17. October 2023

Company succession – When do I need an M&A advisor?

Company succession – When do I need an M&A advisor?

At BLOK Management, we are aware of the challenges that companies and their shareholders face when it comes to company succession. The decision to pass on or take over a business is one of the most important and complex phases in the life of a company. In this article, we look at why you might need the expertise of an M&A advisor in this situation.

What are the decisive steps in company succession?

The key steps in business succession include strategic planning and preparation, identification of potential buyers or sellers, business valuation, negotiation, risk management and due diligence and, once implemented, integration. At BLOK Management, we offer comprehensive support in these areas to ensure that the succession process runs smoothly and successfully. 1. strategic planning and preparation
Successful company succession requires careful strategic planning. As experienced M&A advisors, we support you in defining your goals and developing a clear succession strategy. We help you to identify potential obstacles and take measures to overcome them. Our team brings extensive expertise in business succession planning and preparation to ensure that the process runs smoothly. We are already in consultation with our clients up to 12 months before the start of the sale process. 2. identification of potential buyers or sellers
Whether you are selling or acquiring a business, identifying potential partners is crucial. Our M&A experts have a broad national and international network as well as extensive resources and databases to find suitable buyers or sellers. We conduct thorough market research to identify potential partners that meet your requirements and objectives. 3. company valuation
The correct valuation of a company is a critical step in any M&A process. Our experts at BLOK Management are experienced in conducting comprehensive business valuations. We take into account various valuation methods (multiple method, DCF, LBO, etc.), financial ratios and market value to ensure that you pay or receive the right price for your company. 4. negotiation management
Negotiation management is another important aspect of company succession. We have extensive experience in drafting contracts and negotiations to ensure that your interests are protected. We specialize in negotiating the best terms for our clients, be it in terms of sale price, financing or other contractual details. 5. risk management and due diligence
Our M&A advisors support you in minimizing risk and conducting comprehensive due diligence. We help you to identify potential risks and problems at an early stage in order to avoid unpleasant surprises later on in the succession process. 6. integration and implementation
The successful integration of an acquired company or a smooth handover requires careful planning and implementation. At BLOK Management, we also support you in this phase and help you to make the transition as efficient as possible.

At what point should you consult an M&A advisor?

The question of the best time to consult an M&A advisor is crucial to the success of your company succession. To avoid confusion and make the process as smooth as possible, we recommend considering expert support early on. Here are some pointers to help you determine the right time:

  • Long-term planning: Early planning is crucial. Ideally, you should consider the idea of company succession several years in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare your company strategically and make any necessary improvements.

  • Early identification of interested parties: The earlier you identify potential buyers or sellers, the better. An M&A advisor can help you in your search for suitable partners and facilitate a strategic and, in particular, coordinated approach.
  • Strategic advice: An M&A advisor can provide you with valuable strategic advice as early as the planning phase. This can include developing an exit strategy, identifying growth opportunities or optimizing your finances.

  • Due diligence and risk assessment: An M&A advisor can carry out due diligence at an early stage to identify potential risks and issues. This enables you to address these in good time and increase the value of the company.

From what company size does M&A consulting make sense for a company succession?

The decision as to whether M&A advice makes sense in the context of company succession does not necessarily depend on the size of the company, but on the complexity of the project and the individual objectives. Nevertheless, we can provide some general guidelines:

  • Small and medium-sized companies: M&A advice also brings great benefits to smaller and medium-sized companies. Company succession can be complex, and an experienced advisor can help structure the process, maximize the value of the company and protect the interests of all parties involved.

  • Growth companies: If your company offers growth opportunities or you are in a high-growth industry, M&A advice can help identify the right partners and strengthen your position during negotiations.

  • International transactions: If the company succession has an international character, for example in the case of investments by foreign investors, the expertise of an M&A consultant is particularly valuable, as they are familiar with the specific requirements of international transactions.

Overall, it is important to emphasize that the size of the company is not the sole criterion for deciding whether M&A advice is required for company succession. Rather, the focus should be on the individual circumstances and objectives of the company. At BLOK Management, we are available to assess your specific situation and provide you with customized advice, regardless of the size of your business.

Company succession – Our top 10 criteria

  • Complexity of the company: The more complex your company is, the more likely it is that you will need professional support. This includes product diversification, geographical presence or complex organizational structures.
  • Company size: As a rule, the likelihood of needing an M&A advisor increases with the size of the company. Large companies often have extensive transaction requirements.

  • Time and resources: The M&A process is time-consuming. If you do not have sufficient time or resources to devote to the process, a consultant can be of great benefit.

  • Market knowledge: An M&A advisor has extensive knowledge of the market and can help you identify potential buyers or sellers.

  • Legal and tax complexity: M&A transactions are legally and fiscally complex. An advisor can support you in complying with the relevant laws and regulations.

  • Valuation and pricing: An M&A advisor can help you value your business appropriately and set a fair price.

  • Negotiation skills: Negotiating with potential buyers or sellers requires experience and skill. An M&A advisor can provide valuable services in this area.

  • Confidentiality: An M&A advisor can ensure that the transaction is conducted in strict confidentiality so as not to disrupt business operations.

  • Financing and capital procurement: If the transaction requires financing, an M&A advisor can help with capital procurement and financing structuring.

  • Risk management: An experienced advisor can help to identify and minimize potential risks and pitfalls in the M&A process.

In summary, business succession is a complex and multi-faceted process that typically takes between 7-12 months to complete. An experienced M&A advisor should always help to simplify this process, minimize risk and ensure that your objectives are met. At BLOK Management, we specialize in helping companies make a successful transition, whether through sale or acquisition. Contact us for an initial consultation to find out more about our services and how we can help you with your business succession.

We are happy to advise you

Marcel Brix

Managing Director | BLOK Management GmbH

Oliver Kolb

Managing Director | BLOK Management GmbH

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