Thinking of selling your business? Finding the right partner is crucial. David Blois, our Principal in London, shares tips on how to find the right M&A Advisor for your business.
Experts in selling your agency | 30 years sector experience in M&A | Business Consulting | Marketing Communications | Digital | Martech | Technology
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐌&𝐀 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐞 Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are significant for any business, especially when selling. An M&A advisor acts as a guide, strategist, and negotiator to help ensure a successful transaction. Sellers often need the expertise advisors bring since buyers tend to have more experience with acquisitions. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐌&𝐀 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 - ◼ 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Advisors assess business value and help prepare it for sale, enhancing its appeal. ◼ 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒚𝒆𝒓/𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉: They leverage networks to find suitable buyers discreetly and craft attractive narratives to present the business. ◼ 𝑵𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: Advisors handle negotiations objectively and structure deals that meet your goals. ◼ 𝑫𝒖𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈: They manage due diligence, coordinate with professionals, and ensure a smooth closing. Choosing an advisor ensures the expertise needed for a successful M&A process. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌&𝐀 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 - Choosing the right M&A advisor is essential for a successful transaction. Here’s what to consider: 🔹 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔: In the UK, advisors must be qualified accountants from a Chartered body or be registered with the FCA for financial expertise in M&A processes. 🔹 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆:An advisor familiar with your industry provides accurate valuations, targeted outreach, and effective negotiations. 🔹 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅: Look for a strong history of successful deals in your industry. 🔹 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌: Connections to buyers, private equity, and banks can open valuable opportunities. 🔹 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Choose someone transparent, proactive, and consistent in keeping you updated. 🔹 𝑭𝒆𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆: Understand and align the advisor’s fees with your budget and deal size. 🔹 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒕: Good chemistry ensures smoother collaboration over the course of the transaction. An M&A advisor meeting legal requirements, understanding your industry, and aligning with your goals is key to a successful deal.