 14 year average above 75%.

If you are an owner or shareholder of a business and would like a no-obligation consultation on the sale of all or part of your business, please email: info@evolutioncbs.co.uk or contact us on Tel: 0118 959 8224.