Corporate Finance

As Oaklins, we provide our clients in the Corporate Finance area with independent and professional advice on all aspects of corporate financing and the purchase and sale of companies.

We support you in all phases of a transaction and, through Oaklins, have an international network of more than 800 M&A experts in over 45 countries, as well as extensive expertise across 15 sectors. This enables us to generate and offer broad access to decision-makers relevant to you. In Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe in particular, we maintain very strong, reliable networks of our own and can advise our clients comprehensively across the region.

Corporate Finance

Mergers & Acquisitions

Company acquisitions and disposals, restructurings and capital market transactions are among the key strategic corporate decisions.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Business succession

Arranging business succession is one of the most emotional and most important entrepreneurial decisions. Every succession requires professional yet empathetic planning and implementation.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Due Diligence

Executing corporate transactions requires a precise evaluation of opportunities and risks, as well as a thorough analysis of the target company with regard to its financial and tax situation.

Executing corporate transactions requires a precise evaluation of opportunities and risks, as well as a thorough analysis of the target company with regard to its financial and tax situation. TJP draws on many years of know-how in conducting due diligence reviews. Vendor due diligence simplifies and accelerates the sales process and increases the credibility of financial information.

Financial Due Diligence

  • Analysis of the asset, financial and earnings position
  • Analysis and critical review of existing financial forecasts, as well as preparation of scenario analyses
  • Assessment of the strengths/weaknesses and opportunities/risks of the target company or the investment

Tax Due Diligence

  • Analysis of the target company’s tax position
  • Optimisation of the tax structure of a transaction

Commercial Due Diligence

  • Analysis of the target company’s business model and strategy
  • Presentation of market conditions and the competitive situation
  • Analysis of the economic and arithmetic accuracy and completeness of the financial forecasts

Vendor Due Diligence

  • Vendor due diligence includes a detailed presentation of the selling company as a basis for the valuation and assessment of the company by prospective buyers.
  • Analysis of the economic and financial data of the company to be sold by an independent third party
  • Support in setting up a data room

Business valuations

The question of the value of a company or a business unit is of decisive importance on many occasions. We provide professional support to clients on all valuation-related matters.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Financing advisory

TJP’s objective is to find the optimal (and most cost-effective) financing for the client’s company. We provide comprehensive advice on selecting the best possible mix of debt and equity and, if desired, also conduct negotiations with banks and investors.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Financial Modelling

The structured consolidation and design of all decision-relevant information is an essential basis for assessing investment projects and financing alternatives and increases decision certainty.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

M&A sell-side

You have worked passionately to reach this point. Selling what you have built over a lifetime is a hard-earned achievement. When the time comes, we will be by your side, sleeves rolled up and ready to assess global markets to find the right buyer for you. Benefit from the legacy you have built, and let us use our deep expertise to determine and communicate the true value of your company.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

M&A buy-side

Acquiring the right company today is an excellent way to grow quickly and prepare for tomorrow’s success. Our global presence and local roots, combined with a deep understanding of evolving trends, offer you a world of opportunities to expand into new markets and stand out from your competitors.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Growth capital & ECM advisory

Additional funding can turn your company’s exceptional potential into reality. With our established relationships with investors worldwide, you can raise capital to suit your needs. Together, we will find trusted financial partners committed to your success.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Debt advisory

Financing new initiatives with debt can provide momentum for building your business without giving up equity and ownership. We work with you in full transparency so that you feel confident at every step. Our expert opinion is based on an impartial perspective that helps you develop a sustainable strategy, find the right institution and negotiate terms that support your growth.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

Corporate financing

Regardless of which side of the transaction you are on, an accurate valuation and thorough due diligence will strengthen your position. Our commitment and integrity in every transaction provide you with an unbiased opinion you can rely on across a wide range of financial matters. Supported by our industry expertise and dedication, you can put your strategy into action.

Further information at http://www.oaklins.com

FAQ

How does a sales process work / what phases does it involve?

Every sales process is company-specific and therefore unique—there is no one-size-fits-all recipe. In principle, the sales process can be divided into a planning phase and an execution phase.

The planning phase is time-intensive and aims to prepare the company optimally for sale. Thorough and detailed planning increases the likelihood of a positive response from potential buyers. The execution phase typically consists of an outreach phase, due diligence, as well as the negotiation and closing phase. This brochure addresses various questions and topic areas of the individual phases of the sales process in more detail.

