M&A transactions - safe mergers and acquisitions with benefits for you
About the service
When working with us, clients gain a reliable guide in the M&A landscape. We have many years of experience managing deals of all scales — from local acquisitions in Ukraine to cross-border mergers involving EU companies. A consultant’s experience is an invaluable asset: the more diverse M&A projects an expert has completed, the more effectively they can find the optimal solution for your case. Our specialists have deep knowledge of Ukrainian and EU legislation, regulatory requirements, and best international practices. This ensures full compliance with local laws and smooth handling of legal differences, even in complex cross-border transactions.
The role of a consultant in buying or selling a company
At the initial stages, the consultant helps form the strategic vision of the deal: whether it’s worth selling or buying under current conditions, what the optimal deal structure should be, and what constitutes a fair price. They also identify and propose options — potential buyers, investors, or, conversely, attractive acquisition targets. Consultants have industry connections and access to information unavailable to the general market, allowing them to uncover the best opportunities for the client.
During deal preparation, the consultant gathers and analyzes data to provide an objective business valuation. For a seller, this might include preparing a business memorandum and valuation justification; for a buyer — an independent assessment of the target company and its growth potential. This ensures an unbiased, fact-based perspective — unlike emotionally involved owners, consultants deliver assessments grounded in market data, helping avoid poor decisions.
During negotiations, the M&A consultant stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the client, advising on effective arguments and tactics. Their presence often helps defuse emotional tension — a professional can communicate complex demands or objections tactfully without escalating conflict. The goal is to secure the best possible terms while maintaining constructive dialogue. Experienced M&A advisors know how to find compromises and turn contentious issues into mutually beneficial agreements.
No M&A transaction is complete without proper legal guidance. The consultant (often in collaboration with a law firm or their own legal team) ensures that every step of the transaction complies with the law. They coordinate regulatory approvals, registration of changes, and compliance checks. Essentially, the consultant acts as a project manager, ensuring a seamless, legally sound, and mutually advantageous transaction.
M&A processes demand strict confidentiality — leaks about a company sale can harm the business. The consultant ensures that information is shared only with relevant parties and at the right time. They also structure communication: what data to disclose, when, and to whom; how to organize site visits without alerting employees prematurely. Additionally, the consultant keeps the deal on track — reminding parties of key deadlines and monitoring compliance with agreed terms.
In cross-border transactions (for instance, an EU investor acquiring a Ukrainian business), the consultant’s role becomes even more critical. They serve as a guide through legal, cultural, and language differences. Their international experience ensures the deal meets global standards while accounting for local regulatory nuances. For example, specialists can determine which EU antitrust laws apply, whether regulators need to be notified, and how to best structure the deal jurisdictionally to minimize taxes and risks.
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Popular questions about M&A transaction dupport
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How does the M&A process work?
M&A (mergers and acquisitions) is a multi-stage process that requires a well-thought-out strategy. Typically, a transaction consists of several key stages:
- Preparation and Planning. The deal strategy is defined: merger or acquisition goals, partner/target selection criteria, and formation of the project team. A preliminary market and target company analysis is carried out, along with financial modeling of the potential combination.
- Search and Negotiation of Intentions. The initiator of the transaction (buyer or seller) selects a suitable company for merger or acquisition. The parties hold preliminary negotiations and, upon reaching a principal agreement, sign a letter of intent (Term Sheet or LOI). This document outlines the key terms of the future transaction, exclusivity of negotiations, and deadlines.
- Due Diligence (Company Audit). This stage involves an in-depth business review. Auditors, lawyers, and financial experts are engaged to examine all aspects of the target company: financial statements, legal integrity of assets, existing contracts, pending litigation, property condition, tax obligations, and more. The goal is to ensure that the company meets the buyer’s expectations and to identify all potential risks. Based on the results of due diligence, the parties may adjust the price or transaction terms.
