M&A Search Process
Find the right partner to help pen your next chapter.
Once you are ready to sell your firm, engage us to initiate a custom search process. We will tap into our extensive network of marketing firms, holding companies, private equity firms, and individual buyers to help find the perfect partner for you, whether you are eyeing retirement or want to level up your firm’s capabilities.
Over the past three decades, Punctuation has successfully helped 300+ firms find a buyer. Let’s discuss if we might be a fit for your firm.
Over the past three decades, Punctuation has successfully helped 300+ firms find a buyer. Let’s discuss if we might be a fit for your firm.
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, a materials request list, an NDA, and an invoice.
2.
Valuation.
We will conduct a valuation and agree on general deal parameters. If we find we aren’t a match for each other, no hard feelings. You’ve spent $5,000 on a powerful valuation tool and can go on your way.
3.
Marketing Materials Preparation.
We will provide you with an outline and guidance to prepare materials for sale.
4.
Active Marketing.
We will start with at least 4 mentions in our industry newsletter targeted at 12,000+ creative/digital firm principals. Concurrently, we will contact interested parties from our creative/digital-industry specific database of private equity and investment banking firms, our database of potential buyers (developed and updated through years of work), and a targeted list of strategic buyers. Active Marketing lasts 3-4 months, or until we have a signed LOI in place.
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.
We will walk you through the entire process, from the outset to LOI to Due Diligence to Closing.
We will walk you through the entire process, from the outset to LOI to Due Diligence to Closing.
Logistical matters,
for your perusal
Duration.
3-9 months
Scheduling.
An M&A Search Process can usually be underway within 1-3 weeks, depending on the time of year.
Participation
Requirements.
Requirements.
A principal or someone from finance gathers materials for roughly two hours. Principals must participate in valuation discussions and any ongoing meetings with potential suitors, as required. Usually not more than 2 per week.
Cost.
We have a flat fee to start the process, and a success fee upon close. The project starts with a $20,000 flat fee (broken into a $5,000 Valuation engagement first, and a $15,000 Search fee afterwards). Our success fee is 4% of the cash at close of deal (not the entire deal size), with a $100,000 minimum.
Payment Terms.
Flat fee is 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.