M&A, ESOP and Valuation Resources

Buy Side Transaction Process

Written by Michael Poole | September 09 2021

 

With careful planning and an understanding of the buy side transaction process, acquirers can find and win quality targets.

Determine M&A Strategy

  • Management objectives
  • Market analysis
  • Competitive analysis
  • Investment hypothesis
  • Alignment with business model

Timing: 1-4 weeks

Identify Targets

  • Research & develop criteria
  • Size
  • Industry
  • Geography
  • Provide preliminary target list
  • Solicit interest from selected targets

Timing: 2-4 weeks

Vet Interested Targets

  • Financial performance-past & forecasted
  • Customer attractiveness/concentrations
  • Vendor concentrations
  • Systems & processes
  • Capital expenditures
  • Explore synergies
  • Determine targets to move forward

Timing: 4-8 weeks

Pre-LOI Due Diligence

  • Determine deal structure and price
  • Identify financing sources
  • Negotiate key terms
  • Hold management meetings
  • Tour facilities
  • Perform detailed valuation analysis
  • Investigate integration costs
  • Execute LOI

Timing: 3-4 weeks

Post-LOI Due Diligence

  • Evaluate quality of earnings
  • Review operations
  • Review human resources
  • Assess environmental issues
  • Draft transaction documents
  • Plan integration

Timing: 6-12 weeks

Close

  • Execute agreements
  • Wire proceeds
  • Announce to employees
  • Begin integration process