M&A Buy-Side Search
Find a complementary partner as you grow.
Growth comes in many forms, and it often makes sense to grow via acquisition as you grow organically. Acquisitions can help you get a new service offering off the ground, level up your talent, give you access to blue chip clients, or give you access to a new geography.
Whatever your reasons for pursuing an acquisition, we are here to help. Over the past three decades, Punctuation has successfully closed 300+ deals, many of them on the buy-side.
Whatever your reasons for pursuing an acquisition, we are here to help. Over the past three decades, Punctuation has successfully closed 300+ deals, many of them on the buy-side.
Why choose Punctuation?
You have a business to run and don’t have time to chase down the perfect acquisition opportunity. Fortunately, we’re uniquely qualified to assist.
1.
We get results.
We’ve completed hundreds of successful transactions through the years. Our network is extensive, but we don’t just rely on our existing network. We are constantly expanding our reach.
2.
We know the industry.
We only work with independent marketing and creative services firms like yours. We’ve been doing this for 20+ years and know how to structure deals that make sense for both parties.
3.
We are more than a broker.
We aren’t just a matchmaker. We’re your advisor. If we don’t think you should do a deal, we’ll tell you, and we’ll tell you why. We truly want the best outcome for you, regardless of the financial incentives for us.
What to expect
You’re ready to get started. What happens next?
1.
Paperwork.
Once you reach out and confirm, you’ll receive a consulting agreement, an NDA, and an invoice.
2.
Alignment.
We agree on general deal parameters, including “must haves” and “nice to haves.” These would include things like firm size, specialization, and geography.
3.
Active Marketing.
We will start with at least 4 mentions in our industry newsletter targeted at tens of thousands of creative/digital firm principals. Concurrently, we will contact interested parties from our creative/digital-industry specific database of private equity and investment banking firms (developed and updated through years of work), our rotating door of potential sellers, and a targeted list of strategic sellers. You provide this list, no more than 20-30. All we need is firm names, and we can do the rest of the work. Active marketing is ongoing.
4.
Active Search.
We create and update a database of potential firm fits to reach out to cold. We maintain and regularly update this database. The amount of activity to expect can vary depending on how tight your deal parameters are, but generally you can expect 10-15 solid firms per week. It can take time to find, vet, and find appropriate contact information for each firm.
5.
Negotiations.
We will facilitate ongoing conversations and introductions with any interested parties. We will vet all interest so you can focus on your business and coach you throughout the process. Conversations will likely include a materials request, LOI discussion, valuations, deal term discussion, and advice along the way. Expect email updates from us every 2 weeks, with more frequent communications as necessary.
Logistical matters,
for your perusal
Duration.
3 months, with opportunity to renew for $5,000 per month
Scheduling.
An M&A Buy Side Search can usually be underway within 1-2 weeks, depending on the time of year.
Participation
Requirements.
Requirements.
Principals must participate in valuation discussions and any ongoing meetings with potential fits, as required. Usually not more than 2 per week.
You will also need legal and accounting help throughout the process, as we are neither lawyers nor CPAs. We can recommend firms if you don’t have relationships already.
You will also need legal and accounting help throughout the process, as we are neither lawyers nor CPAs. We can recommend firms if you don’t have relationships already.
Cost.
$20,000 + success fee upon close, defined as $4,000 per full-time equivalent employee, or $25,000, whichever is greater.
Payment Terms.
Prepaid and non-refundable. Via wire, ACH, check, or credit card (+3%).
You can also
visit our FAQ page.
You will almost certainly find answers to additional questions on your mind.