Designing the optimal deal requires a thorough understanding of market dynamics and key issues that affect various industries. Balancing transaction objectives with accounting, tax, regulatory, HR, and commercial considerations is critical to ensure that the acquisition is the right fit for the right price, for both the buyer and seller. Read on as we discuss how our Transaction Advisory Services maximize value and leverage opportunities throughout the full spectrum of the transaction lifecycle.
What Are Transaction Advisory Services?
Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) allow clients to make informed business decisions for a buy- or sell-side transaction. Barton, Walter & Krier’s TAS professionals perform a thorough review of financial, operational, and strategic considerations for a potential deal, helping clients gain a clearer perspective on the opportunities and risks it may present.
Key Offerings and Solutions
BWK Transaction Advisory specialists work across multiple disciplines and services with both financial (private equity, family office, or sponsor) and strategic (corporate) stakeholders to help navigate the complexities of buy-side and sell-side transactions. We approach each deal with knowledge, discipline, and a commitment to maximizing value for our clients within their defined risk profile.
Buy-side Solutions
Our pre- and post-transaction buy-side services help clients assess risks and opportunities so buyers can make informed decisions on whether to proceed with the deal. BWK advisors analyze several areas of the targeted business including earnings and cash flow, assets and liabilities, operations, tax compliance issues, and more.
Sell-side Solutions
Engaging in sell-side due diligence enables buyers and sellers to streamline the transaction process and address any potential concerns. BWK advisors perform a thorough analysis including valuation support and financial modeling to identify issues that may be of concern to buyers to ensure transparency on behalf of the seller.
Important Questions Business Owners Should Ask Before a Transaction
Before you come into a sell-side transaction, you may want to consider evaluating your company’s financial readiness. Reflecting on some important questions early on can help you identify risks, clarify value, and prevent surprises during due diligence.
Consider the following:
- How defensible are my earnings? Can they withstand buyer scrutiny and normalization adjustments?
- Are my tax positions clean and well documented?
- What would a buyer question first? Revenue concentration, margins, contracts, or liabilities?
- Is my working capital sustainable?
- Are there one-time expenses or adjustments inflating results?
With the help of a BWK advisor, addressing these questions upfront can help protect value and streamline the transaction process.
The BWK Difference
Our integrated team of financial, tax, and strategy professionals with Big Four and large firm backgrounds brings national and global experience across a wide variety of industries to advise clients at every stage of the transaction lifecycle.
Unlike most CPA firms, we have fully dedicated mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experts with extensive experience in:
- Acquisitions
- Divestitures
- Recapitalizations
- Mergers
- Joint ventures
- Carve-outs (with/without audits)
- Tax structuring and planning
- Post-closing services including net working capital (NWC) true-ups, earn-outs, and disputes
- HR integration and optimization
No matter the type or size of transaction, BWK’s advisory professionals help navigate the challenging aspects of a transaction that encompass deal issues specifically related to financial, accounting, tax, HR, and commercial issues or concerns.
For more information or to speak with a TAS specialist, contact our office today.