47: Mergers & Acquisitions Part 1: The Early Stages of M&A Explained

Smarten Up! The Tax and Business Podcast

Behind every successful M&A deal lies a complex web of strategy, preparation, and negotiation. Ready to unravel the mystery?

In this episode, Sally Preston takes us through the foundational steps of a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal. From strategic planning to initial negotiations, she offers a clear breakdown of the process, highlighting why thorough preparation is critical for both buyers and sellers.

Sally shares real-world examples of M&A deals gone wrong, emphasising the importance of having accurate financials and organising your business before pursuing a sale. With insights on finding the right fit, engaging in early conversations, and protecting proprietary information with NDAs, this episode is packed with actionable advice for navigating the early stages of M&A.

Plus, Sally gives a sneak peek into the next steps — what happens when the deal moves from conversation to commitment.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about the M&A process, this episode is your roadmap to the key decisions and strategies that can make or break a deal.

In this episode of Smarten Up! The Tax and Business Podcast, you'll learn:

• An overview of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and why they’re vital for growth and competition (00:03)
• The first phase of any M&A deal and why knowing your goals before you begin is crucial (01:12)
• How one seller’s failure to prepare almost derailed a deal (03:15)
• Why finding a strategic match is key to a successful M&A (05:40)
• Approaching potential buyers or sellers and establishing genuine interest early on (08:20)
• Why a non-disclosure agreement is essential before sharing proprietary details (10:15)
• What buyers need to know before making an initial offer — and why sellers tend to be wary (13:00)
• How initial offers are made, and why deal structure discussions are just as important as price (15:45)
• What happens once the buyer and seller agree to proceed (19:30)

We’ve uncovered the groundwork of M&A deals, from strategy to that all-important NDA. Next, we'll dive deeper into what happens after a letter of intent is signed. Let’s continue to explore the fascinating world of mergers and acquisitions together!

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