Making the best deals with Private Equity Groups

Once you have looked at all the options for the way forward for your business and you have decided that Private Equity is the route you should take, then it is time to make sure you get the right deal with the right investors. So how can you get the best deals with Private Equity Groups?

Introduction

Private Equity Groups (PEGs) and their investment in your business can be just what it needs to bring your business to new heights, but you need to be aware of what to watch out for when dealing with PEGs.?PEGs have a lot of experience in buying and selling businesses and are looking to make deals that will be most beneficial to themselves.?Even though you have chosen the equity route, there are PEGs that can include loans in the deal and their deals tend to be a lot more complicated than those that just involve an acquirer. Private Equity Groups can provide you with the best deals.

It is important, therefore, since deals with a PEG can be very complex, and given the expertise of the PEG, that there is an experienced team that can work on the side of the business, to ensure they get a fair deal.

Following are some of the areas that a business needs to be aware of when dealing with a PEG:

It is important to prepare

• Make sure all the bookkeeping is tidy and create projected finances that are realistic. It is better to be ahead of your predictions during the deal.
• Get ready for due diligence. Make sure any issues or problems are uncovered and dealt with early on and do not come as a surprise later on in the process.?When issues come out later, they have a heavy impact on the deal and can create a lack of trust.
• Check out the PEG and past deals they have undertaken. See what sort of reputation they have and consider if they are?Suitable for your business.?If the owner will stay on then speak with other businesses that have used this PEG to see how they have interacted.
• Make sure there is competition. Don’t just pursue one option, as this will put you in a very poor negotiating position.?The PEG can extend the deal-making process and easily gain the upper hand.
• It is to the seller’s advantage to make sure that the Letter of Intent (LOI) is comprehensive. Whilst the LOI is not the final agreement, the agreement will be based on this.?If the LOI is not detailed, much gain can be made by the PEG to get the deal they want after the LOI is signed.?This can also draw out the negotiations.
• Watch out for anything binding in the LOI. You need to know what you are signing up for.
• Make sure there is clarity in the LOI. This is particularly helpful when there is competition in order to make the right choice about which to accept.?When it is unclear what the LOI is saying, the final deal can end up being different from expectations.
• Beware of any financing conditions in the LOI. These can cause long delays in the final deal.

The final deal

• A stock sale is the most beneficial in terms of tax advantages and it is even worth a lower evaluation.
• Whatever the deal is make sure it is as efficient as possible on tax. Taxes can make a huge difference to the amount of money gained in the sale.
• A cap and basket clause is necessary to avoid being obligated to pay out huge liabilities later. If this is not put in the LOI, it is very difficult to negotiate these terms to the advantage of the seller in the acquisition agreement.
• Remember you have chosen the equity route for a reason, so be very aware of any debt clauses within the agreement
• Make sure all statements in the final contract are true representations and that there is a non-reliance clause preventing future legal battles based on representations made orally.
• It is advisable that you make an agreement with the PEG for a fee if the deal doesn’t work out except on account of the fault of the seller.

Negotiation Process

• Making the right deal can be very emotive when it is about your own business that you have worked hard to grow. It is much better to have a team of experienced deal makers carry out the negotiations.?It would be easy to play on the emotions of the seller and for them to lose clarity of thought.
• Make sure the negotiating doesn’t get bogged down. Be objective and keep communication amongst the negotiating team active.?Step back and be ready to think out of the box for ways to arrive at a suitable deal and don’t allow emotions to take over.
• Negotiations by PEGs are a team effort, with each member taking a different approach. Be on your guard about the tactics being used and be careful to not give more than you are getting back.?Without experienced negotiators a professional M&A advisor is vital.
• Remember that each PEG is different. They will have different strategies, expertise, and positions.?Treat them as such and be specific in your plans for your dealings with each one.
• Know your limitations. How much time and money have you got to spend on the process??Are there other limitations either personal or professional??Be clear about what you want out of the deal and what the deal breakers are.

In summary

PEGs can be the way forward to realize the potential of your?Business.?But the seller needs to be aware that PEGs are very experienced in their field. For getting the best deals with Private Equity Groups, good preparation is necessary.?The business owner needs to take care that they have an expert team in place. This is necessary to carry out the negotiations and finalize the contract.?Even a small clause can make a huge difference in the final deal.?Therefore, the deal needs to be made in an objective and clear-headed manner with attention to detail. To this end professional help is advisable. It is important to benefit all who are concerned and lead to a desirable outcome.

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