How Gerald Ratner built a 2,500-store retail empire through acquisition

British entrepreneur Gerald Ratner took his business from a single family-owned shop in Richmond to a multi-billion, 2,500-store retail empire spanning the UK and US. 

In the process, he acquired some of the biggest names on the high street, including H. Samuel and Ernest Jones. 

His entire strategy was built on growth by acquisition, often pushing the business to the limit. 

You may have watched some of the recent video highlights from my interview with Gerald for my Mastermind clients.

On today’s episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, you can listen to the whole interview where he detailed exactly how he grew the business at each stage, including the creative ways he raised funding and persuaded the owners to sell to him.

You will discover…

• How Gerald used acquisition as a strategy to dominate the high street by buying his key competitors 
• How buying H. Samuel transformed the group and allowed the retailer to expand its customers beyond its historical base
• Why Gerald’s reasons for acquiring Ernest Jones was more than simply adding another 60 stores to the portfolio (it was a strategic move to “buy into” supplier relationships)
• Why Gerald chose not to copy his acquisition strategy when expanding to the US (and what he did instead)

What he really said in his infamous speech at the Royal Albert Hall that no one remembers

 

** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at [email protected].

Ready to get started?

Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training:

https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com

Get a FREE copy of my book:

https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway

Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course

https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick

Already bought a business?

if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria at [email protected] for more information.