Step-by-step guides, templates, and actionable advice for M&A practitioners.
15 articles
Complete MBO guide for managers: deal structure, financing sources (senior debt, mezzanine, equity rollover), negotiation dynamics, legal considerations, and success factors.
Set up a flawless M&A data room: 12-section folder structure, document naming conventions, access management, Q&A process, common mistakes, and VDR provider comparison.
Complete guide to family business succession via M&A: planning timeline, options (MBO, trade sale, PE, ESOP), emotional dynamics, tax optimization, and case studies.
A comprehensive guide to management presentations in M&A transactions: when they happen, preparation strategies, presentation structure, common buyer questions, dos and don'ts, virtual vs in-person delivery, the advisor's role, follow-up process, and common mistakes that kill deals.
A detailed breakdown of M&A advisory fee structures including retainer fees, success fees, the Lehman Formula and its modern variants, minimum fee provisions, tail provisions, expense reimbursement, buy-side vs sell-side fee differences, and negotiation strategies for mid-market deals.
A comprehensive guide to selecting the right M&A advisor for your transaction: advisor types, selection criteria, the beauty parade process, mandate terms, fee structures overview, working relationships, red flags, and boutique vs bulge bracket considerations for mid-market deals.
Deep dive into representations and warranties in M&A transactions. Covers fundamental vs business reps, disclosure schedules, sandbagging, survival periods, indemnification mechanics, W&I insurance, and negotiation strategies.
Comprehensive guide to Share Purchase Agreements in M&A. Covers key sections, purchase price mechanisms, reps & warranties, indemnification, locked box vs completion accounts, W&I insurance, and negotiation strategies.
Everything you need to know about NDAs in M&A transactions. Covers unilateral vs mutual NDAs, key provisions, standstill clauses, clean team arrangements, data room NDAs, and common negotiation pitfalls.
Learn what a CIM is, why it matters in M&A, how to create one, what sections to include, and how it differs from a teaser and a data room information package.
Complete guide to Letters of Intent in M&A. Learn the key terms, binding vs non-binding provisions, negotiation strategies, common mistakes, and access an annotated LOI template.
A practical guide to virtual data rooms in M&A transactions, covering key features, setup best practices, security considerations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Master the art of writing blind teasers for M&A transactions. Learn what to include, what to omit, and how to generate buyer interest while protecting seller confidentiality.
A practical 12-24 month roadmap for business owners preparing for a sale, covering financial preparation, operational improvements, legal housekeeping, and advisor selection.