M&A Diligence

The decision to Merge or Divest is never easy – but when done right, M&A can accelerate growth plans, unlock trapped value, help penetrate a new market, fulfill new customer needs, strengthen innovation and R&D, capitalize on key personnel and boost financial power.   Acumen is focused on the finding the right reasons to merge…or walking away when a deal does not make sense. We give clients candid insight based on solid research and financial analysis and we are never afraid to say no.

Acumen is a Strategic Advisor to Companies, Banks and Private Equity – on Both The Buy and Sell Side of a Transaction

Employing Acumen for M&A Planning and Diligence is a Winning Decision

The benefits of a well-thought-out M&A strategy can be a source of competitive advantage—especially in turbulent times. There are several key questions that define our  approach to M&A:

  • What levers can I pull to create value from the acquisitions I pursue?  How do I accelerate via M&A?
  • How can I take advantage of the current market conditions through M&A transactions?
  • How can I identify untapped opportunities in developing markets?
  • How do I manage integration and execution?

Acumen operates as an objective fact-based partner

Our approach is strategy driven, not deal driven, and we reserve the freedom to recommend no.  We support our clients during every step of the M&A process:

  • Developing the strategic logic for an acquisition
  • Screening potential targets
  • Estimating likely sources of value creation
  • Providing support in the negotiations, bidding, and final decision (including legal and regulatory requirements)
  • Implementing the subsequent post-merger integration

Our practice consists of seasoned market analysts with significant experience in corporate development and corporate finance along with experienced industry-specific professionals

Advantages to conducting a sale with the benefit of an Acumen Vendor diligence report:

  • Vendor diligence report – An Acumen vendor diligence report gives you independent and rigorous analysis of the market, competition, and the company under analysis. Results are consolidated into a detailed report that includes models and data. We focus on answers to industry and business concerns and go direct to decision makers to get first-person information to resolve issues. Acumen’s analysis enables the management team to minimize time and effort dedicated to addressing the most pertinent M&A questions.
  • High confidence – Acumen reports represent the most complete view of transactions. An Acumen VDD report is prepared by a team of experienced personnel that are expert in Subject Markets. We have a team of former P&L and C-levels executives that work with experienced analysts. We combine rigorous amalgamation of all publicly available data with direct outreach to customers and competitors.
  • Risk Mitigation – The Acumen team is involved in aerospace, defense, and government services transactions every day.  In addition, all of our ‘Gray Dogs’ have sat in the C-Suite and made the difficult decision to pull the M&A trigger (or not). We understand risk and err on the side of completeness in our assessment. 
  • Accurate Data for Decisions – In every M&A or Diligence engagement, Acumen insists on independently evaluating Markets, Competition and Financials.
    • We get the facts right as step 1.
    • Acumen creates discreet transaction models as a check to financials because calculating the rationale for investment is only as good as the underlying data.  

M&A and Diligence Process

In Due Diligence reports, Acumen provides the client and potential acquirers with a standalone market analysis, and supporting financials.  Key elements of a Acumen VDD report:

  • Clear, coherent and favorable characterization of the business for consideration by bidders
  • Independent and coherent characterization of the market
  • Quantitative evaluation of product line strengths in specific competitive environments
  • Detailed analysis of management forecast on a line-by-line basis
  • Assessment of:  the management forecast; management presentation, Confidential Information Memorandum (sell side).
  • Support for briefings with potential bidders and their advisors