Middle Market Mergers and Acquisitions by Colonnade Advisors

Scott Wolf, a Client Relationship Director at Willis Towers Watson specializing in transactional insurance, joins the discussion on reps and warranties (R&W) insurance. He explains how R&W insurance protects both buyers and sellers from breaches in purchase agreements. Listeners will learn about its pricing, the streamlined process for obtaining it, and how it allows sellers to access more cash at closing by avoiding multi-year escrows. The conversation sheds light on the benefits of R&W insurance for deals as small as $10 million, making it a vital tool in M&A.

Dive into the world of rollover equity, a game-changing aspect of mergers and acquisitions! Discover how this mechanism aligns interests between buyers and sellers, allowing for retained ownership stakes and shared economic success. Learn about its prevalence in modern transactions, structuring nuances, and tax benefits. Hear insights from an expert guest on managing closing conditions and the importance of effective negotiation. This discussion promises to shed light on how sellers can strategically benefit post-transaction.

This podcast dives into the fascinating world of earn outs in mergers and acquisitions. It highlights how these contingent considerations help share risks and rewards between buyers and sellers. The conversation reveals the negotiation nuances around performance metrics, where buyers often favor bottom-line figures while sellers lean towards top-line revenue. Expert Mark Kopidlansky shares insights on strategies for successful earn-out agreements amidst uncertainties. Discover how clear communication and strategic management play vital roles in these deals.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, pricing is just the tip of the iceberg. Key distinctions between stock and asset sales can significantly impact tax implications and buyer motivations. The conversation dives into transaction considerations, including cash versus stock proceeds and the importance of upfront payments versus contingent ones. Personnel issues are also crucial, as they affect the smooth transition post-acquisition. Finally, keeping an eye on the certainty to close ensures timely deals, making every detail vital for success.

Explore the crucial role of technology in mergers and acquisitions. The discussion reveals insights on in-house versus outsourced IT and its impact on growth. Key elements like intellectual property control and future tech investments are analyzed. The importance of operational systems, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery plans are emphasized. Technology's influence on business valuation is dissected, debunking myths about proprietary tech. A deep dive into technology diligence for non-tech companies highlights sustainability and scalability as vital components for successful acquisitions.

In this intriguing discussion, Joe Kaczmarek, National Fintech practice leader at RSM, shares vital insights for companies preparing for M&A transactions. He emphasizes starting early in the due diligence process and highlights the importance of regular financial reviews and proper audits. Joe explains how maintaining books in GAAP and having robust forecasts can enhance a firm's appeal to buyers. He also stresses the necessity of a skilled CFO to optimize financial readiness, making your company attractive for potential sales.

The podcast delves into the vital world of legal due diligence in mergers and acquisitions. Experts share insights on navigating complex legal landscapes, highlighting the importance of hiring reputable law firms. Listeners learn how thorough legal reviews before market launch can prevent costly delays. The discussion also emphasizes transparency regarding past legal disputes to protect company valuations and manage risks. Unpacking these key aspects, the hosts reveal strategies for a smoother M&A process.

In this engaging discussion, Rob Humble, Senior VP of Strategy and Corporate Development at IAS, shares his extensive experience with M&A transactions. He emphasizes the critical importance of due diligence in uncovering both strengths and hidden issues within a company. The hosts highlight the necessity for meticulous organization and transparency, suggesting that no stone should be left unturned to avoid surprises. Rob provides insights on storytelling's role in presenting a company's narrative and working collaboratively with advisors to streamline the process.

Discover the essential phases of selling a company, from preparing for market to finalizing documentation. Learn how effective marketing materials and buyer engagement play a pivotal role in attracting serious offers. Dive into the intricacies of due diligence and the importance of maintaining relationships between buyers and sellers. The significance of clear employee communication during a sale is also highlighted, along with strategies to manage uncertainties and morale. Get ready for a comprehensive look at the M&A landscape!

The podcast delves into the four phases of selling a company, starting with the often lengthy pre-marketing phase. It emphasizes the necessity of transparency and thorough documentation to attract potential buyers. Key discussions include the vital role of due diligence and financial audits in preparing for sale. Insights from a CEO's personal experience shed light on maintaining business growth during the process. Overall, it's a treasure trove of strategies for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of company sales.