Halfords Group plc is a retailer of automotive and cycling products.

The Company is also an

independent operator in auto repair. It operates in two segments: Halfords Retail, which operates
in both the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and Halfords Autocentres, which operates in
the United Kingdom. The Halfords Retail segment includes car parts, accessories, consumables
and technology. The Halfords Retail segment's product ranges are marketed through a national
network of stores and through a multi-channel offer, which combines Website promotion with
direct delivery or collection from store. The Halfords Retail segment includes approximately
165,000 product lines that are available online, and over 460 Halfords stores selling motoring and
cycling products. The Halfords Autocentres segment provides car service, repair and MOTs to
both retail and fleet customers throughout the United Kingdom. The Halfords Autocentres segment
has over 300 centers across the United Kingdom. Management of Halfords are considering an
acquisition after extending its reach into the car maintenance market by buying Nationwide
Autocenters, a car servicing and repairs business.

Prepare a report for the management of Halfords advising them on the options available to a
company when raising capital. You should include a discussion on how the capital markets
function and facilitate the allocation of resources.