Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are becoming an increasingly popular corporate strategy for businesses of all sizes, from small start-up companies to large corporations. When done correctly, it can be a powerful tool for expanding and growing the business in order to stay competitive in today’s market. But M&A transactions can also come with some major challenges when sellers are on the wrong end of the deal, as they often have difficulties finding buyers and navigating complex legal expectations that could challenge their financial future. In this blog post, Gary Pryor discusses some of the biggest challenges faced by sellers during an M&A transaction and what steps they need to take to minimize risks associated with these roadblocks.
Gary Pryor Lists Some Of The Biggest Challenges In M&A Transactions For Sellers
One of the biggest challenges sellers face in M&A transactions is pricing, says Gary Pryor. Sellers must ensure they receive a fair market value for their business, but that can be hard to do when buyers have more information than the seller on things like market trends and valuations. Additionally, with so much competition in the marketplace, it can be difficult to find a buyer willing and able to pay an appropriate price. Furthermore, sellers may not know how or when to adjust their asking prices in order to remain competitive and attract interested buyers.
Another challenge is communication. It is important for sellers to understand all facets of the deal and what will be expected from them during the transaction process. Communication between buyers and sellers about issues such as due diligence requirements, legal matters, and financials is key to a successful transaction. Additionally, it can be difficult to negotiate due diligence requests from the buyers, as well as any changes that may need to be made in order to complete the deal.
It can also be difficult for sellers to ensure they have fully disclosed all relevant information related to their business. Buyers will conduct thorough due diligence and expect accurate and up-to-date information about the company. If there are discrepancies or inaccurate data presented, this could cause delays in closing the deal or even result in a cancellation of the sale altogether.
Finally, tax laws associated with M&A transactions, as per Gary Pryor, can be complex and hard for sellers to navigate without assistance from an experienced professional who understands them. As such, it is important for sellers to have a tax advisor who can help them understand the implications of the transaction and ensure they receive benefits from the sale.
According to Deloitte’s 2020 Global Mergers & Acquisitions Trend report, 80 percent of dealmakers said that pricing was one of the most challenging aspects of M&A transactions. Additionally, over half reported communication issues as a key challenge in closing deals. These statistics illustrate just how important it is for sellers to be aware of and prepared for these challenges when considering an M&A transaction.
One example illustrating just how difficult this process can be Procter & Gamble’s acquisition of Gillette in 2005. The deal was highly scrutinized by regulatory bodies and was even subject to a lawsuit from shareholders, who claimed that the sale price of $57 billion did not accurately reflect Gillette’s true value. Ultimately, after several delays, the deal went through, but it serves as an example of just how complex an M&A transaction can be.
Gary Pryor’s Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, sellers face a number of challenges when considering an M&A transaction. According to Gary Pryor, from pricing and communication issues to tax law complexities and disclosure requirements, it is important for sellers to understand these potential obstacles in order to ensure they receive a fair market value for their business while minimizing the risk associated with the sale process. With the right preparation and assistance from experienced professionals, sellers can maximize their chances of success when navigating this type of transaction.