Ever feel like your co-workers are speaking a different language?
With diverse personalities and professional approaches in the workplace, communication can sometimes...
As the New Zealand economy heads into a recession, businesses face a growing number of challenges. Inflation is at a record high, which has a direct impact on costs and the disposable income of consumers, says Auckland associate director Asheel Bharos.
Time to read: 4 mins
Increasing sales and growing a business could therefore become more difficult in an environment where the focus has shifted to controlling costs. This may be an opportune time to consider whether buying another business could help achieve your short-term and long-term growth strategies. Before we explore how acquisitions can add growth, we need an understanding of how the deal can be structured.
This is where the acquirer purchases the revenue-generating assets of the business, typically stock and fixed assets (tangible assets). The acquirer usually pays more than the value of the assets. The additional amount is known as goodwill (accounted for as an intangible asset) and it represents the value of future cash flows generated by the business. With asset purchases you don’t assume the legal risk associated with purchasing the shares of a company. The tangible and intangible assets become part of the acquiring company – or a new company is incorporated to purchase the assets – and new legal contracts must be executed.
The acquirer can purchase some or all of the shares in a company. That company still operates on a stand-alone basis with just a change in shareholding and potentially a change in the board of directors. The acquirer becomes responsible for the liabilities and legal risks associated with the company from the date of acquisition (or investment for a part-shareholding), therefore the acquirer is potentially exposed to more risk under this structure.
Acquisitions provide an opportunity to access the acquired business’s customer base. A key consideration is how easily you could service these customers post acquisition. Take the time to assess the existing leadership team and key staff. They often have key customer relationships and need to be onboard with your strategy and management style to deliver effectively.
Acquisitions allow you to expand your footprint into new markets, products and services. Some points to consider if this your strategy are:
There are several established New Zealand business brokerages with databases of businesses to sell. You register your interest to purchase a business with the broker and they send you a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to sign. After this is signed you may receive an Information Memorandum (IM), which contains key information about the business including financial statements.
After you review this information, you may wish to place an offer on the business, subject to due diligence. At a basic level, due diligence involves interviewing the seller and reviewing the books and records to understand the business. It is the equivalent of “looking under the hood” when buying a car. Most buyers typically conduct a financial due diligence exercise to understand financial performance and position. Legal due diligence is also done to uncover any potential legal exposure, and tax due diligence may be required in the case of a share acquisition.
Selecting the right advisor to assist with financial and tax due diligence can help you to understand the potential risks and opportunities of purchasing the target business. Incorrect accounting, lack of formal contracts and the absence of robust systems and processes can provide leverage to negotiate a reduced purchase price. These savings frequently outweigh the cost of appointing an advisor.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has a proven track record of assisting businesses through the due diligence process. We work collaboratively with all parties in the transaction to achieve a successful sale.
If you are looking to buy a business, our Corporate Advisory team is happy to provide a complimentary introductory call. Contact your nearest Baker Tilly Staples Rodway mergers and acquisitions advisor (below).
DISCLAIMER No liability is assumed by Baker Tilly Staples Rodway for any losses suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly upon any article within this website. It is recommended that you consult your advisor before acting on this information.
Our website uses cookies to help understand and improve your experience. Please let us know if that’s okay by you.
Cookies help us understand how you use our website, so we can serve up the right information here and in our other marketing.