This post presents a basic primer on how to develop an M&A strategy for your company. If your company is interested in leveraging mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures you should have a basic strategy that has been documented and reviewed/approved by key stakeholders such as the executive team, board of directors, key investors, and debt holders. The presentation lays out a simple seven step process that be typically be completed in a couple of weeks. It also includes a few examples of various deliverables that could be helpful in your efforts.
M&A strategy is highly dependent on your company’s overall business strategy. In fact, it is practically impossible to develop an M&A strategy unless a basic 3 to 5 year strategic business plan is in place. Good M&A strategies are extensions of your business strategy – M&A is simply one tool that can be used to achieve your overall business objectives. You should do a comprehensive update of your M&A strategy in conjunction with your annual business and budget planning. The strategy and your progress against it should be reviewed each quarter as a part of your normal quarterly business review process.
There have been thousands of books and blogs written about M&A. This presentation does not hold itself out to be the definitive work on the topic. Instead, the presentation provides a basic overview of the topics and analytical techniques you should use to build and maintain your M&A strategy.
