M&A advisory
Throughout the life cycle of a business, company owners and management teams may face strategic decisions where an acquisition, the sale of the company, or bringing in a new investor represents the best course of action. M&A transactions are complex processes that require thorough preparation, market insight, financial expertise, professional project management and, above all, extensive hands-on experience.
Why Equilor Corporate Advisory?
Several decades of professional experience, numerous successfully closed transactions
Equilor Corporate Advisory supports its clients with more than three decades of transaction experience in carrying out sell-side transactions, acquisitions and capital raising transactions. Our experts have taken part in numerous successful, large-scale transactions across energy, infrastructure, real estate, financial services, technology, industry and other sectors.
Full transaction support, from the first steps to closing
Our advisors provide support throughout the entire lifecycle of the transaction, from developing the strategy, through identifying investors or targets, coordinating negotiations and due diligence, to a successful close. We work closely with our clients at every stage of the process, ensuring a tailored approach and maintaining dedicated day-to-day communication throughout the engagement.
Extensive network
Equilor Corporate Advisory has direct access to an extensive network of regional strategic and financial investors, enabling us to reach the broadest possible pool of potential investors for each transaction. As a member of the Pandea Global international M&A network, we also provide clients with access to a network of trusted advisors and investors across more than 30 countries.
Our objective extends beyond the successful completion of a transaction. We work with our clients to develop acquisition and divestment strategies that create sustainable long-term value.
When is it worth considering a company sale, an acquisition or capital raising?
Corporate transactions are typically driven by specific business objectives or strategic circumstances. A company sale, an acquisition or bringing in a strategic or financial investor may be the right solution in a variety of situations, including:
- owner exit
- generational succession
- bringing in a strategic or financial investor
- accelerating growth through acquisitions (acquiring competitors)
- expanding into new markets (international expansion)
- financing capital-intensive projects
Since every company, ownership situation and transaction goal is different, for each engagement we develop a strategy tailored to the specifics of the given transaction, the owners' goals and the market environment, in order to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Why involve an M&A advisor?
Sell-side transactions, acquisitions and capital raising transactions are complex, multi-party processes whose successful execution requires specialised transaction experience, a wide market network and structured project management. Developing the right transaction strategy, identifying the relevant investors or targets, handling valuation questions, and coordinating the negotiation and due diligence processes have a significant impact on the success of the transaction and on the terms that can be achieved.
Involving an experienced M&A advisor allows management and owners to focus on day to day operations, while the preparation and execution of the transaction is coordinated by knowledgeable external experts.
A specific transaction is often preceded by a longer preparatory phase, which provides an opportunity to optimize the transaction parameters, in particular to identify and address factors that may materially affect the company's value or marketability during a transaction. We encourage you to engage our advisors early in the planning process. This allows us to understand your objectives, become familiar with your business, and identify the key factors that will contribute to a successful transaction well before the sale or acquisition process begins.
Sell-side advisory
Our experts support clients throughout the entire transaction process, from developing the transaction strategy, preparing the investor documentation and approaching potential investors, through coordinating the offer process, due diligence and contract negotiations, to signing the sale and purchase agreement and successfully closing the transaction. Through structured transaction management, competition among investors and professional negotiation support, our goal is to secure the most favourable transaction terms for our clients.
The steps of the transaction process
Developing the transaction strategy
After analysing the company's operations, market position and growth opportunities, we identify the relevant strategic and financial investor groups and develop the transaction strategy and structure that best fits the owners' goals.
Company valuation and preparation of transaction documentation
Following a detailed financial analysis, using valuation models compliant with international valuation standards and applying market benchmarks, we determine the realistic value range of the company, which provides guidance during investor discussions and transaction negotiations. We prepare the documentation needed to launch the transaction, including the anonymous teaser presenting the transaction opportunity, the non-disclosure agreement, the information memorandum, the financial model and other transaction materials, and we support the preparation of the management presentation.
