Our Services

Mergers & Acquisitions

You’re ready for what’s next | We’re Ready to take you there

As an entrepreneur, you’ve built an impressive legacy. Now it’s time to move forward again. This is one of the most critical milestones for your business so it’s equally as important for you to find the right partner who can unlock and maximize the value you have created for your stakeholders. 

We’ve put together some considerations to help you take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Technology

Software and technology companies have unique characteristics that make them highly valuable. Our decades of experience allow us to understand value metrics and vertical-specific nuances that go far beyond traditional metrics and methodologies.

Consumer

Shifting consumer behaviour and the evolution of consumer-focused business models are driving change in the consumer industry. IJW has decades of experience as both operators and investment bankers in the consumer industry and is here to help businesses navigate these changes while capturing value.

Sell-Side Services Include:

As an entrepreneur, selling your company is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Over the years, you’ve put in the blood, sweat and tears to build value in your company. Now that you’re contemplating selling your business, we are here to ensure all of that hard work turns into a successful exit.

Up until now, you’ve spent countless hours, days, months, and years doing what you do best – building your business. Now it’s time to entrust M&A professionals to take care of your business as if it were their own. The right investment banker will take ownership of the process – allowing you to focus on running your business. They’ll maximize deal value through skillful negotiation and deal structuring while building the financial and strategic buyer pool to create a competitive bidding environment. These steps will help ensure a successful exit for you.

Your company has developed a story that deserves the best narrator. Let us tell it.

 

The ideal buyer is out there, but how do you find them and evaluate what the right deal is for your business? How do you build leverage from first impression to closing and ensure that your business is best positioned to showcase its strengths and opportunities accordingly. 

We’ve told your story and now it’s time to execute. The market is fierce, competitive, and volatile. That may sound scary, but we thrive in this environment – when buyers compete, you win. A small amount of unsolicited interest is not competition; soliciting the entire market allows you to see past capital and find the right buyer.

 

Our firm is nimble and leverages our in-depth experience across sectors, geographies, and changing economies. We know that the buyer who will deliver the highest value is likely not in your backyard. 

Negotiating offers is a complex process and can involve a number of different parties, including other investment bankers, lawyers and accountants. Our team of experienced negotiators will allow you to build rapport, a cohesive strategy, a convincing narrative, a strong negotiating position, help manage emotions, prioritize concessions and use creative solutions to consummate the most favourable transaction possible. A successful negotiation requires a combination of analytical, strategic and interpersonal skills. We balance our clients’ interests with the needs of other parties, while also managing complex legal and financial issues.

Getting to an offer signed is a major milestone, but only part of the journey. A successful and disciplined due diligence process is critical to getting to the finish line while thinking strategically about life after the transaction. Diligence can be an unduly onerous process if unprepared or done without professional guidance.  

Our systematic and rigorous approach to managing due diligence coupled with our professional guidance will make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome.

Many investment banking firms will become hands off as the due diligence process progresses – we don’t. We believe continuity and supporting our client through the entire process is critical to a successful transaction. As the deal progresses, our team will work hand-in-hand with your lawyers and accountants to negotiate the Definitive Agreements, ensure all necessary documents are in order and that the transaction is structured in a way that continues to maximize value yet complies with laws and regulations. We play a critical role in ensuring the transaction is completed on time and on budget. It is not uncommon for last minute issues or concerns to arise, which we work to resolve until the transaction is formally closed.

Buy-Side Services Include:

Buy-side M&A Steps and Support by an Experienced M&A Team.

Clients should expect the IJW Mergers & Acquisitions team to conduct extensive research and analysis to identify potential businesses or assets that align with their objectives. The team will provide a comprehensive list of suitable targets, highlighting key details such as industry, financial performance, and strategic fit.

The IJW M&A team will support the client by performing a thorough examination of the target’s operations, finances, and legal matters. They will analyze relevant documents, contracts, and financial statements to identify potential risks and opportunities. A detailed due diligence report will be prepared, outlining findings and recommendations to help the client make informed decisions.

The experienced IJW M&A team will conduct a comprehensive valuation of the target, assessing its financial worth and potential. They will employ various valuation methods and industry benchmarks to provide an accurate estimate of the target’s value.

The team will present a clear valuation analysis, including key assumptions and factors impacting the target’s value.

The IJW M&A team will assist the client in preparing a compelling offer that reflects the target’s value and aligns with the client’s goals. They will engage in negotiations on behalf of the client, aiming to secure favorable terms and conditions for the acquisition. The team will leverage their negotiation skills and market knowledge to advocate for the client’s interests and achieve the best possible outcome.

The experienced IJW M&A team will help the client in arranging the necessary financing for the acquisition. They will tap into their network of lenders and investors to secure appropriate debt or equity financing options. The team will guide the client through the financing process, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and optimizing the capital structure.

The IJW M&A team will meticulously draft the acquisition agreement, incorporating all agreed-upon terms and conditions. They will ensure that the agreement protects the client’s interests and addresses potential risks. The team will provide clear explanations of the agreement’s clauses, assisting the client in understanding and executing the document.

Post-acquisition, the IJW M&A team will support the client in the integration process.

They will develop an integration plan, outlining steps to harmonize operations, systems, and culture. The team will provide guidance on managing the transition and realizing synergies to maximize the value of the acquisition.

Throughout the buy-side M&A process, an experienced M&A team will serve as a trusted advisor, providing strategic insights, industry expertise, and transactional support. Their goal is to help the client navigate the complexities of the transaction and achieve a successful acquisition that aligns with their objectives.