What is an M&A process? Understand the main stages and the benefits that M&A can bring to the companies involved.
M&A stands for “Mergers and Acquisitions”. This process can be defined as the consolidation of companies through the partial or total purchase and sale of a company, with the aim of merging two organizations to create synergies, increase competitiveness, or expand business operations.
M&A operations can be complex and involve a series of procedures that will ensure the success of the investment.
The different M&A processes
There are different types of M&A, which vary according to the objective and nature of the companies involved. Each type has its particularities and specific objectives, which must be carefully evaluated to ensure the success of the operation. Below, we explain the most common formats:
Horizontal: Merger or acquisition between companies in the same sector that market similar products or services. The main goal is to increase market share and competitiveness. For example, the merger between two car manufacturers aims to consolidate their market position and reduce direct competition.
Vertical: Vertical M&A involves companies in the same production chain but at different complementary stages. This type can be divided into:
- Forward: Involves the acquisition of companies closer to the final consumer. For example, an electronic components manufacturer acquiring a company that assembles final products.
- Backward: Refers to the acquisition of companies that supply raw materials or components. An example would be a car manufacturer buying a parts supplier.
Conglomerate: In this format, companies from different sectors come together to diversify risks and expand their influence. For example, a technology company acquiring a food company to enter a new market and reduce dependence on a single sector.
Complementary: Complementary M&A occurs when companies that market complementary products or services come together to offer a more comprehensive portfolio. An example would be a business management software company acquiring a consulting firm specializing in system implementation.
Extension: In this type of M&A, companies that sell similar products to different audiences come together to expand their market. For example, a company that manufactures luxury products for a high-income audience acquiring a company that makes similar products for a middle-income audience.
Why do M&A?
M&A operations are motivated by several strategic factors. Firstly, market diversification allows companies to expand their areas of operation and reach new customer segments, reducing dependence on a single market and increasing resilience to economic fluctuations. Additionally, the merger or acquisition can improve brand repositioning, increasing the company’s credibility and image in the market.
Another crucial reason is operational efficiency and cost reduction. M&A operations help eliminate redundancies, consolidate operations, and optimize processes, resulting in a more competitive cost structure. The combination of resources and expertise also creates a more robust organization adaptable to market changes, increasing resistance to economic crises and providing a more solid financial base.
Finally, the sharing of knowledge and expertise strengthens the company’s competitiveness. The sum of informational capital accelerates the development of new products and services, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens market position. Moreover, the combination of talented teams promotes innovation and growth, and entering new markets and segments offers new opportunities for expansion and success.
The M&A process in 6 stages
The M&A process follows some standardized steps to ensure a safe and efficient investment. Check out the 6 main stages below:
1. Preparation and analysis: The first stage involves defining the interests of the parties involved (buyers and sellers) and analyzing the asset to be negotiated. It’s necessary to observe elements such as the company’s financial position, margins, products/services offered, customer base, among others. Additionally, it’s important to define the purchase/sale strategy and seek the best deals.
2. Due Diligence: Due Diligence is a detailed audit of the information of the company to be acquired. It involves analyzing the company’s practices and routines in financial, accounting, labor, tax, social security, and other areas. The objective is to identify risks and opportunities related to hidden liabilities and assets, ensuring the reliability of the information.
3. Corporate reorganization: Before or after the M&A operation, a corporate reorganization may be necessary. This may involve changing the corporate type, incorporation, spin-off, drop-down, capital, among others. The goal is to adjust the legal and corporate structure of the companies involved to facilitate the operation.
4. Contract negotiation: With the audit completed, the negotiation of the main contract begins. Depending on the type of operation, the contract may be for the purchase and sale of quotas or shares or the purchase and sale of assets. It’s important to define aspects such as price, payment method, representations and warranties, conditions precedent, indemnities, among others.
5. Closing: The closing is the stage where the fulfillment of the preliminary conditions is formalized, and the transfer of ownership of the assets occurs. At this stage, the current managers’ resignation documents are signed, negative certificates are verified, closing documents are signed, and the transfer of shareholdings is completed.
6. Post-closing: The final stage of the M&A process is post-closing, which consists of finalizing the process with the registration of changes in the company’s social documents and fulfilling the obligations assumed in the contract. It’s important to observe deadlines and ensure that all agreed conditions are met.
Conclusion
In summary, the M&A process is a powerful strategy for companies seeking growth, diversification and increased competitiveness. Although complex, it can be highly beneficial when well executed. With careful analysis, detailed audits, and well-conducted negotiations, companies can reach new heights and ensure their market success.
When considering an M&A operation, it’s essential to rely on the expertise of specialized advisory services. Pipeline Capital, with over 12 years of market experience and a robust portfolio of successful operations, is an excellent choice for companies looking to maximize the value of their transactions.
If you want to explore more about M&A and understand how it can benefit your company, consider seeking the help of Pipeline experts. We will guide you through all stages of the process and ensure that your M&A operation is successful.
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