Corporate Finance/M&A - added value for the entrepreneur

In the case of company sales in the context of a general succession plan, the process is usually designed to take 6 to 9 months. An appropriate time frame creates the opportunity to optimize the transaction value with a strategic approach and thus to achieve a value-optimized result in the interest of the client. The process usually encompasses the following steps:

Market sounding and value assessment
First of all, an assessment of the active market is useful to evaluate the chances of a successful M&A process. If an active market is identifiable, a value assessment may be useful in the next step to arrive at an M&A decision. Subsequently, we analyze the strengths and the need for optimization in the company to implement value-enhancing measures prior to the execution of the process. In addition, we prepare transaction documents such as a blind profile or an information memorandum, compile a list of potential investors and develop a planning concept for the concrete implementation of the transaction in close consultation with management and shareholders. The aim of all measures at this stage is to optimize the transaction objectives and ensure a safe implementation.

Investor approach
Our experience, our strong network and the use of professional databases and platforms enable us to approach potential investors directly while complying with all confidentiality obligations. Simultaneously, we prepare the due diligence and the data room.

Transaction design
In this phase, we support the due diligence, establish a physical or virtual data room depending on the agreement and obtain indicative offers from investors. By the timeinvestors join the negotiations, we are on hand to prepare, shape and evaluate discussions. We accompany the deeper due diligence and prepare contracts with lawyers.

The professional search for succession solutions broadens the spectrum of entrepreneurs to successfully pass on their life's work. Important goals are often to secure the success of the company and the jobs of the employees for the future, while creating perspectives. Therefore, succession planning should be initiated at the appropriate time. If necessary, a gradual sale or merely the transfer of a minority or majority share can help the previous owner to better balance opportunities, risks, and incentive effects of the entrepreneurial commitment and to distribute them among several shareholders. 

A company sale can be a strategic or entrepreneurial solution to create new perspectives for both the owners and the company. Ultimately, it benefits not only the seller, but also all stakeholders of the company concerned. We bring experience from carve-outs and partial sales of business activities and optimize the value for both sellers and buyers of these business activities.

The purchase or sale of companies in special and transitional situations requires fast action in combination with experience in navigating the mechanisms under the boundary conditions, in interaction with creditors and insolvency administrators. Critical success factors include leveraging the available time window effectively and gaining quick and efficient access to the market, alongside streamlined litigation processes. We advise and support companies and their shareholders, but also trustees, insolvency administrators and investors. In doing so, we work out the optimal transaction solution quickly and reliably, taking into account the various interests involved. Our range of services is tailored individually depending on the initial situation and the stage of the crisis. We bring experience from self-administration and regular proceedings as well as pre-insolvency loss situations and have access to a network of specialized investors. 

We offer companies and entrepreneurs help with transaction preparation. Targeted preparation forms the foundation of successful transaction process. A significant amount of documentation must be provided, and the planning and assumptions have to be disclosed to potential investors later on. This often leads to discrepancies that raise questions and, in the worst case, lead to a reduction in the transaction price due to investor uncerntainty. As part of our preparation, we therefore analyze the documents, try to disclose any discrepancies, and realize subsequent optimization potentials before the transaction occurs. We also identify risks to eliminate potential deal breakers.   

We support entrepreneurs and companies in the transaction pricing process, explain the most common valuation models and show the level at which the entrepreneur or the company can set and argue the asking price. We are also willing to create a valuation model for the transaction object and help with the preparation of corporate planning. 

We accompany entrepreneurs and companies before and during the due diligence process. On the one hand, we provide suitable data rooms with our partners to maintain the necessary confidentiality and company secrets. On the other hand, we support the companies in the preparation of the documents and conduct checks to protect entrepreneurs and companies. Furthermore, we provide advice and assistance responding to potential investors' queries quickly, as well as in preparing for investor meetings. Likewise, we can support investors if they wish to conduct due diligence. Our service enables our clients to better concentrate on the operational business despite the double burden during the transaction. 

For corporations and diversified groups of companies, divesting non-core activities that are no longer part of the core business or that are underperforming can improve their own competitiveness. This strategic move can unlock new financial opportunities for the rest of the company and allow management capacity and capital to be deployed in a more targeted manner. Leveraging our extensive experience in facilitating such transactions, we are adept at considering the interests of all parties involved. 

In certain special situations, it is necessary to provide the company with external financial support to enable growth or a turnaround. In such cases, we assist in identifying an appropriate capital partner and offer guidance on the associated terms and conditions. At the same time, together with our consulting colleagues, we can present the equity story to the investor in a target-oriented manner at any time. 

We have access to equity and loan founders to make transactions financeable. Financing models can be used to run through variants of funding offers.