Merger & Acquisition Focus
Showing 33–48 of 244 results
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Ask the Advisor – Q: Why do I need a confidentiality agreement when selling my business?
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 414
Abstract: Confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements are cornerstones of most M&A deals. This column explains how they work and why they’re one of a business seller’s best defenses during deal negotiations.
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Why business entity matters when structuring an M&A deal
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Buyers and sellers that fail to consider how taxes will affect an M&A deal’s final price may be in for an unpleasant surprise at closing. This article discusses how a business’s structure as a C or an S corporation makes either an asset or a stock sale more beneficial from a tax standpoint.
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Indemnification clauses – How to steer your merger clear of lawsuits
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 829
Abstract: If a liability emerges after a deal closes, who’s responsible: the buyer or seller? Indemnification provisions are designed to answer this question. This article outlines the provisions of the typical indemnification clause and argues that well-crafted clauses are important if the deal parties want to avoid lawsuits in the future. A sidebar defines the “survival period” element of indemnification clauses.
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Deal stars – Don’t try to merge without these key people
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: Many people will contribute to the successful completion of an M&A transaction. But a few are particularly critical. This article identifies a deal’s key people — owners and CEOs, CFOs and other financial executives, and logistics head — and talks about their roles and responsibilities during the deal process and after it closes.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. What is our role during due diligence?
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: This column outlines the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during the due diligence process. Buyers are encouraged to ask questions and review documents thoroughly. Sellers are instructed to begin preparing for buyer scrutiny as early as possible.
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Even small deals may face antitrust actions
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: Before entering into M&A negotiations, buyers need to ensure that their proposed transaction is unlikely to trigger antitrust enforcement actions from regulators. This article explains why even smaller deals may face antitrust challenges and offers tips for discouraging them — for example, being clear about the transaction’s business purpose and avoiding cross-border deals.
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Turn that frown upside down – Making a distressed acquisition profitable
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 568
Abstract: For experienced business buyers, turnaround acquisitions can yield big long-term rewards. But acquiring a troubled target can also pose greater risks than buying a financially sound business. This article discusses ways to reduce such risks by, for example, understanding the target company’s core business and implementing a longer-term cash-management plan.
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Preparing for a sale — even if you have no plans to sell
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 863
Abstract: Even when retirement is the last thing on a business owner’s mind, it’s never too early to start planning to sell. This article suggests that all businesses should conduct a periodic self-assessment to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The information gathered can help owners focus on the most promising aspects of the business and address any issues that may be hindering profitability — and might discourage potential buyers. A sidebar makes the case for performing a “soft” assessment of cultural assets.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How can my family business avoid a succession struggle?
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: This column explains how family businesses can avoid succession struggles. It stresses the importance of a good succession plan and encourages owners to consider leaving their business only to those heirs who want to be actively involved in running it.
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Watch out for these common M&A deal obstacles
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Although it’s probably impossible to avoid every road bump, anticipating obstacles is critical for both parties of an M&A deal. This article describes some common deal-killers, such as false impressions and price disputes. It advises sellers to prepare records for due diligence well in advance and advises buyers to line up financing before making a serious offer.
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Professional valuations can help resolve pricing discrepancies
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: A business valuation can provide M&A parties with an objective view of the selling company and help price the deal — particularly when buyers and sellers disagree about the business’s value. This article talks about the benefits of engaging a professional valuator and discusses four common appraisal methods: asset-based, market, discounted cash flow and capitalization of cash flows.
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When the target doesn’t fit – How to customize your acquisition
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 794
Abstract: Buyers often decline otherwise attractive acquisitions because the target company seems incompatible with their own organization. But as this article argues, it’s possible to tailor an acquisition to the buyer’s specifications by, for example, spinning off a division or reducing the target’s workforce. A sidebar discusses ways to resolve cultural incompatibilities between merging companies.
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Ask the Advisor – Q: How might taxes affect my spinoff?
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: This column explains why structuring a spinoff can be challenging — especially when the tax implications are taken into account. As this article illustrates, some companies decide to return to the drawing board after the IRS intervenes.
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How to avoid 5 common seller mistakes
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: This article summarizes five common mistakes made by business sellers: poor financial reporting, overemphasizing the owner’s role, owning real estate outside the company, setting a high asking price and including personal business in the company. To avoid letting such mistakes trip up a deal, sellers are encouraged to work with experienced M&A professionals.
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Beyond financials: A look at key value drivers
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Strong financial statements are critical to selling a company for a fair price. But other factors, commonly referred to as key value drivers, can boost a seller’s M&A market prospects. This article discusses such value drivers as a diversified customer base, experienced management, long employee tenure and proprietary information.
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Improving your risk profile – Make an M&A deal more attractive to lenders
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 829
Abstract: Lenders have grown more conservative lately. As a result, otherwise qualified borrowers with second-lien loans, significant leverage, diminishing cash and other risky traits may have trouble finding M&A financing. This article suggests tips for buyers to improve their risk profile — such as refinancing second-lien debt. A sidebar explores financing alternatives to traditional lenders.