There are many search channels for identifying potential buyers. Database research or analyses of industry segments and competitors are just two examples of common search approaches. The M&A advisor has the resources and tools to identify potential buyers. Central to identifying and approaching potential buyers is that the advisor has a strong national and international network with access to potential buyers.

Common valuation methods are the comparable company method (also known as the multiples method) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) method. In principle, all common forward-looking valuation methods are based on the following two value drivers:

  1. expected cash flow in the coming years;
  2. risk and growth prospects. An important distinction must be made between the enterprise value and the value of equity (equity value). The equity value is derived from the enterprise value less financial debt. The value of a company is independent of the underlying financing structure.

In principle, the following three groups of advisors should be part of every sales process:

  1. The M&A advisor organises the sales process, helps prepare the company for sale, develops objective valuation considerations, finds and contacts buyers, supports the due diligence and negotiates the sales terms.
  2. The lawyer handles the legal aspects that arise in the course of a transaction. Once the parties have agreed on the key parameters of the transaction, the lawyer becomes more intensively involved in the process. Their primary responsibility is negotiating and documenting legal matters such as the purchase agreement or a potential non-compete clause.
  3. The tax advisor should be involved as a supporting resource in sale preparation, deal structuring and questions related to closing the transaction. Depending on the situation, additional advisors may be helpful: auditors, real estate valuers, industry experts or management consultants.

A clear definition of the roles, responsibilities and incentives of external advisors, and anchoring these in an engagement agreement, is important. Depending on the initial situation, management or key employees should also be informed of the intention to sell at an early stage. It is important to consider carefully who should be involved and how that person can behave towards those not in the know. Proper incentivisation of the informed individuals is also crucial, because not everyone will perceive the sale of the company as a personal benefit.

A company sale typically takes between six and twelve months—from the start of preparing the documents, through due diligence (company review), to contract negotiations.

It is advisable to look for a suitable time window rather than a specific point in time. A suitable sales period is often given when the following three conditions are met:

  1. The company is an attractive acquisition target
  2. The company is ready for a sale
  3. The business owner is ready for a sale

A seller must be aware that potential buyers regularly receive interesting offers. To stand out from the crowd as an attractive acquisition target, the first impression is therefore particularly important. As a general rule, a profitable company in a growth phase is easier to sell than a future turnaround. In addition, receiving more unsolicited purchase offers can be an indication that there is interest in the market and that a good time to sell has arrived. This should be taken into account when making the decision.

Ideally, sale preparations should begin 2 to 3 years before the company is offered on the M&A market. This time is needed for the changes initiated to take effect accordingly. Even if no immediate sale is planned, planning and preparation should be carried out carefully, as personal circumstances can change quickly or an unsolicited, attractive offer may be received.

Underestimating the time required for sale preparation;

  1. Focusing on investments in capital assets instead of debt repayments;
  2. Underestimating the relevance of a tidy balance sheet;
  3. No separation of operating and non-operating assets in the accounting;
  4. Posting private expenses to business accounts; poor communication and lack of incentivisation of key employees;
  5. Failing to undertake active tax and real estate planning;
  6. Failing to recognise the existence of MBO initiatives.

Additional
Services

Restructuring & Turnaround

We support companies and stakeholders in crisis situations with tailored solutions. From independent analyses to the implementation of restructuring plans, we are by your side – including on-site.

Tax Advisory

We offer specialized tax advisory for M&A, real estate, and asset transactions, as well as restructurings. Benefit from comprehensive tax planning for companies and private individuals – all from a single source.

Management Consulting

A clear strategy provides orientation and secures your economic success. We support you in product development, site selection, and market entry – and accompany you through organizational changes.

Auditing

In addition to auditing annual financial statements, we offer our expertise in special audits, reorganizations, and restructuring matters. With our support, you can resolve legal and economic challenges efficiently.

Forensic & Compliance

Our Forensic & Compliance services support you in investigating digital white-collar crime. With experienced forensic specialists, we secure and analyse digital evidence and provide preventive advice.

Start-ups & Business Development

From the idea to a successful product: We support you at every step of setting up your business. Whether you are still unsure or looking for professional guidance, we turn your vision into reality.

Human Resources

Our HR management supports you in achieving your corporate objectives efficiently and strategically. We ensure that the HR department, as a service function, delivers clear results for both management and employees.

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