As one of the leading consultancies for mergers and acquisitions (buying and selling companies) for SMEs, the specialists at KERN have been combining industry knowledge with strategic consulting expertise to guide companies through complex transaction processes since 2004.
Our experience and commitment are reflected in our mission statement and enable us to fulfil your Effective M&A targets to realise. Unique in our industry, we give you a M&A Guarantee. If, contrary to expectations, a transaction is not successful within 24 months, you are Fully secured. This emphasises our confidence in the quality and success of our consulting services. Without risk for our customers.
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What is M&A? A clear definition
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) include a large number of corporate transactionsThe term “spin-off” refers to transactions in which companies are merged, sold or acquired. This term extends to specialised transactions such as transfers of operations, carve-outs or spin-offs, in which parts of a company are continued independently.
Although no advice is required by law for the successful implementation of M&A transactions, it is common practice to utilise experts such as lawyers, tax advisors and auditors in various transaction phases. In addition, M&A advisors with their in-depth transaction experience offer indispensable support in planning and implementation to ensure the success of the company transformation.
The comprehensive guide to M&A consulting
Your guide!
The role of an M&A consultancy is to, You through every phase of the transaction process to lead ? from the development of a customised strategy to the successful signing of the contract and beyond. The assessment by a corporate finance expert complements the process holistically in order to provide both buyers and sellers with precise valuations and strategic recommendations in the context of M&A transactions.
Even after the transaction is complete, your advisor remains a valuable partner to navigate transition issues and ensure a smooth integration.in the following graphic you can see a rough overview of the process of an M&A Processes.
1. the M&A strategy for your success
A successful M&A strategy is based on a deep understanding of timing, motivation for the sale and sensitive issues. We ask the right questions, for example: At what point should a Company acquisition or sale take place? What are the reasons for selling a company? etc.
Through targeted discussions and questions, we develop strategies that lay the foundation for a positive transaction experience for all parties involved.
2 The M&A process: step by step
In a M&A Process special attention should be paid to these 4 steps.
- Business valuation: Every step begins with meticulous care to lay the foundations for success.
- Letter of Intent (declaration of intent): A critical, often overlooked step that reaffirms mutual commitment.
- Due DiligenceA comprehensive examination of all aspects of the company by the buyer in order to create a sound basis for negotiation.
- Contract signing and handoverAfter completion, a carefully planned handover follows, which lays the foundation for future success.
Cross-industry expertise in M&A
Our decades of experience in the field of mergers & acquisitions encompass comprehensive expertise in a wide range of industries. Our team has successfully advised on transactions in sectors such as automotive, construction, industrials, services, electronics, retail, healthcare, media, technology, transport and logistics.
The diversity of our experience enables us to offer customised solutions that are specifically tailored to the challenges and opportunities of each industry. We understand that every transaction is unique, which is why we deliver innovative strategies and clear insights to ensure the success of your M&A activities.
Private equity plays an increasingly important role in M&A transactions by providing both capital and strategic support for the growth of companies. For more in-depth insights into the link between private equity and M&A, we invite you to read our blog post on this topic.
Private equity investment - Read nowThe feedback from our clients serves as testimony to our competent and targeted advice. With at the forefront of M&A transactions for almost two decades we offer not only expertise, but also a proven success model based on trust, transparency and outstanding results.
Why KERN should be your first choice for M&A in the SME sector
M&A transactions are not only important for large corporations. Also Medium-sized companies face the same challenges and opportunitieswhich make expert advice indispensable.
- For sellers our approach aims to ensure a seamless transaction and secure an appropriate sale price that reflects the true value of your business.
- For buyers we provide detailed insights into the financial, operational and strategic aspects of the target company to enable an informed decision and fair pricing.
- For family businesses we understand that emotional values are just as important as financial ones. Our advice takes into account both the preservation of these values and the securing of a successful future. Company succession.
