Australia

Whether you are looking to grow your market share through acquisition, consolidate your position within your industry or diversify your business, it is important that any transaction aligns with your overall business strategy.

Mergers and acquisitions

To reap the potential benefits of acquisitions and mergers, careful planning and assessment are required to find the optimal commercial, strategic and cultural fit. This can be challenging in the business world, where the ability to move quickly can determine the success of a transaction. Additionally, a merger or acquisition can be complex, as operational, financial and regulatory factors combine to affect the final outcome.

The best way to minimise the risks associated with a business investment is to be in a position to make a well-informed decision.

This decision should only be made after carefully reviewing the merits and risks associated with your potential target business.

Due diligence provides detailed insight into your target company and involves investigating the targetโ€™s commercial, financial and taxation affairs.

We believe that adding value through a due diligence review starts with understanding why you are seeking to make the investment with the acquiring company and continues through the careful design of due diligence procedures.

The findings of the merger and acquisition review will be presented in a detailed report. We ensure that this report is comprehensive and easy to read, with any identified risks being clearly brought to your attention. The information gathered as part of our due diligence process will increase your knowledge of the target company and will allow you to make your decision with confidence.

We take an integrated approach when assisting our clients. Our process includes end-to-end transaction support where we will assist you in:

  • Identifying potential target companies
  • Undertaking due diligence
  • Negotiating with vendors
  • Conducting post-merger and acquisition integration

Each client is appointed a dedicated team experienced in handling merger and acquisition transactions and a partner who will lead the acquisition and merger process from start to finish, regardless of the size of the engagement.

For more information about our merger and acquisition consulting services, contact your local William Buck Business Advisory Partner.

Divestments

The decision to sell your business can be very difficult and emotional, particularly where the sale may culminate a lifetimeโ€™s work. Having spent years building a business, realising its optimal value on exit is important. However, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Preparing your business for sale and maximising the after-tax consideration received will require substantial planning. This will include an understanding of:

  • The key drivers of the business
  • Its financial performance
  • The quality of management
  • Its growth prospects
  • The objectives of the business owners.

William Buckโ€™s Corporate Advisory team uses our integrated service line approach to provide complete end-to-end transaction support during the entire divestment process. By incorporating strategic planning, valuation, specialist taxation and accounting skills, divestments become less intimidating for the seller.

Our highly experienced senior team has strong transaction management skills in successfully completing Divestment (Sell-Side Advisory) transactions across various industry sectors for numerous privately owned businesses. We are committed to providing responsive, practical and commercial advice and proactive recommendations on maximising value for our clients and their businesses. We developed the following Divestment (Sell-Side Advisory) process outlined below.

FAQs

How are mergers and acquisitions valued?

The valuation of a business is an important part of the merger and acquisition process. Although it is a multi-faceted and business-specific process, some key considerations help determine a companyโ€™s value.

They include, but are not limited to:

  • Assets: The valuation considers a companyโ€™s tangible assets, such as buildings or the target companyโ€™s shareholders, and intangible assets, such as intellectual property
  • Market comparison: The recent purchase price of similar businesses in the same industry can heavily inform the companyโ€™s approximate worth
  • Prediction of future profits: Determining new market opportunities and potential revenue streams is fundamental in understanding where the business is heading and whether it is predicted to grow
  • Past performance: Analysing a companyโ€™s history can indicate important financial trends, company purchases, possible liabilities and the potential to increase cash flow

How do companies ensure successful integration post-merger?

To ensure success when two companies combine, a parent company should construct a post-integration plan during the merger and acquisition process. The plan should:

  • Clearly communicate new roles and responsibilities
  • Establish future goals
  • Effectively determine new strategies
  • Inspire collaboration between with the newly combined company
Business meeting casual_V2

Our divestment (Sell-side Advisory) process explained

  1. Establish objectives of the business owners
  2. Ensure veracity of financial information
  3. Review business operations to maximise value of the business
  4. Assess value of the business and establish price range for the business
  1. Preparing an information memorandum
  2. Identify and evaluate potential buyers
  3. Prepare data room
  1. Approach priority qualified potential buyers
  2. Exchange confidentiality agreements
  3. Assist potential buyers with their initial review of the business
  4. Create competitive bidding environment and receive offers
  5. Negotiate heads of agreement and other agreements
  6. Manage due diligence Q&A
  1. Finalise sale negotiations
  2. Complete sale including settlement adjustments
  3. Post-sale matters including finalisation of accounts and working capital adjustments

Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestments Specialists