M&A
Mergers and Acquisitions
Standard M&A
Standard M&A
Liquidity
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is a general term that refers to the sale of a company or consolidating two companies, typically generating meaningful upfront liquidity for the selling business owner. Through a variety of tax-driven structures, these transactions may include asset sales, stock sales, IRC 338(h)(10) or IRC 368(a)(1)(F) as the most common structures employed.
Buyer’s may be either strategic companies within a related industry, a financial buyer looking to acquire a platform investment in the segment, or a new or existing management team looking to acquire the business from the Sellers.
Depending upon a Seller’s personal objectives, an M&A transaction may result in the sale of 100% of the ownership, a majority sale, or a minority sale. Establishing a deep understanding of the Seller’s objectives is critical to selecting an optimal transaction structure and potentially a desired ongoing equity interest.
Ambrose is a trusted provider in M&A transactions representing Sellers, Buyers and management teams.
Owner and Stakeholder Benefits
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Transaction structure designed to create liquidity for shareholders in the most tax-efficient manner possible;
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Ownership transition plans established up-front between Buyer and Seller;
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Upfront cash typically higher than other liquidity options;
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All proceeds except for escrowed amounts normally paid at close;
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Detailed non-disclosure agreements executed between Buyer and Seller to minimize risk of employees, suppliers or customers learning of a transaction prior to close;
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Financial buyers typically pose less of a competitive threat to a Seller during the due diligence process while strategic buyers are allowed access to highly sensitive due diligence information late in the process;
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Financial buyers typically provide better continuity for the existing corporate culture and retain the owners’ legacy;
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Well-capitalized Buyers can execute a strategic growth plan to create industry consolidation and leverage economies of scale or invest in organic growth programs in order to capitalize on market potential.
Employee Benefits
- Financial buyers may offer key managers co-investment rights up-front on a pari passu basis alongside their equity;
- Financial and strategic buyers typically create a management incentive plan or options pool for senior management to create a win-win partnership and ensure employee retention;
- Ongoing roles for key individuals may be negotiated up-front depending upon the synergies with the strategic buyer;
- Many strategic buyers have more generous employee benefits plans for employees than most privately-held companies.
The Ambrose M&A Advisory Approach
Coordinated team of professionals
M&A transactions require a coordinated team of professionals including an investment banker like AmbroseAdvisors™, the Seller’s CPA, Seller’s legal counsel, Seller’s wealth manager, insurance providers, Buyer’s CPA, Buyer’s legal counsel and third-party lenders to the extent outside financing is required. Ambrose coordinates its efforts with all constituents to ensure a smooth M&A transaction.
- Investment Banking: Valuation analysis, deal marketing, projection modeling, transaction structuring, soliciting proposals, negotiations, leading the transaction execution, resolving open issues, completing documentation, transaction schedule coordinating, funding and closing;
- Transactional Support: Managing due diligence, transaction negotiations, build-out an e-data room, selection of transaction insurance