M&A Timeline - Actual Deliverables?

Noob looking for insight. I conceptually can wrap my head around what goes on during an M&A processes but am confused about the concrete deliverables that physically govern the transaction (I.E a warranty deed establishing ownership of a house is drafted by a law firm as a deliverable, which concretely establishes ownership of buyer). I was wondering if someone could share a brief timeline of a deal and the typical physical "deliverables" that are needed as it progresses which show its concrete progression. Thank you!

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a brief timeline of a typical M&A deal and the concrete deliverables involved:

Project Name

  • Importance: Naming the project is crucial. For example, if your MD is inspired by something like Aspen trees, the project might be named "Project Aspen."

Organizational Meeting

  • Kickoff Call: This is the initial meeting to lay out the transaction workstreams and align everyone on timing and expectations.
  • Deliverables:
    • Transaction Workstreams:
    • NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)
    • Buyers List
    • Teaser
    • Model
    • CIP (Confidential Information Presentation)
    • Data Room

Send Teaser and NDA

  • Teaser: A document with general information about the company, including basic financial information and geography, but nothing that makes the company identifiable.
  • NDA: Sent to a broad universe of strategics and financial sponsors. Follow up on NDAs and send daily progression reports to the deal team.

CIP, Model, IOI Process Letter

  • After NDA Execution: Interested buyers receive the CIP, Model, and IOI (Indication of Interest) process letter.
  • Deliverables:
    • CIP: Detailed information about the company.
    • Model: Financial model of the company.
    • IOI Process Letter: Instructions for submitting an Indication of Interest.

Pre-IOI Diligence Meetings

  • Meetings with Interested Buyers: Buyers ask for additional data and valuation guidance.
  • Deliverables:
    • Data Requests: Provide additional data as requested by buyers.
    • Valuation Guidance: General guidance on valuation, though specifics are often withheld.

Indication of Interest (IOI)

  • Receive Bids: Collect bids from interested buyers.
  • Deliverables:
    • Bids: Review and evaluate the bids received.
    • Progression Reports: Regular updates to the deal team on the status of bids and buyer interest.

Final Steps

  • Further Diligence and Negotiations: Engage in deeper due diligence and negotiations with the most attractive bidders.
  • Deliverables:
    • Final Agreements: Draft and finalize the purchase agreement and other necessary legal documents.
    • Closing Documents: Complete all required documentation to close the deal.

This timeline provides a structured overview of the key deliverables at each stage of the M&A process, ensuring concrete progression and alignment with transaction goals.

Sources: Sellside / Buyside M&A Process "Checklist", Sell-Side M&A Overview, M&A consultant Q&A, Intro to M&A deal docs, Overview of Sell-Side M&A

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

What about if you are on the buy side? Keen to understand what is the focus between stage 1 and stage 2 and when the crunch points are and how you can add value as a banker?

 

I've only worked on a handful of small buy-side mandates. They typically came after a successful platform deal with a LMM sponsor/family office that engaged us to source add-on acquisitions. The primary deliverable was a target list with regular updates on financials, ops, management, etc...all the updates that we would provide potential buyers in the diligence phase of the deal.

I'd imagine larger buy-side engagements are more involved, but I don't have the experience to opine.

 

Autem quidem saepe excepturi sit. Est quis ea voluptatem repellendus.

Neque maxime enim sint totam accusantium. Quia et nobis fugiat velit qui at minima cumque. Possimus occaecati nulla molestiae nemo fugit at non. Architecto fuga non necessitatibus id nobis. Consectetur maxime eos ex reiciendis cum rerum quas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”