- Structuring and Agreement of Terms. Based on the due diligence findings, the parties agree in detail on the transaction structure. It is determined how the merger will be executed: acquisition of shares or assets, share exchange, company consolidation, etc. Legal nuances are discussed — representations and warranties, payment mechanisms, liability for identified risks, and closing conditions. Lawyers prepare drafts of final documents.
- Approvals and Financing. Before signing the main contract, official approvals may be required. For example, consent from antitrust authorities, regulator notifications, or approval by the board of directors or shareholders’ meeting. If financing (such as a bank loan or investment) is involved, readiness of funds is ensured at this stage.
- Closing the Deal. The final stage involves signing the purchase agreement and other contracts (e.g., a shareholders’ agreement for new co-owners). Settlements are made, ownership rights to shares or assets are transferred, and lawyers register changes in public registers (e.g., new ownership or charter amendments). The transaction is then officially completed.
- Post-Merger Integration. After closing, the integration of the combined business begins. The integration plan is executed: restructuring of management, team unification, IT system synchronization, and process optimization. The goal is for the new company to operate efficiently as a single entity and achieve the expected synergies from the merger.
In practice, the specific process may vary depending on the type of transaction (friendly merger of equals, acquisition of a controlling stake, domestic or cross-border transaction, etc.). However, the overall structure of an M&A project remains as described above — from preparation and due diligence to signing and subsequent integration.
What does M&A transaction support include?
M&A transaction support is a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of preparing and executing a merger or acquisition. Consultants oversee and manage the process at every stage, including:
- Deal Analysis and Planning. Studying the client’s business, goals, and capabilities. Developing an M&A strategy — whom to acquire or to whom to sell, when, and under what terms. Preparing an investment rationale, identifying and screening potential buyers or acquisition targets.
- Legal Support. Full legal management of the transaction. Specialists prepare all necessary documents: letters of intent, purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, meeting protocols, and more. Consultants also review contracts and legal obligations to ensure the deal fully complies with applicable laws. The service includes legal due diligence of the company (verification of assets, ownership, litigation, licenses, etc.) and obtaining required government approvals.
- Financial and Tax Advisory. Experts assess the company’s financial condition and performance, conduct audits and financial due diligence, and prepare recommendations on deal structure considering tax implications for both parties. Proper financial structuring helps optimize taxation and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Business Valuation and Modeling. As part of the support, an independent valuation of the company’s worth is typically performed. Consultants apply various methods (income, market, and cost approaches) to justify the transaction price. They also model expected merger effects: economies of scale, revenue growth, and synergy. Competent valuation protects clients from overpaying or selling below fair market value.
- Negotiation Support. Consultants act as mediators and advisors during negotiations between the parties. They help establish balanced terms, protect the interests of both sides, and minimize unilateral risks. Thanks to their M&A experience, consultants can resolve disagreements and accelerate agreements.
- Project Management and Deadlines. M&A projects come with strict timelines (closing dates, reporting periods, etc.). The support team develops a project schedule, coordinates all parties (lawyers, bankers, auditors), and ensures tasks are completed on time. Clients receive regular progress reports.
- Post-Merger Integration Consulting. After the deal is completed, consultants may continue to assist with business integration. This includes advice on team alignment, rebranding, retaining key employees, and merging corporate cultures. Such support is especially valuable if the client lacks post-merger integration experience.
In this way, a consultant covers all key M&A aspects — from strategy development to legal documentation and enforcement control. Comprehensive support relieves the business owner from handling complex processes alone, allowing them to focus on managing their company during the transition period. It’s worth noting that our firm provides M&A consulting in both Ukraine and the EU, taking into account jurisdictional differences. For example, we assist clients in obtaining necessary approvals from both Ukrainian and EU regulators and structure deals that comply with both sides’ legal frameworks. Engaging a consultant with international experience gives access to up-to-date information and global best practices — often a decisive factor for a successful transaction.