OION-Laytons Investment Solution

OION recognises a real need for clarity, simplicity and transparency in the legal documentation that both companies and business angel investors need to have in place to complete an investment round.

For example, investors need to know that the company in which they are investing is properly established and that key legal requirements are met. Both the investors and the company need documentation that is fair, reasonable and protects their interests - but can be put in place quickly and at a realistic and ideally fixed cost.

We have worked hard, in conjunction with our legal sponsors, to provide the support that all parties need to make the investment process as simple and quick as possible.

In May 2005, OION and our legal sponsors Laytons pooled their expertise to launch the OION and Laytons Investment Solution, a fixed fee process which effectively addresses these needs, is fair and balanced and includes:

The OION and Laytons Investment Solution is particularly suitable for use by business angel investors with investments of up to £250,000, where previously professional fees have often proved disproportionate to the sum invested.

How does it work?

The Investment Solution consists of a number of key stages:

How will companies and investors benefit?

Companies and investors will benefit in a number of clear ways:

What are the standard investment documents?

Laytons Investment Solution includes the key standard documents that are required to complete an investment:

What is the complete investment service?

Laytons and OION both understand that providing documents is not enough. The Investment Solution offers a complete investment service to investors that includes:

What is the Laytons investment certificate?

The Laytons Investment Certificate is an essential part of the Laytons Investment Solution and consists of a certificate that:

Although Laytons would be appointed by the company, the investors can rely upon the Laytons certificate for which we will accept responsibility.

What about the BVCA model document project?

The British Venture Capital Association is planning to produce standard investment documents by 31st December 2005. However, Laytons Investment Solution has been specifically designed for companies that are suitable for investment by OION members and also includes our complete investment service.

How much does it cost?

A survey of companies that have recently received investment from OION members indicated that whilst professional fees vary considerably (for an investment between £250,000 and £500,000 legal fees cost between £7,500 and £25,000) average fees for £250,000 of investment were approximately £10,000.

OION and Laytons understand the importance of controlling legal costs and therefore we are offering the Investment Solution at a fixed price:

Investment size Cost of Investment Solution
less than £250,000 £5,500
over £250,000 £5,500 plus 1% of investment over £250,000 up to a maximum price of £10,000

What other legal services can Laytons provide?

Laytons provides a complete range of legal services and will be delighted to discuss individual requirements in more detail. Of particular interest to early stage companies are:

For more information on the Investment Solution, please contact:

  1. Richard Kennett, Chief Executive Partner, Laytons on +44 (0)20 7842 8000 or e-mail Richard
  2. Eileen Modral, Manager, OION on +44 (0)1865 811143 or e-mail Eileen Modral

The OION press release announcing the launch of the Investment Solution can also be read.