Our Services | CARL M&A and Succession Consulting for SMEs

Sell-side M&A

Are you planning to sell your company or a subsidiary? Specializing in the mid-market, we support entrepreneurs in successfully and confidently handing over their life's work to the right buyer. Our M&A team brings comprehensive expertise, transaction experience, and a wide range of resources to guide you through the complex process—from optimally preparing your company for market outreach to the final transaction. With our experience and expertise, we assist you in finding the ideal partner and ensuring the sustainable value of your business. We always go the extra mile for you because we are driven to exceed your expectations.

Buy-side M&A

Are you looking for inorganic growth for your company? Our mid-market focused team will actively support you in the search, evaluation and ultimate acquisition of companies that will advance your strategic goals. Thanks to our extensive network and in-depth market knowledge, we identify suitable takeover targets and facilitate an acquisition under optimal conditions. Our approach ensures that your company grows strategically and strengthens its market position in the long term.

Exit-readiness Advisory

Are you planning a strategic exit from your company? Our exit readiness consulting aims to optimally prepare your company for the sales process and thus achieve the best possible value. At the heart of our service is the development of a convincing equity story that highlights the potential of your company and inspires interested parties for the success of your business.

An important part of our consulting services is the professionalization of your company's data systems. We help you to make all relevant information structured, accessible and transparent in order to give potential buyers a clear picture of your company. We also work with you to develop a future-oriented business plan that sets out your company's strengths, potential and strategic direction in detail. We also support you in establishing a second management level that ensures sustainable management structures and the continuation of the company's success after the sale. These measures not only strengthen your negotiating position, but also increase the attractiveness of your company for potential buyers.

With our comprehensive exit readiness advice, we ensure that your company is in the best possible position for the sales process in order to transfer your life's work successfully and on the best possible terms.

M&A Process - An Overview

Preparation

Internal Preparation, Inventory Assessment and Documentation Preparation:

Understanding the company through discussions with the entrepreneur about unique selling points, products, services, and the market.
Creating an "Equity Story" to highlight the company's attractiveness to investors.
Analyzing sustainable profitability, assets, and liabilities for an early valuation assessment.
Systematic storage of sales process documents, contracts, and financial statements in a virtual data room for bidders' due diligence.
Assembling a project team from informed company employees and CARL's own advisors.

Buyer approach

Preparation of external sales documents and investor search:

Creation of a "Long List" of potential buyers
Filtering out undesirable investors in collaboration with the entrepreneur to create a "Short List"
Preparation of key documents for the sales process: confidentiality agreement and teaser
Preparation of a sales prospectus (Info Memo) by CARL and, if necessary, a Commercial Due Diligence
Preparation of a Financial Fact Book by an auditor documenting financial figures and the business plan
Initiation of contact with potential buyers
Interested investors receive the Info Memo and a process letter after signing the confidentiality agreement
Investors provide an initial indicative valuation within 4-8 weeks

Company Audit (Due Diligence)

Evaluation and Selection of Purchase Offers after Due Diligence:

Investors review the company using the information memorandum
Indicative offers from potential buyers are evaluated and discussed with the entrepreneur
Support for the entrepreneur in initial discussions with potential buyers and/or advisors
Coordination of the due diligence process by CARL
Preparation and presentation of a management presentation and site visits
After due diligence, potential buyers address individual questions and prepare additional analyses
Potential buyers are asked to confirm their initial indicative purchase offer with a financing commitment
CARL evaluates the offers and discusses them in detail with the entrepreneur
Selection of the best offers based on fit, valuation, and likelihood of completion
Reduction to usually no more than three potential buyers
CARL supports potential buyers in financing and securing purchase price financing if needed

Negotiation & Contract Finalization

Contract Finalization and Support during Closing Negotiations:

CARL supports the entrepreneur and advising lawyer in contract negotiations commercially, tactically, and with transaction structure
Contract negotiations usually involve at least two parties to maintain control
Process coordination, tact, and experience are required to keep all interested parties engaged in the final round
The goal is to lead one party to contract finalization