Merger and Acquisition services
Buying or selling a firm might be the single biggest decision- with the most risk- that any firm makes.
WS Group International can help you through this process to help you achieve a satisfactory outcome and position you for long term success and the enjoyment of the benefits of the transaction.
We believe every single acquisition or sale is different, and attention to detail needs to be present throughout the process. While below we outline our activities in support of a typical purchase or sale, we believe that a specific and unique plan needs to be in place each and every time for the best possible success.
Best results are obtained with WS Group International helping you through all stages of the buying and selling process, but we can provide significant value at any stage in the process. We will work with you to meet your individual needs on each assignments, and supplement your team as needed depending on your wants, needs and existing capabilities.
On the buy side, we can work with you through our eight typical stages of an acquisition:
1. Clarify the reasons for executing an acquisition, and defining what success looks like.
2. Identification of potential acquisition targets in your target markets. Working with your management team, we will identify your priorities as far as firm size, location, type, specific expertise, market presence, etc. and use our resources to find you suitable candidates.
3. Shortlist and work with you to prioritize, and then confidentially contact, qualified candidates and get an NDA.
4. Help you develop an indicative valuation, prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI) and conduct negotiations.
5. Coordinate and oversee the due diligence process on your behalf. As needed, help you find specialty services as needed to complete a thorough process.
6. Assist in negotiation and completion of detailed transaction documents
7. Guide Change of Control activities and post-acquisition planning
8. Work with you to implement best practices for integration of acquired firm
On the sale side, we can work through our typical eight stage sale process:
1. Clarify the reasons for sale and what success looks like.
2. Define your unique value proposition in the marketplace, identify a plan to maximize this value, and help you establish estimated sale value.
3. Identify potential acquirers based on your priorities including purchase price, cultural fit, strategic alignment, etc.
4. Prepare summary documents outlining your business, confidentially contact potential acquirers, and arrange for contact. (Depending on the circumstances, we can also execute a “wide net” strategy to maximize potential bidders.)
5. Advise you through the initial stages of negotiation including LOI development.
6. As needed coordinate your response and participation in due diligence activities.
7. Advise you through the review of the detailed transaction documents and assist in any final negotiations.
8. Consult as needed in planning for change of control and integration