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, regulatory and stakeholder requirements
Buy-side M&A Services
Acquisition strategy and target sourcing: develop an acquisition thesis, identify and approach suitable targets and manage outreach to owners and management.
Valuation, modelling and offer structuring: assess targets, build valuations and prepare robust offer documents and negotiation positions.
Due diligence coordination: project-manage specialist due diligence workstreams to reduce execution risk and speed decision-making.
Bid support for competitive processes: provide sector insight and bid preparation for private equity and strategic buyers participating in auctions.
Funding support: source and negotiate debt and equity financing required to complete acquisitions.
Sell-side M&A Services
Preparation and positioning: prepare the business for sale, craft a compelling sell-side narrative and produce concise, well-structured information memoranda.
Buyer identification and outreach: target and engage the most relevant strategic and financial acquirers while preserving confidentiality.
Competitive sale management: run an orderly auction or bilateral process, manage information flow and secure indicative and final offers.
Negotiation and close support: negotiate heads of terms, oversee detailed due diligence and coordinate legal completion to achieve a successful close.
Carve-outs and complex disposals: manage separations and regulatory or FDI-sensitive processes where required.
Cross-capability Strengths
Regulatory and public company experience: support both private and listed transactions, including interactions with regulators when needed.
International reach and sector expertise: leverage a broad network and cross-border capability to find the right counterparties and maximize outcomes.
Independent, practical counsel: we give clear, commercial advice and will recommend walking away where a deal does not meet client objectives.
Typical Engagement Flow
Initial strategy and positioning analysis.
Target or buyer shortlisting and discreet outreach.
Valuation and offer preparation.
Due diligence management and negotiation.
Transaction close and handover.
Why Work with Us
Clients choose us for proven M&A experience, rigorous execution and a senior-led, pragmatic style that balances competitive tension with constructive collaboration to secure the best commercial result.
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 sourcing and executing acquisitions for a buyer, including funding. 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 arrange and negotiate debt and equity packages from traditional and alternative providers to support your 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
