Mergers & Acquisitions
The term merger or acquisition often conjures up images of highly paid Wall Street professionals invading the offices of an innocent company bent on the complete destruction of everything in their path. Based on media reports, this may not be far from the truth in some cases.
For small, privately held companies the reality is far different. Many small companies have reaped the benefit of transactions that can be broadly defined as mergers and acquisitions. Often times, the various members of ownership may have incongruent goals for the future of the company. Events such as divorce, internal conflict, or expansion can set a chain of events in motion that lead to some sort of a transaction.
The process can be difficult and costly. The process can also lead to a better situation for all the parties involved. Move carefully and surround yourself with a professional team capable of handling such intricate issues.
Merger & Acquisition Transaction Types
- Merger with Another Entity
- Acquiring Another Entity
- Repurchasing Existing Equity Stakes
- Establishing an ESOP
- Outright Sale of Company
- Outside Equity & Debt Investments
- Asset Sales
- Dissolution of Equity Relationships
Planning & Preparation
- Seeking the Proper Transaction
- Achieving Synergy and Economics of Scale
- Assessing Critical Operating Needs
- Assembling Financial Models
- Identifying Ownership Needs
- Negotiating Methodology
- Seeking Capital in Advance
- Conducting Due-Diligence
- Identifying Management Role
Assembling A Professional Team
- Seeking Legal Counsel
- Certified Public Accountants
- Specialized Tax Advisors
- Valuation Specialists
- Financial Advisors
- Commercial Lenders
- Estate Planning Professionals
- Realtors & Brokerage Services
Post Closing Activity
- Assembling Management Teams
- Asset Sales
- Achieving Targets & Objectives
- Employee Retention
- Tax & Regulatory Filings
- Merging Financial Systems
- Managing Lender Relations
- Meeting Customer Expectations
Common Transaction Killers
- Ego Clash
- Valuation
- Management & Employee Culture
- Ownership Goals
- Lack of Adequate Financing
- Due Diligence Surprises
- Employee Defections
- Impatience and Loss of Momentum
- Tax Consequences for Critical Parties
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