In this second of our two-part series of Ten-Minute Talks, special guest Andy Poole (COO and Legal Sector Partner at Armstrong Watson), Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum (Partners at CM Murray LLP) explore strategies for professional services firms in responding to an offer from an acquirer. How do you assess if the price offered is fair? Should you negotiate it, and if so, how? How should you share the sums payable on an acquisition?
This discussion will be of particular interest to professional services firms, including founder led businesses, considering merger or sale as a means of achieving their growth strategy or transitioning to the next phase in the firm’s development, including as part of a larger succession plan.
In this video, Corinne, Zulon and Andy discuss the following:
- Evaluating the offer: Key features and critical considerations – what really matters to your firm?
- Strategies for negotiation: Should you negotiate, and if you do, what can your firm realistically achieve through effective negotiation?
- Strategic decision making: Who should be involved in the decision-making process and how do you balance confidentiality with buy-in from the wider partner group?
- Distribution of proceeds: Best practices for dividing acquisition sums among partners and founders, addressing the needs of different generations and recently departed partners
Andy Poole can be contacted on andy.poole@armstrongwatson.co.uk.If you are a professional services firm and are considering a merger or sale, or if you have any questions arising from this video, please contact Partners Corinne Staves or Zulon Begum.