- For spin-offs we support the creation of independent units by providing strategic advice and operational support to make the transition as smooth as possible for all parties involved.
KERN understands the unique needs of medium-sized companies and defines customised strategies that take into account the complexity of M&A transactions and support the specific objectives of our clients.
Additional advantages of our M&A Management Consultancy
A successful M&A transaction is not only based on professional expertise, but also on the ability to build trusting relationships. Since our foundation in 2004, we have impressed not only with our professionalism, integrity and reliability, but also with our commitment to sustainable success and the continuous development of our knowledge and methods.
Our mission statement emphasises our commitment to creating real value for our clients - through respect, appreciation and the development of solutions that not only achieve short-term goals but also ensure long-term success. This approach has helped us to build lasting partnerships and be recognised as a trusted advisor in all aspects of M&A advisory.
What to look for when choosing professional M&A advice?
If you want to advise, you have to show experience. A reliable M&A consultancy should be able to present you with a solid wealth of experience and prove it with convincing references. The right seals of approval also create security and trust.
As M&A advisors, we are members of associations such as the BDU ? Federal Association of German Management Consultants. You can get more information here.
Success stories from our M&A projects
Our services for professional M&A transactions are also conveyed by our satisfied clients.
hms sonosystems GmbH wanted a sale that would preserve jobs and long-standing customer relationships. KERN accompanied this process and secured a Continuation of the life’s work.
I was guided through the process by Mr Rehfuß in a very professional and far-sighted manner right from the start. I would like to emphasise the wealth of experience and technical expertise in this context. Mr Rehfuß supported us competently and professionally with specialist knowledge at every stage of the company takeover. The advice & support was important and helped us in all aspects in this very complex topic.”
Mr Martin Nicholas Smith, Managing Director
The company was to be sold as part of a regulated succession plan. It was particularly important to find an investor who would preserve the company as a whole, accompany it on its growth path and help to further develop and expand the organisation and location with professional support.
I am highly satisfied with the outcome of the transaction. I am delighted that in Premium Equity we have found an investor who has recognised the company’s potential and is prepared to accompany and support FREQCON’s growth and further development with know-how and capital. Maintaining and expanding the workforce and the site are very important to me and I am delighted that we will be taking the next step in the company’s development together. Without the professional support, advice and guidance from KERN (Mr Greve/Bergmann), this result would not have been possible. I always felt that I was in good hands throughout the entire process and always had the feeling that I had a top team of consultants at my side, even in critical situations. I would like to thank the two gentlemen for the time they spent together and for the successful and rapid conclusion of the deal.
Mr Norbert Hennchen, Managing Director
Café Kraft is the first bouldering hall in Nuremberg and the second bouldering hall in Germany. At Café Kraft, customers can expect a unique sports and leisure world that combines bouldering, a living room atmosphere & unique event location.
KERN’s task here was to secure the company’s succession and thus also the location, while ensuring that all employees have a future and customers continue to have an attractive bouldering hall in the region.
“I am very happy that I had a good sparring partner in KERN and Wolfgang Bürger to help me through all the ups and downs of the sales process and to have a partner at my side at all times who I could turn to and who could help me.” “I would strongly recommend that every seller seek professional support.”
Mr Reto Faulenbach, Managing Director
Your next step towards a successful M&A project
The successful realisation of M&A projects requires sound advice based on in-depth market knowledge and proven experience. KERN supports you with a team of proven experts who are characterised by many years of practical experience and consistently positive customer feedback. Our unique guarantee of success is proof of our commitment and expertise in the M&A segment.
If you are looking for a solid partnership to navigate your business through the M&A process, we can provide you with the support and advice you need. Contact us for a detailed insight into our approach and to discuss how we can fulfil your specific requirements. Together we will develop a tailor-made strategy based on sound analyses to ensure your M&A success.
Start the dialogue with KERN today and lay the foundation for a successful M&A transaction.
