Buying a business
Are you starting as an entrepreneur or looking to further expand your current business? Acquiring a business is the next step in your career. Our specialists have an extensive network of potential businesses and are exceptionally equipped to guide you through this process.
Creating a target profile
| When acquiring a business, it's crucial to create a well-defined purchase profile. This profile guides your search and helps determine what aspects are important to you. Do you prioritise a stable financial foundation or significant growth potential in the business you intend to acquire? How do you ensure that the company you wish to acquire aligns with your objectives? Our advisors assist you in answering these questions. Together, we define the approach strategy, create a search profile and reach out to potential candidates. Subsequently, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the target company. Often, the counterparty also engages an advisor, where an in-depth business valuation and due diligence investigation are part of the process. Marktlink has been assisting entrepreneurs in business acquisitions for over 25 years. Our advisors are well-versed in the market due to numerous transactions and regular interactions with SME entrepreneurs. |
Acquiring a business
There are various motivations for acquiring a business. Based on your personal situation, your current business and future plans, you determine the acquisition intent. We distinguish the following types of business acquisitions:
Strategic business acquisition
If you own a business and aim to further expand it or increase market share, a strategic acquisition of a competitor or a business from a different industry is a compelling consideration. Alternatively, you can engage in a strategic acquisition in collaboration with an investor who doesn't intend to lead the business personally. Acquiring a business enables you to quickly increase market share, reach new customers and markets, create synergies, attract valuable resources and talents and gain competitive advantages.
Buy-and-build
If you aspire to rapidly expand your existing business, you can opt for a buy-and-build strategy. This strategy involves not only acquiring businesses (buy) but also consolidating forces (build). This way, you can swiftly increase market share, realise synergies and enhance operational efficiency.
Acquiring an international business
If you seek international growth, acquiring a business abroad is a wise move.
Management buy-in (MBI)
If you have entrepreneurial ambitions and aspire to acquire a business you haven't previously worked in, this is known as a management buy-in (MBI). Whether it involves a partial or full equity stake, the MBI participant generally takes on a management role. In reality, the buyer and seller often collaborate post-transaction. A personal connection is crucial when opting for this strategy.
Prepare with a specialist
For all strategies, thorough preparation is essential. The process demands expertise and experience in financial, legal and interpersonal aspects. Marktlink's specialists act as initiators, guides and overseers throughout the entire acquisition process, from initial exploration to the transfer at closing. With our entrepreneurial approach, we achieve the best outcome when supporting you in buying a business.
We are Marktlink, an independent, committed, and international mergers and acquisitions specialist. We assist you as an entrepreneur in preparing your company for sale and guide you through the entire sales or acquisition process, which is our main focus.
Acquiring a business is a complex process that requires careful planning, due diligence and execution. During this process, you need to consider defining objectives, negotiating the price and terms, arranging financing and determining the company's value. It is advisable to engage an acquisition specialist during this journey. At Marktlink, our specialists are here to assist you on all fronts throughout the entire process. Together, we strive for the best outcome.
Depending on the financial situation, various financing options are available for acquiring a business. For example, you can invest your own equity. If this isn't an option for you, you can secure loans from financial institutions, attract investors, or utilise seller financing (where the seller is willing to receive the purchase price of the business in instalments). Lastly, you can also use assets of the target company as collateral.
To determine the best financing option for you, consider your personal financial situation. Our specialists conduct a thorough financial analysis of the target company, so you know what to consider. Also, think about the risks you are willing to take.
To achieve a successful acquisition, comprehensive preparation is crucial, as is seamless integration after the acquisition. Therefore, create a well-defined plan to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers. Involve the current management team, set clear goals for the future and ensure financial control and streamlined operational processes. Marktlink can assist you in achieving this.
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