Identifying investors and buyers
Through our extensive domestic and international network we reach a wide range of strategic and financial investors. As a member of the Pandea Global international M&A network, we provide clients with access to investors, companies and transaction advisors in more than 30 countries, significantly expanding the pool of potential buyers, supporting competition and the maximisation of company value. In every case we pay particular attention to keeping our clients' identity hidden during outreach until a potential buyer shows more serious interest in the company, thereby ensuring that the potential transaction in no way jeopardises its market position.
Indicative offers and investor negotiations
We coordinate the process, organise the management meetings, and support our clients in evaluating and comparing indicative offers and in negotiations with potential investors. In every case we ensure that sensitive business information is shared with potential buyers only if the pricing and transaction structure presented in their indicative offer is acceptable to our clients.
Due diligence and final offer
We manage the financial, tax, legal and business due diligence processes, support the handling of investor questions and information requests, and contribute to the evaluation of final offers. During the due diligence process, we implement appropriate legal safeguards to ensure that confidential company information is accessible only to authorised individuals and only to the extent necessary, in accordance with the highest international confidentiality standards. Our experts help clients select the preferred investor and negotiate the final transaction terms.
Contract negotiations and transaction close
We support our clients in structuring the transaction and negotiating the contractual terms, while assisting in the negotiation and finalisation of the commercial terms of the sale and purchase agreement. We coordinate the work of legal, tax and other advisors and guide our clients through the signing and closing process, helping ensure that the transaction is completed on the most favourable terms possible while effectively managing transaction risks.
Buy-side advisory
An acquisition can be an effective way to accelerate growth, enter new markets, increase market share or acquire new capabilities. At the same time, identifying and evaluating the right acquisition target and executing the transaction successfully require specialised expertise, transaction experience and significant resources.
Our experts support clients throughout the entire acquisition process, from identifying and evaluating targets, through negotiations and transaction execution, to the post-close integration processes, helping to realise the expected synergies and business goals.
Developing the acquisition strategy
Working closely with our clients, we define the strategic objectives of the acquisition, identify the relevant sectors and geographic markets, and map out the potential synergies and value creation opportunities that support our clients' growth goals over the long term.
Identifying targets
Based on detailed market research and financial and business analysis, we identify potential acquisition targets, assess their strategic fit, and then initiate discreet contact with the owners or decision makers of the selected target companies.
Preliminary valuation and indicative offer
Based on the available information we prepare a preliminary valuation of the target company, analyse the expected synergies and transaction risks, and develop the strategy and indicative offer that fit the client's acquisition goals. Our extensive network allows us to consult local experts on certain specific local questions.
Due diligence
Our experts have significant experience in financial due diligence and are well acquainted with the operational characteristics of many industries, so we can support our clients with business-relevant findings. Alongside financial due diligence we coordinate the tax, legal and business due diligence processes, supporting the detailed identification of transaction risks, a more accurate determination of company value and expected synergies, the development of the negotiation strategy and the making of well-founded investment decisions.
Final offer, contract negotiations and transaction close
We support our clients in preparing the final offer, the transaction structure and the contractual terms, and in developing the negotiation strategy. During the negotiations we continuously coordinate the work of legal, tax and other experts, contribute to finalising the transaction documents, and support our clients in fully carrying out the processes leading to signing and closing.
Arranging acquisition financing
Where required, we assist in designing the optimal financing structure for the acquisition and support our clients in securing the most appropriate sources of financing, whether through bank financing, bond market funding or equity capital raising. Drawing on the broad corporate finance and capital markets expertise of Equilor Group, we also provide access to a wide range of capital markets financing solutions.
Post-merger integration
Working closely with the experts involved in the transaction, our strategic advisory team develops the post-merger integration strategy and supports its implementation, helping ensure that the synergies and value creation opportunities identified during the acquisition are fully realised. Our objective is not only to help our clients complete a successful transaction, but also to enable them to maximise the long-term business value created by the acquisition.
