Mergers & Acquisitions
We advise clients on both acquisitive growth and the sale of businesses, delivering discreet, practical and outcome-focused M&A support for corporates, entrepreneurs and financial sponsors.
Our Approach
Client-first, hands-on advisory: we provide senior-led teams that combine deep sector knowledge with pragmatic execution to protect value and drive results.
Discretion and project management: every engagement is run with strict confidentiality and tight project controls to meet timing and stakeholder requirements.
Buy-side M&A Services
Acquisition strategy and target evaluation: develop acquisition criteria, support the evaluation of potential targets, and advise on engagement strategies with owners and management.
Valuation, modelling and offer structuring: assess targets, build valuations and prepare offer materials and negotiation positions to support informed decision-making.
Due diligence coordination: coordinate due-diligence workstreams to reduce execution risk and support effective, timely decision-making.
Bid support for competitive processes: provide sector insight and bid-preparation support for private equity and strategic buyers participating in acquisitions.
Funding support: provide advisory support on capital-structure and financing considerations for acquisitions, including evaluating funding options, preparing materials and supporting discussions with lenders and other financing partners.
Sell-side M&A Services
Preparation and positioning: prepare the business for sale, determine a valuation range, craft a compelling sell-side narrative and produce concise, well-structured information materials for potential purchasers.
Buyer identification and outreach: identify and prioritize the most relevant strategic and financial acquirers and support a confidential, well-managed outreach process.
Competitive sale management: run an orderly auction or bilateral process, manage information flow and support the securing and assessment of indicative and final offers.
Negotiation and close support: support the negotiation of heads of terms, oversee detailed due diligence alongside other advisors and coordinate with legal counsel to help achieve a successful close.
Carve-outs and complex disposals: advise on separations and coordinate required regulatory and transaction processes where appropriate.
Typical Engagement Flow
Buy-side M&A:
Initial strategy and positioning analysis.
Target shortlisting and discreet outreach.
Valuation and offer preparation.
Due diligence management and negotiation.
Transaction close and handover.
Sell-side M&A:
Initial strategy and goal alignment.
Preparation and positioning analysis.
Go-to-market execution to approach potential purchasers.
Due diligence and Letter of Intent (“LOI”) negotiation support.
Exclusivity, final diligence, transaction close, and handover.
Why Work with Us
Clients choose us for proven M&A experience, rigorous execution and a pragmatic style that balances competitive tension with constructive collaboration to secure strong commercial outcomes.
Contact
To discuss a buy-side or sell-side mandate, contact our advisory team by email at mikebusch@kitswest.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between buy-side and sell-side work?
Buy-side work focuses on helping a buyer identify, evaluate and execute acquisitions. Sell-side work focuses on preparing and running a sale process to achieve the best outcome for the seller.
How do you protect confidentiality during a sale?
We use staged information sharing, non-disclosure agreements and controlled data rooms to limit exposure while testing market interest.
How long does a typical sale or acquisition take?
Timelines vary by complexity; many mid-market processes conclude within three to six months while complicated or cross-border deals can take longer.
How do you value a target or business for sale?
We combine market comps, financial analysis and sector-specific metrics to produce pragmatic valuations that reflect likely buyer behavior.
Can you help with financing an acquisition?
Yes. We provide financing strategy guidance and support your discussions and negotiations with lenders or other financing partners as you explore options to fund an acquisition.
What information do you need to start an engagement?
High-level financials, strategic objectives and any timing or confidentiality constraints are sufficient to begin strategy work.
