The Process
Date:
Analyst:
Client / Target:
Buyer / Acquirer:
1. Executive Summary
Provide a concise overview of the buyer, their relevance to the transaction, and the recommendation outcome.
- Buyer Type: [Strategic / Financial / Individual / Family Office / PE Group]
- Transaction Objective: [Acquisition / Merger / Investment / Minority Stake]
- Fit Summary: [Strong / Moderate / Weak]
- Recommendation: [Proceed / Further Review / Not Recommended]
2. Buyer Overview
Detail the buyer’s background, structure, and operational scope.
- Legal Name:
- Headquarters Location:
- Founded:
- Ownership Structure: [Public / Private / Subsidiary / Fund-backed]
- Key Executives: [List Names and Titles]
- Business Description:
- Core business model and markets served
- Recent performance highlights
- Strategic direction and acquisition history
3. Financial Profile
Provide financial strength and acquisition capacity.
| Metric | FY2023 | FY2022 | FY2021 | Notes |
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | |
| EBITDA | $ | $ | $ | |
| Net Income | $ | $ | $ | |
| Debt / EBITDA | ||||
| Liquidity (Cash & Equivalents) | ||||
| Credit Rating / Bank References |
Observations:
- Assess financial stability, leverage, and acquisition funding capacity.
- Note any recent financing rounds or divestitures that may impact transaction readiness.
4. Strategic Fit Analysis
Evaluate how the buyer aligns with the target’s sector, operations, and value proposition.
| Factor | Evaluation | Comments |
| Market / Sector Alignment | ||
| Product / Service Synergies | ||
| Geographic Overlap | ||
| Cultural / Leadership Compatibility | ||
| Acquisition History |
Summary:
- Highlight integration opportunities and strategic rationale.
- Discuss any potential conflicts (e.g., overlapping clients or competitive products).
5. Transaction Readiness
Assess buyer’s ability and intent to complete a transaction.
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
| Deal Experience | High / Medium / Low | |
| Management Commitment | High / Medium / Low | |
| Financing Certainty | High / Medium / Low | |
| Speed to Close | High / Medium / Low | |
| Due Diligence Responsiveness | High / Medium / Low |
6. Risk Assessment
Identify potential issues that could affect deal success.
- Operational Risks: [Integration complexity, cultural mismatch, regulatory exposure]
- Financial Risks: [Over-leverage, uncertain funding, market volatility]
- Reputation Risks: [Litigation, ethics concerns, public perception]
- Execution Risks: [Deal fatigue, management bandwidth, approval bottlenecks]
7. Conclusion and Recommendation
Summarize the findings and proposed course of action.
- Overall Buyer Rating: [A / B / C / D]
- Transaction Feasibility: [Strong / Moderate / Low]
- Recommended Next Step:
- Proceed to next phase of discussions
- Request additional diligence materials
- Discontinue engagement
8. Appendices
- Financial statements (summary extracts)
- News articles and acquisition announcements
- Management bios
- Comparable transactions
Merit Investment Bank as a leading boutique investment bank is focused on entrepreneurial middle-market companies. Merit Investment Bank Executes sell-side M&A, buy-side M&A, and capital advisory services, debt and equity capital raises, corporate finance, and valuation services.
Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Merit Investment Bank and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities.
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