MAF
Showing 145–160 of 244 results
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Ask the Advisor – Q. Should I consider a “handshake” agreement?
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: Although most M&A transactions involve multiple phases and extensive negotiations, some companies turn handshake agreements into actual deals. Typically made between two CEOs or owners, this type of agreement can be a viable option for certain types of companies. But, as this column explains, the timing and conditions must be right.
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The ins and outs of seller checklists
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 792
Abstract: Before embarking on a sale, companies should try to visualize the kind of buyer they want. At the same time, they need to determine whether they’re capable of attracting that ideal candidate. Seller checklists, one internal and one external, can make this process easier. Although the two lists complement each other, one focuses on buyers’ qualities, the other on the seller’s. This article discusses some of the items that should be on the internal list (growth potential, debt load) and some that should be on the external list (strategic vs. financial buyer; location and workforce).
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Case studies — When due diligence findings threaten a deal
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: In most cases, sellers make accurate financial and legal representations to potential acquirers. But what should buyers do when they uncover a serious — and previously undisclosed — issue that threatens the value of their deal? This article describes four due diligence scenarios and how buyers acted on their findings.
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Making a merger of rivals work
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 893
Abstract: A merger of rivals can be challenging, so both parties need to plan for special integration and cultural issues. This article examines some of these, such as fostering a message of unity, respecting each company’s culture, and allocating jobs in a manner that’s fair and merit-driven. A sidebar lists three types of corporate cultures and how they’re likely to integrate with one another.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How long should my M&A deal take?
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 414
Abstract: When it comes to M&A transactions, there’s no such thing as an ideal timeframe. Each deal is different and many factors come into play. But as this column explains, it’s never a good idea to drag a deal out. Participants should try to anticipate the kinds of issues that might cause out-of-the-ordinary delays.
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Attract buyers with an “essentials” list
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Getting the attention of the right buyer isn’t easy. But one way sellers can kick-start their marketing effort is to conduct a self-assessment and identify their key strengths. This “essentials” list not only helps make the case to buyers, but it may also be useful during deal negotiations and help the two companies during integration. This article lists assets that should be considered “essential” and suggests which employees should participate in the assessment.
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Distress symptoms – Why selling can cure your financially troubled company
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Believe it or not, there’s a market for financially distressed companies, and with the right perspective and professional advice it’s possible for sellers of such businesses to get a fair price. This article explains how sellers should prepare for a sale and what qualities sellers are looking for.
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Future-oriented acquisitions – Buying with your eye on the horizon
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: While it may be tempting to take advantage of a relatively depressed M&A market, a bargain is only a bargain if the acquisition provides long-term value. This article discusses why buyers that are focused on the future are more likely to find their best strategic match, and suggests questions buyers should ask when evaluating a target. A sidebar points out that future-oriented M&A deals have an appeal for sellers, as well.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. Should my company ask for a cash or a stock deal?
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: One of the many issues sellers must consider is the type of deal they prefer — cash, stock or a combination of the two. This column explains that all-cash deals are simple and don’t depend on the buyer’s future performance. But they’re less common than more complex structures such as partial cash/partial stock offers, partial cash/debt assumption, share exchange and earnouts.
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Partial sales: Have your cake and eat it too
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: Business owners frequently are torn between the desire to sell their company to realize liquidity and reluctance to lose what’s been their life’s work. However, with a partial sale it’s possible both to raise cash and retain control over the company. This article discusses two common methods of undertaking a partial sale: 1) allowing investors to acquire a minority stake in the company, and 2) recapitalization — replacing current sources of financing with new ones.
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International acquisitions – Circling the globe for deals
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Although the U.S. economy remains sluggish, other regions of the world currently are experiencing rapid growth. But before making a cross-border deal, it’s important to consider the risks as well as the rewards. This article points out that one of the biggest challenges of a foreign acquisition is integrating the two corporate — and national — cultures. A sidebar highlights Brazil as home to some of the best acquisition opportunities right now.
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Major investors can make — or break — your M&A plans
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 781
Abstract: Companies that have one or more major investors need to ensure that these stakeholders support any M&A deal well before the transaction’s close. Otherwise, major investors are capable of delaying it — or even derailing it. This article explains the specific objections that different investors might have, and why it’s important to keep the lines of communication wide open. A sidebar lists several things a company should do to protect itself from costly legal action that could block the transaction.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How can we conduct due diligence without raising antitrust issues?
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 401
Abstract: Buyers and sellers must exchange proprietary information about their companies during the due diligence stage of an M&A transaction. But such information-sharing can raise antitrust issues for companies that have a substantial market share. This article lists several questions that M&A participants should ask regarding information that, if shared, might lead to antitrust claims.
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The agreement zone – Finding a solution for sale price standoffs
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Price stalemates can be frustrating and potentially hazardous to your deal, but they’re also common. If negotiations are handled carefully, a disagreement over price shouldn’t be insurmountable. This article looks at how seller misconceptions and changing market conditions can contribute to price stalemates and how both parties can get closer to what some experts call “the zone of possible agreement.”
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Integrating your acquisition – Now may be the time to raise product prices
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: For business buyers, the integration stage of an acquisition can be the most labor-intensive. But it’s important to focus on the prices of the newly merged company’s products and services, because this can help improve gross margins significantly. This article explains why it’s important to start planning early, gather good data and consider standardizing discounts.
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How to sell your startup — and avoid making rookie mistakes
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: It may sound counterintuitive, but startup companies can be in a strong position to sell. From a larger buyer’s perspective, they’re often inexpensive relative to the strategic advantages they offer. But buyers hoping to sell need to capture buyer interest — as well as avoid making rookie mistakes that could knock down the selling price. This article examines what buyers are looking for, along with several pitfalls for sellers to avoid. A sidebar lists factors involved in estimating an offering price for a company with little historical performance.