Mergers & Acquisitions
Navigating the M&A Process with Certainty
At Jackson Payne Investment Bank, we help our clients design an optimal liquidity strategy by carefully assessing client-specific and market factors. With decades of expertise and a vast network of strategic buyers and investors, we ensure transactions are structured for maximum value and seamless execution.
Sell-Side Strategies
We offer customized M&A strategies to fit the unique needs of middle-market business owners. Our approach ensures maximum shareholder value, confidentiality, and an efficient transaction process.
Preemptive Sale
Description
- We identify and screen the most likely buyers, often including both strategic and equity sponsors.
Number of Buyers
- 1
Advantages
- Effort is focused on one buyer, ensuring efficiency
- Maximum confidentiality
Disadvantages
- Unlikely to maximize value due to limited competition
- High risk if negotiations fail
Considerations
- Best for sellers prioritizing discretion over price maximization
Targeted Solicitation
Description
- A high-level approach where we engage a select group of potential buyers through a tailored process.
Number of Buyers
- 2 to 30
Advantages
- Encourages competition while maintaining confidentiality
- Reduces perception that the business is “on the market”
- Leverages deep industry expertise for optimal positioning
Disadvantages
- Requires top-level management time commitment
- Often maximizes shareholder value but limits broad buyer exposure
Considerations
- Best for companies with a clearly defined buyer pool
Controlled Auction
Description
- A structured, multi-round bidding process with a limited group of logical potential buyers.
Number of Buyers
- 10 to 25
Advantages
- High degree of control over offers
- Creates strong competition among buyers
- Maximizes shareholder value
Disadvantages
- Limited confidentiality due to multiple bidders
- Risk of disruption from transaction rumors
Considerations
- Ideal for sellers seeking a balance between confidentiality and value
Public Auction
Description
- The business is marketed publicly, ensuring exposure to the widest range of potential buyers.
Number of Buyers
- 25+
Advantages
- Highest likelihood of securing the best price
- Expands buyer pool to international and non-traditional investors
Disadvantages
- Risk of business disruption due to public nature of the process
Considerations
- Suitable for businesses that can withstand public scrutiny
M&A Workflow and Timeline
Our proven best-practice approach, backed by years of experience and hundreds of completed transactions, ensures an efficient and strategic M&A process.
Initial Groundwork
Planning
- Identify the universe of potential acquirers
- Evaluate strategic buyers and private equity sponsors
Preparation
- Conduct due diligence and develop long-term strategy
- Establish a virtual data room (VDR) and organize financials
Positioning
- Highlight unique platform characteristics
- Build a strong business case and strategic rationale
Packaging
- Develop a compelling Offering Memorandum and Teaser
- Ensure financial accuracy with a Quality of Earnings Report
Execution Timeline
Weeks 1–4
Kick-off & Preparation
- Develop preliminary valuation and positioning
- Define objectives and marketing strategy
- Conduct operational, financial, and legal due diligence
- Meet with legal and financial advisors
Weeks 3–5
Marketing
Materials
- Develop key selling points and investor outreach strategy
- Create a detailed Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)
Weeks 5–9
Marketing & Buyer Engagement
- Contact the buyer universe
- Present Offering Memorandum and key financials
- Distribute NDAs and receive Indications of Interest (IOIs)
Weeks 9–17
Investor Due Diligence
- Shortlist top investors for detailed diligence
- Provide additional management presentations
- Receive initial bid submissions
Weeks 17–20
Final Negotiations & Closing
- Negotiate final offers and draft definitive agreements
- Public announcement (if applicable)
- Complete regulatory filings and close the transaction
Take the Next Step
At Jackson Payne Investment Bank, we guide business owners through every step of the M&A process with clarity and confidence. If you’re considering selling your business, let’s discuss how we can maximize your outcome.