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 conduct a valuation and agree on general deal parameters. We will sign a listing agreement at this point. If we can’t agree on deal parameters, no hard feelings. We will refund $10k and you can walk away.
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 10k+ 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 buyers, and a targeted list of strategic buyers. 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.
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. Expect email updates from us every 2 weeks, with more frequent communications as necessary.
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.
$20,000 + percentage success fee based on your firm’s size, ranging from 4-10%. Percentage ranges are based on EBITDA and expected multiples. For planning purposes:
| 3 year average weighted EBITDA | Percent of Cash at Close |
|---|---|
| ≤$150k | 10% |
| $151k-250k | 8% |
| $251k-499k | 6% |
| $500k+ | 4% |
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.