Why acquire one company over another?

When it comes to case studies in which one has to make a recommendation either (a) between various different companies (either to acquire, or by whom to be acquired), or (b) whether or not a company is a good target for a merger or acquisition, what metrics are the best to look for?

For example: assuming you wanted to go for a strategic buyer since they're usually willing to pay more, would you prefer a company with more revenue or a higher EBITDA margin, with more cash, etc. - what would drive a decision there?

And if you could ask for any more information aside from the basic financials (revenue, EBITDA, net income, market cap, share price, cash, debt, etc.), what would you ask for?

3 Comments
 

You can look at historical deals to find acquirers that complete often but really it comes down to getting into each potential acquirer to see how the bolt on would integrate. Do they specialize in a niche the acquirer is looking to expand? Are there cost efficiencies for the bolt on because of the acquirer's scale? Does the acquisition enable the post-merger company to take more control of their supply chain/integrate vertically? Had to do a little of this for real companies but it was back when I was an intern, so take it as you will

 

Thank you, I appreciate the help.

Would you generally say, then, that if the acquirer is larger it is a better fit inasmuch as it can more easily take advantage of cost efficiencies? I suppose there are issues with cultural fit to consider in that case, but indeed that is the point of having pros and cons of a deal.

 

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