Every business owner knows that success often comes with unexpected turns. One such surprising scenario could be an unsolicited offer to acquire your business. This may initially seem overwhelming, especially if you have limited experience in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). This article will walk you through key steps, questions to ask, and ways to evaluate such an opportunity from your personal standpoint and your company’s mid-term and long-term interests.
1. Understanding the Buyer
Identifying and understanding your potential buyer is a critical first step. Three common types of buyers are strategic buyers, private equity firms, and search funds.
Strategic buyers are usually companies in your industry or a related field seeking to gain competitive advantages like market share, innovative technology, or specialized talent. A large strategic company issuing an offer might have gone through a lengthy process involving senior management and board approvals, so it’s essential to understand their motives and post-acquisition plans.
Private equity firms are professional investors that acquire businesses with the intent to streamline operations, grow them, and eventually sell them for a profit. Their offer might involve the participation of a portfolio company or just its investment team, but they would likely require their investment committee’s approval.
Search funds are smaller entities backed by investors to find promising businesses to acquire and operate. They may have the flexibility to issue several offers without much consequence, as the search fund manager might take over running the business.
Another layer in the M&A sphere involves entities known as buy-side M&A firms. These firms, typically retained by prospective buyers, may reach out to business owners implying that they have a ready buyer or an impending offer. But in reality, there may not be an actual offer in play, and they could be trying to open a dialogue. In certain instances, they might suggest that they have a client specifically interested in your industry, but their true intention might be to use the potential deal as a conversation starter with various prospects. As the owner of a business, you must navigate these situations judiciously, evaluate the authenticity of the client and the offer, and guard your valuable time and resources. These complexities highlight the value of engaging a professional M&A advisor.
Your understanding of who the potential buyer is and how they got to the point of issuing an offer can help shape your negotiation strategy, dictate how much time, resources, and effort you should spend on the offer, and determine whether to proceed to the next step.
2. Optimizing Your Company for Sale
Before even entertaining an offer, it’s important to understand whether your company is optimized for a sale. Here are some quick actions to consider:
- Financials: Having accurate, transparent, and up-to-date financial records is a cornerstone of any successful sale. Buyers will scrutinize these records during due diligence to understand the financial health and potential profitability of your business. You’ll want to ensure that all aspects of your finances, from revenue streams, cost structure, to growth projections, are meticulously documented and easily comprehensible. A clean financial record not only expedites the due diligence process but also builds trust with potential buyers, which can positively influence the perceived value of your business.
- Operations: Streamlining operations and removing any inefficiencies can make your company more attractive to potential buyers. It’s advisable to conduct an operational audit to identify any areas of waste or inefficiency. Implementing lean operations can not only improve your bottom line but also present a picture of a well-run company to potential buyers. If there are any outdated processes, now is the time to modernize. Emphasizing operational efficiency can contribute to a more compelling narrative about your company’s competitive advantage and potential for growth.
- Management: A robust management team can add substantial value to your business. A competent team that can run day-to-day operations smoothly assures potential buyers that the business will continue to thrive post-acquisition, even in your absence. Therefore, if you haven’t already, consider investing in leadership development and succession planning. Potential buyers will look at the depth of your management team, their industry experience, and the strategies they’ve employed to navigate business challenges. Showcasing a talented management team can be a strong selling point and potentially boost the acquisition price.
- Growth Plan: A well-articulated growth plan is an essential part of preparing your business for sale. This plan should outline the strategic initiatives that could be pursued to enhance revenues and profitability. It should identify new markets, products, or services that could be explored, as well as operational improvements that could drive efficiency. By illustrating a roadmap for future growth, you can help potential buyers see the untapped value in your business. Be prepared to discuss these initiatives in detail, demonstrating your deep understanding of the industry and your business’s place within it. Remember, buyers are not just investing in what your business is now, but also in what it could become in the future. A compelling growth plan could significantly enhance the perceived value of your business and ultimately lead to a higher offer.
3. Seek Professional Assistance
An experienced M&A advisor brings industry knowledge, negotiation skills, and deep experience to the table. They can help you understand the deal’s complexities, evaluate your business’s market value, and outline potential negotiation strategies.
4. Evaluate the Offer
An acquisition offer goes beyond the headline purchase price. It involves deal structure, terms and conditions, and payment method. Ensure you fully understand what’s on the table before making any decisions.
5. Understand the Impact
Consider the potential impact on your employees, customers, and the future of your business. Reflect on how the sale would affect your employees, customer reaction, and the business legacy.
6. Negotiate
Everything in business is negotiable – from the purchase price to your role post-acquisition. Don’t shy away from negotiating the best possible deal for you, your business, and your stakeholders.
7. Prepare for Due Diligence
Once the terms are agreed upon, the buyer will conduct due diligence. Ensure your financials are in order, legal matters are sorted, and all information is ready for inspection.
8. Personal Implications
An acquisition is a significant milestone that could profoundly change your life, impacting your financial situation, workload, and overall lifestyle.
9. Future Involvement
Often, acquirers want the business owner to stay on in some capacity. Consider whether you’d be willing to do so, and if yes, what role you would want. This could range from a leadership role to an advisory one, depending on your personal preferences and the buyer’s needs.
10. Review the Offer with Your Team
Bring the offer to your trusted team of advisors, including your lawyer, accountant, and investment banking representative. They can help you understand the nuances of the offer and ascertain whether it’s a fair price for your business.
11. Post-Acquisition Integration
How will the acquisition change the business’s day-to-day operations? Will there be a merger of cultures? Will any processes be altered or enhanced? Understanding the likely impact of the acquisition on the operational side will help you make an informed decision.
12. Contingency Planning
Having a contingency plan in place allows you to revert to business-as-usual smoothly if the acquisition doesn’t go through. It’s vital to remember that not every deal concludes successfully, and having a fallback strategy is prudent.
Conclusion
An unsolicited acquisition offer can potentially change your business landscape, offering exciting opportunities for growth, a lucrative exit strategy, or a profitable investment. But it’s not a decision to be made lightly. This guide aims to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge to help you navigate this complex journey.
While this guide offers a robust starting point, every situation is unique. Leverage the expertise of professionals who can provide tailored advice. Engaging with a group like Astria, which specializes in providing sell-side representation, can offer the guidance and support you need to tackle this process head-on.
Whether you decide to proceed with the acquisition or not, take advantage of this unexpected offer as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your business’s value and explore potential growth avenues. Remember, it’s your business, your journey, and ultimately, your decision. Astria LLC is here to offer expert advice and strategic solutions to support you. Contact us today to discuss your goals and propel your business to new heights!
