M&A Advisory

M&A transactions are not just about buying and selling—they are about strategically positioning businesses for future growth, success and synergy.

With ABI’s deep expertise, methodical approach, and strong relationships within the M&A community, we ensure that our clients receive the highest level of service, from the initial research phase to the final handshake.

The Nature of M&A Transactions

Selling or acquiring a large company is a highly intricate process that involves deep and time-consuming research. This research covers not only the company itself but also the market in which it currently operates or could potentially compete. Unlike small business sales, preparing a company for sale or merger in the M&A arena can take several months or up to a year, with extensive preparation required focused on operations, organizational structure and financial clean up as well as the development of comprehensive marketing materials.

Building and Leveraging Relationships

At the heart of our M&A process is the strength of our relationships with potential acquirers. We maintain an extensive database of private equity groups and other potential buyers, meeting face-to-face with approximately 65 private equity groups twice a year. These ongoing relationships are vital to successfully matching buyers and sellers and provide significant benefits to our clients.

If you are a prospective M&A buyer, contact us to be added to our database, so you’re informed when relevant opportunities arise..

Understanding M&A Buyers​

M&A buyers are motivated by a variety of factors, typically falling into one of several categories:
  • Synergistic or Strategic Buyers: These buyers are interested in how the acquisition can complement or enhance their existing operations. They focus on the potential synergies, such as cost savings, market expansion, or the integration of complementary technologies or products.
  • Private Equity Groups/Investment Funds (PEGs): These financial buyers look for opportunities to invest in companies that offer strong potential for growth and profitability. PEGs might also act as synergistic buyers if they have existing investments in related industries.

Targeting the Right Buyers

Matching M&A buyers and sellers requires a meticulous and process-driven approach. Success in M&A engagements depends on exhaustive research to identify suitable prospects, followed by confidential and targeted marketing efforts. Unlike smaller business sales where broader marketing methods might be used, attracting large-scale acquirers involves:
  • Direct Outreach: This includes targeted communication through direct mail, email, telephone, and private subscriber databases.
  • Confidential Marketing: Maintaining confidentiality is crucial, so marketing efforts are focused on direct, discreet communications rather than public listings on internet databases.

A well-executed exit plan is essential for maximizing the value of your business, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring a seamless transition to new ownership or leadership.

At ABI, we approach exit planning as a proactive and strategic process, designed to align with your personal and business goals. Our tailored strategies ensure that when the time comes for you to leave the business, every aspect is handled with precision to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your legacy.

The Exit Planning Process: Step-by-Step

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin by understanding your personal and business goals. This sets the foundation for your exit strategy.
  2. Comprehensive Business Valuation: We conduct a thorough valuation to understand your business’s current market value.
  3. Value Enhancement Strategies: We identify and implement strategies to maximize your business’s value before the sale.
  4. Tax and Legal Structuring: We work with your advisors to structure the sale in a tax-efficient manner while ensuring all legal aspects are addressed.
  5. Buyer Identification and Marketing: We discreetly market your business to the right buyers, ensuring confidentiality and attracting offers that meet your criteria.
  6. Negotiation and Deal Structuring: We guide you through negotiations to secure the best possible terms.
  7. Transition Planning: We help you prepare your business and employees for a smooth transition, ensuring continuity and success under new ownership.

Prospective M&A Buyer?

Not only do we maintain an active database of acquirers, we meet face-to-face annually with 50+ private equity groups, to “shop” our deals and to nurture relationships with those that are active in the lower Middle Market. 

These relationships are of paramount importance to us, and a direct benefit to our clients.

If you are a prospective M&A Buyer, please register here to get notified of immediate opportunities.

Marketing Merger & Acquisition Engagements – Targeting Buyers

Matching M&A buyers and sellers requires exhaustive research efforts to identify appropriate prospects, followed by extensive –and confidential – marketing directly to those candidates. Success requires a process-driven, methodical approach — and tenacity.

Attracting and maintaining the interest of these acquirers requires different marketing methods and skills than when working with individuals or partnerships seeking a small business. For instance, we must reach out to them by direct mail, email, telephone and through private subscriber databases, rather than by placing confidential, blind profiles on publicly-accessible Internet databases.

Building Relationships

Not only do we maintain a database of acquirers, we meet face-to-face at least twice a year with approximately 65 private equity groups, to “shop” our deals and to nurture relationships with those that are active in the Middle Market. These relationships are of paramount importance to us, and a direct benefit to our clients.

If you are a prospective M&A Buyer, please contact us and we will place you in our database, so you may be contacted when appropriate opportunities come to market.

ABI also offers Buyer Search Services (akin to Outsourced Corporate Development) for buyers.