Acquisition strategy
An external growth strategy is won or lost on the quality of the analysis: understanding what a target really does, where it sits in the value chain, what it is worth and what it would bring. I support CFOs, funds and acquirers - including those without an in-house M&A team - from the analysis of inbound opportunities to the preparation of the investment decision, which remains in your hands.
What the engagement covers
- Target screening - sector mapping, building longlists and shortlists for build-up strategies
- Target analysis - business, business model, position in the value chain, strategic rationale, synergies and risks, with a reasoned conclusion on relevance
- Review of inbound opportunities - analysis of teasers and Information Memoranda received, with a structured view on whether to enter the process
- Valuation - trading comparables, transaction comparables, DCF, and a critical review of the target’s business plan: growth, margin, working capital and capex assumptions
- Process monitoring - preparation and analysis of offers (letters of intent, indicative and binding offers), due diligence coordination, Q&A management through to closing
- Decision preparation - investment notes and committee materials directly usable by management, partners and investment committees
Work carried out on real strategies
- Locala - digital advertising - buy-side M&A support to the CFO: analysis of acquisition targets and inbound opportunities, preparation of investment decisions
- Wedia - take-private completed by Cathay Capital - analysis of build-up targets and exit routes, company valuation and day-to-day process monitoring
Start with the value chain
Every target is analysed from its actual place in the sector’s value chain: what it does, for whom, what sets it apart - before any reasoning about valuation or synergies.
Clear-cut conclusions
Every analysis ends with a view: strong fit, moderate fit or weak fit, with the reasons why. Management teams decide better on a reasoned recommendation than on a compilation of data.
Discuss your strategy →How the engagement starts
- A confidential conversation to understand your project - answer within 24 hours
- An NDA signed before any sensitive information is shared
- An engagement proposal and an itemised quote - no cost before your agreement
- A possible start within 24 to 48 hours
An acquisition under consideration?
Describe your project in full confidence: I will come back to you within 24 hours with an approach, a timetable and a quote.
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