Company sale and succession planning

A large proportion of German small and medium-sized enterprises are family-owned. Although they have been successfully managed for generations, there are always upheavals – whether due to market changes, a change in management or changes at shareholder level. Eventually, the possibility of selling the business emerges as a more significant strategic choice to consider. Steinbeis M&A supports you in finding the best possible solution – from divesting the business to organizing a succession plan.

Company sale from the idea to the successful transaction

Steinbeis M&A consultants support clients as reliable and loyal partners. From preparing for the sale, identifying and enhancing the business value, creating sales documentation, choosing and engaging appropriate investors, managing the due diligence process, assisting in contract negotiations, to the successful completion of the transaction. This includes, among other things:

• Distinct market and industry knowledge incl. well-founded market analyses
• Identification of suitable target companies according to investment criteria
• Development of a targeted positioning and communication strategy
• Preparation of a business plan and company valuation
• Coordination of due diligence

M&A consulting in all phases of a company sale

When selling a company, the process of selling a business typically spans a duration of six to nine months.

This period allows the value of the transaction to be optimized through a strategic approach in the interest of the sellers. The sales process can be roughly divided into four phases:

Preparation and evaluation

We work out the companys strengths and areas for potential optimization of the company and prepare an indicative company valuation. Subsequently, we create marketing documents (anonymous teaser and investment memorandum), identify suitable investors and, in close consultation with the sellers, develop a procedural model for the concrete implementation of the transaction. The focus is on optimizing the sales price and the transaction structures as well as a secure and discreet handling of the transaction as a whole.

Investor search for company sale

Personal contacts from M&A consulting, the strong Steinbeis network and the use of professional databases enable a targeted selection of suitable buyers based on the defined selection criteria – and the way to approach potential investors discreetly. Parallel to this, we build up the virtual data room for the subsequent due diligence of the investor.

Transaction management

In this phase, we analyze and evaluate the requested indicative offers and initiate preliminary discussions with chosen investors. Once mutual interests are established, the signing of a letter of intent demonstrates the shared interest to finalize an investment agreement, signifying the commencement of the due diligence process, where the buyer conducts a thorough examination of the company’s financial and legal aspects.

Subsequently, we coordinate the discussions and negotiations with the objective of attaining advantageous and practicable outcomes in finalizing the agreements on behalf of the sellers.

Signing & Closing

We accompany our clients until the signing of the contract and support them in fulfilling the necessary measures with regard to the final settlement of the transaction (closing).