Michael co-founded EMC Corporate Finance. As a Lead Adviser, he brings the commercial experience gained in a twenty-year career in industry to transactions. Joining EMC in 1995, originally on the business advisory side, he has been involved in hundreds of transaction over the past three decades.
As a Lead Adviser, Michael has a hands-on approach, gaining a deep understanding of the businesses and clients he works with, to lead the team to achieve the best commercial outcome in a professional manner. His collaborative approach dealmaking has earned him the reputation of being fair - knowing when to concede points and when to stand firm.
In 2024 Michael won the award for Dealmaker of the Year at The Insider Awards that celebrates the regions Corporate Finance Industry. On winning the award the Judges wrote “Michael’s recent activity only added to his reputation of being a majorly significant presence in the region”
Michael began his career at EMC on the advisory side where he was an interim finance director and non-executive director. During that time, he learnt the skill of dealmaking to maximise stakeholder value over the medium and long term.
Although most of Michael’s career has been spent advising owner managed and private equity backed businesses, he has also worked for and advised companies listed on AIM, the London Stock Market and Nasdaq - from start-ups through to £1,000m+ turnover businesses.
Specialist Disciplines
- Corporate Finance
- Business sales and acquisitions
- Private Equity
- Valuations
- Finance Director
- Financial Planning
- Business Strategy
- Turnaround and Recovery
Sector Experience
- IT Software Design and Consultancy
- Internet Retailing & Technology
- Private Hospitals & Healthcare
- Permanent and Contract Recruitment
- Marketing, Public Relations and Events
- Manufacturing/Engineering
- Printing and Publishing
- Freight Forwarding and Logistics
- Pharmaceuticals.
Recent assignments have included the re-finance of Shoreham Port, for which EMC won Deal of the Year at the 2024 Insider Awards, the sale of Fabco Sanctuary Limited, Kew Electrical Distribution Limited and Networks Centre Limited.
Michael is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants' Finance & Management Faculty and Valuations Faculty.
Prior to EMC
After leaving Brighton University, Michael joined a medium tier accountancy practice where he also started to work with EMC as far back as 1992, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1996. During his time there, he concentrated almost exclusively on corporate advisory roles, leading the audit teams and working on international taxation projects, corporate recovery and mergers and acquisitions.
Transactions included advising on the disposal of a property company for £20 million and being part of a team on the hostile takeover of a £60m turnover listed company by a private limited company, as well as the purchase of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.
General Background
Michael was born and educated in Sussex and enjoys rugby, cricket, golf, climbing and all forms of motorsport.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT MICHAEL
Duncan Lindsay, Founder of Networks Centre:
“EMC, led by Michael Pay, has been with us every step of the way. He shows his commercial skill at negotiating a complex cross-border transaction to get the best outcome for all parties and, in all honesty, we could not have done it without him.”
Grant Cane, founder of Fabco Sanctuary:
“Bringing in an outside investor is a complex and emotive process. EMC’s team led by Michael Pay, were invaluable throughout the deal. The experience in cutting through complex matters and clarity of explanation as well as the level headed approach ensured that everyone kept their eye on the end goal. His knowledge, skill and professionalism shone through”.
Geoff Kerly, founder and Managing Director of Kew said: “We have worked with EMC for many years and so it was a natural step to ask them to assist us in finding the right partner for Kew's future. They ran the whole process, applying their strong commercial knowledge and deal making capabilities to identify, negotiate and deliver a superb outcome for everyone. I am delighted that Kew will continue its independence and look forward to working with Marlowe and our new colleagues at Edmundson whilst continuing to support our loyal customers.
“On behalf of all at Kew, I would like to thank Michael and Mike [Gibbs] at EMC for their support and advice throughout this transaction."