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Hiring a Freelance Merger & Acquisition analyst

Why and when you need a M&A Analyst Consultant

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) is a key function that cuts across sectors and is important for companies to help maximize value and grow. This goes beyond just financial skills. It requires strategic, operational, macroeconomic, industry, legal, tax and human resource considerations. It encompasses all aspects of a business to understand the concept of its value and how it is perceived to potential buyers. 

M&A Analysts help contribute to a wider team effort to enable the business to focus on the day-to-day activities, while considering options for inorganic or acquisitive growth. Companies may have an internal M&A team and during evaluations and negotiations for potential acquisition targets they may be under-resourced and require short-term capacity to ensure a potential transaction meets key timelines and does not disrupt the strategic and operational performance of the business. At other times, smaller businesses may not have the required skill set or dedicated resources to M&A activity, and an external consultant can take up a larger role during the M&A process to free up the business to remain focused on its daily operations.

The failure rate for M&A transactions is often estimated at between 70%-90%, which highlights the value of investing in resources in the evaluation and execution process

Find and hire the best and most qualified experts in M&A analysis through Outvise paying only for the time/project you need them. 

Case studies with M&A analyst

Certified M&A analyst in the Network

case study
M&A Analyst Case Study: Acquisition of interest in unproven but high potential business in the energy sector

Challenge, Context, Problems to be solved

A large energy business was looking to make entry into a new sub-sector of its industry that used an emerging technology. The business was in an early stage and included potential ESG risks.

Mission, tools and methodology

  • Evaluated the financial potential and risked various scenarios.
  • Helped management determine the most reasonable valuation.
  • Supported negotiations to ensure the price was reasonable given the considerable uncertainty.
  • Worked with Public Relations and Legal departments to address ESG risks and incorporate factors in the purchase agreement.
  • Engaged with concerned third parties with respect to ESG matters.

Achieved results

  • Completed transaction worth £40 million.
  • Developed process for evaluating similar transactions for the business in the future.
  • Addressed ESG concerns and offered a tool for the business to evaluate such risks that are evolving in the sector.

case study
M&A Analyst Case Study: Screening and evaluation of potential M&A targets for market entry strategy

Challenge, Context, Problems to be solved

Oil and gas company was looking for overseas expansion as a part of its wider strategy but was uncertain as to what markets or companies to target for acquisition.

Mission, tools and methodology

  • Screened various geographies and fit with wider corporate portfolio and strategy.
  • Evaluated tax and regulatory implications in various countries.
  • Screened companies that fit with the company’s existing strategy and identified business synergies.
  • Worked with third parties to identify key considerations and relationships that could help to identify a short list of interested parties for merger or acquisition.

Achieved results

  • Developed presentations to identify the target market.
  • Made recommendations to management for a short list of M&A targets, that included evaluation of synergies, risks and valuations.
  • Identified resources to move to a new market to evaluate opportunities and perform due diligence on the ground.
  • Company moved an entire team to the recommended market and initiated negotiations with potential targets.

Must have skills for an Expert in M&A Analysis

  • Financial acumen 
  • Financial modeling 
  • Valuation 
  • Relationship building and interpersonal skills
  • Analytical and detail oriented 
  • Research skills
  • Relevant industry experience or a quick learner
  • Presentation and communication  – oral and written
  • Negotiation
  • Familiarity with more than one business domain (HR, accounting, etc.)
  • Legal, governance and risk assessments
  • Comfortable with evaluating  legal implications and regulatory rules

Responsibilities of this role

The role of the M&A Analyst can take place on the buy side or the sell side, but in general the role is to support management by outlining a plan of action, evaluating the relevant businesses and their strategy, screening or identifying targets, running valuations and financial forecasts, developing presentations, supporting any marketing processes, managing the due diligence phase and meetings with relevant buyers or sellers and working with parties through the negotiation and completion stage. This role can support a general strategic review of M&A options, and it can also be involved in the details of a live transaction.