The scars of the Covid-19 pandemic are almost disappearing, though it’s never-ending hangover and trauma still ponders the investors and traders. The businesses are now slowly emerging from their bunkers, blinking in the light of a new normal. Even though 2023 witnessed a slowdown in the M&A deals, this year is expecting a rebound. This year holds promising prospects for M&A deals across various industries, with sectors like banking, energy, healthcare, real estate, and technology poised to shine. These industries are primed for significant activity, driven by factors such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer demands. As companies seek to capitalize on growth opportunities, strategic acquisitions, and mergers are expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the competitive landscape.

But hold on, before you dive headfirst into rebuilding your pre-pandemic routine, take a look around. The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically. Some businesses are bruised but not broken, while others might be ripe for the picking.

If your company belongs to the fortunate first group, this might be the perfect time to consider an acquisition. Here’s why:

Fire Sale Prices: The pandemic forced many companies to slash their prices. You might find incredible deals on businesses that would have been out of reach before.

Stronger Together: Combining forces with another company can expand your market share, customer base, and product offerings, making you a more formidable competitor.

Fill the Gaps: Acquisitions can address weaknesses in your own company. Perhaps you lack a strong online presence or a crucial piece of technology. A strategic acquisition can plug those holes.

 This is where M&A buy-side advisory comes in with a wide range of opportunities.

What is M&A Buy-side Advisory and Why Do You Need It?

Buy-side M&A advisory involves offering assistance and counsel to firms aiming to acquire other companies or assets. Its objective is to aid the buyer in pinpointing potential acquisition prospects, securing advantageous terms through negotiation, and ultimately executing a successful transaction.

Buy-side M&A advisory is invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, it enables buyers to uncover potential acquisition targets they might have overlooked, broadening their scope and enhancing the chances of finding the perfect fit. It empowers buyers to negotiate advantageous terms and pricing, optimizing the transaction’s value and ensuring a beneficial deal. Lastly, buy-side M&A advisory provides indispensable support in navigating the complex and sometimes intimidating M&A process. With its guidance, buyers can sidestep obstacles and smoothly navigate to successful transaction completion.

Now let’s explore the ideal processes involved in M&A buy-side advisory.

1. Generating a broad selection of potential companies

Selecting the right targets is fundamental to successful M&A. Simply casting a wide net and considering all companies that meet basic criteria isn’t sufficient. Pause and reflect on the underlying reasons for pursuing an acquisition. What does the envisioned combined entity look like? Asking these questions sharpens your focus and aids in compiling a suitable long list of targets.

2. Making initial contact

The initial long list of your targets will swiftly shrink to a shortlist. Initial contact typically falls into unsolicited or solicited categories. When reaching out unsolicited, particularly to local companies, employing an intermediary lends credibility and reduces the risk of seeming like a competitor seeking trade secrets. Conversely, dealing with companies listed on M&A platforms usually requires signing a confidentiality agreement before learning their identity. Subsequently, the investment banker provides an investment memorandum detailing pertinent company information.

3. Selecting among potential targets

Utilize insights gained from initial contacts to make an informed decision on the most appealing acquisition. After engaging with multiple companies, you should have a better grasp of industry dynamics and which companies are best positioned to capitalize on them. When making the final selection, revisit your initial motivations for embarking on this journey.

4. Presenting an offer

 Following discussions with the company owner and/or their investment banker, you should have a sense of their expectations and your willingness to pay. Though there may be discrepancies, aim for your offer to align reasonably with the seller’s expectations. A Letter of Intent (LOI) typically outlines the offer terms, due diligence scope, and other pertinent details. Expect negotiation and potential adjustments before reaching a tentative agreement.

5. Conducting due diligence

Thorough due diligence is paramount. While it may be tempting to expedite this phase, investing time and effort now pays dividends later. Use established templates to guide financial, legal, operational, HR, and intellectual property due diligence. Throughout, consider how the target company aligns with your post-transaction. Be prepared to walk away if due diligence raises concerns.

6. Finalizing the deal

If due diligence uncovers no major issues, reassess the deal terms outlined in the LOI. If necessary, communicate any revisions to the target company owner diplomatically. The final sales contract, a legally binding document, mirrors the LOI but includes specifics on share transfer and appoints an escrow attorney. With funds transferred and shares secured, the deal is sealed.

7. Post-merger integration

Closing the deal marks the start of post-merger integration, where the focus shifts to how the acquired company integrates within your own organization, ensuring a smooth transition.

Activist Investors in the M&A Arena

The M&A landscape is a complex ecosystem, influenced by more than just companies and markets. Activist investors, holding significant stakes in companies, can significantly impact deal flow. They often target underperforming companies or sectors, urging strategic acquisitions to unlock shareholder value. Conversely, they might oppose deals deemed overpriced or with difficult integrations. M&A itself can even become an activist tool, with them advocating for asset sales or larger-scale mergers to improve economies of scale and diversification. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for companies navigating the M&A process. By anticipating potential investor concerns and developing proactive strategies, companies can achieve a smoother transaction and enhance shareholder value.

Buy-side M&A advisory serves as a strategic asset for companies seeking growth through acquisitions. By partnering with experienced advisors, buyers can unlock new avenues for expansion, mitigate risks, and ultimately achieve their strategic objectives in a rapidly evolving business environment. By leveraging the expertise of advisory professionals, buyers can uncover hidden opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, and navigate potential obstacles with confidence.

MS: Your trusted guide to M&A Acquisitions

Opting for an M&A buy-side advisory offers buyers a distinct advantage in the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. These professionals bring a wealth of expertise, guiding buyers through the process with finesse and insight. By tapping into their extensive networks and industry knowledge, buyers gain access to a broader pool of potential targets, enhancing their chances of finding the perfect match. MS can be your trusted partner with strong negotiating power, ensuring favorable terms and maximizing transaction value. With their streamlined approach, buyers can navigate the M&A journey confidently, steering clear of pitfalls and achieving seamless transactions with MS.