During all stages of a business’ lifecycle, owners and management need to question whether it is suitably positioned for a possible transaction, whether it be a merger, acquisition, strategic alliance or listing.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is an effective means of achieving greater scale and profitability. The process of undertaking any business transaction successfully can be expensive, time consuming, and require the expertise of third-party professional advisers. It can also be hampered – or helped – by the macro-economic conditions of the time, with recent events including higher interest rates and inflation, a tougher regulatory environment, and supply chain pressures all slowing momentum for such transactions.

Professional advisers work in partnership with many of the key stakeholders in a transaction, advising on aspects of the deal from transaction readiness, due diligence and valuation, through to financing, capital raising and wealth management considerations for the owners post transaction.

The complexity of business transactions, from the terms of the transaction itself to associated tax implications, underscores the need for qualified, highly skilled professional advisers to ensure the best possible outcome.

How we help clients

HLB Mann Judd has an established track record in advising clients through a range of business transactions. We have negotiated large-scale M&A deals, acted as the lead adviser in high profile strategic alliances, and led a number of Initial Public Offering (IPO) listings on the Australian Stock Exchange, among others. Our experience extends to services to publicly listed companies, private companies, business owners, private equity funds, banks, and other financial institutions.

Our team assists clients to evaluate, plan and manage transactions – whether it be an acquisition, merger, divestment, strategic alliances, capital raise or listing. Working closely with company boards and management teams, we consider the short and longer-term risks associated with transactions, acting as a trusted adviser and resource to our client.

As part of our transaction readiness offering, we provide expertise in the following:

  • M&A assistance with identifying targets, due diligence and potential value
  • Tax due diligence to identify deal-specific tax risks and opportunities
  • Due diligence of financial, legal, IP and HR functions
  • Independent advice for a management buyout (MBO) or management buy-in (MBI)
  • Sell side support by managing all aspects of the sale process from identifying global buyers and controlling data management, through to negotiations and transaction completion
  • Company and shareholder tax advice and planning
  • Share and business valuations
  • Business modelling to better understand potential drivers of value as well as modelling of funding and trading to support decision making
  • Pre-IPO diagnostic reviews, analysis and advice on feasibility and alternatives to an IPO
  • Succession planning, including transition planning, targeted outcome and structuring

Is your business exit ready?

For business owners preparing for a possible exit, HLB Mann Judd's corporate advisory specialists can provide support to prepare a business for a transaction. We assist by providing a review of, and advice on, the following:

  • Profitability – business development, scalability of opportunities, profit and working capital
  • Transferability – systems and processes, stakeholder agreements and staffing
  • Sustainability – potential competitors, supply chains, profitability and future growth
  • Viability – accurate and timely financial information, corporate documentation, related party transactions and commerciality
  • Valuation – taxation consequences, market demand, business value and exit strategies.

Our exit readiness methodology identifies the strengths and weaknesses in your business that impact its valuation and outlines what you need to improve to begin planning your exit strategy.

We are also well positioned to support the above services with complementary services offered across our firm. Additionally, our extensive local and international networks provide access to potential buyers and sellers of businesses worldwide.

We take pride in our practical, client-focused approach, which has consistently delivered efficient and effective results. Contact our corporate advisory professionals for a confidential discussion on preparing your business for future transactions.

 

 

M&A Annual Report

M&A Annual Report

FY2024 and beyond

Our M&A Annual Report offers an analysis of deal volume, pricing, and industry activity, along with a summary of recent deal activity in Australia’s SME sector.

Download

Our M&A Annual Report offers an analysis of deal volume, pricing, and industry activity, along with a summary of recent deal activity in Australia’s SME sector.

Download

Related services

Business Evolution
Business Valuations
Financial Modelling
Succession Planning
Tax Planning
Wealth Management