We coach small to middle-market business owners, corporate clients, and investors (private equity, family offices, …) throughout the process of selling (part of) their companies, while focusing on the optimal transaction structure (such as leveraged buy-outs), securing the best price, and ensuring alignment with the acquirer’s DNA and strategic goals.
We coach small to middle-market business owners, corporate clients, and investors (private equity, family offices, …) throughout the process of selling (part of) their companies, while focusing on the optimal transaction structure (such as leveraged buy-outs), securing the best price, and ensuring alignment with the acquirer’s DNA and strategic goals.
An acquisition by a strategic buyer can provide a company with access to greater scale, new markets, broader product offerings, commercial synergies, technology and a stronger platform for future growth. In such cases, the value of the business is determined not only by its financial performance, but also by its strategic relevance to the acquirer.
For the selling shareholder, this can result in a full exit at an attractive strategic valuation. At the same time, this type of process requires a targeted and discreet approach to the market.
VDP identifies and approaches carefully selected strategic buyers, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on strategic fit, execution certainty and achieving optimal terms for the selling shareholders.
Private equity can be an attractive solution for entrepreneurs considering a partial or full exit while continuing to support the future growth of their business. Financial investors typically focus on cash flow generation, management quality, growth potential and opportunities for further professionalisation, buy-and-build strategies or a future secondary exit.
VDP supports shareholders in selecting the right financial investor, with a focus on valuation, deal structure, governance and the company’s long-term ambitions.
Companies pursuing growth ambitions regularly seek acquisition targets to acquire new capabilities, expand geographically, achieve economies of scale or strengthen their market position. Identifying suitable targets is often a complex and time-consuming process, as publicly available information does not always provide an accurate picture of the underlying business.
VDP combines extensive transaction experience, specialised databases and an international network of advisers to map markets and identify relevant acquisition targets. The focus is on strategic fit, execution feasibility and the potential value creation for the acquirer.
Many acquirers already have a specific acquisition target in mind or are engaged in discussions with a potential target. However, transitioning from opportunistic interest to a structured acquisition process requires a well-considered approach, a thorough understanding of the selling shareholders’ expectations and expertise in the key considerations throughout the transaction process.
VDP supports acquirers throughout the entire acquisition process or with specific aspects of the transaction, including valuation, negotiations, the preparation of (non-)binding offers and the coordination of due diligence. The focus is on maximising the likelihood of a successful transaction under the best possible terms.
A successful acquisition requires more than simply agreeing on the purchase price. The financing structure, risk allocation and incentive mechanisms often play a decisive role in determining the overall value and outcome of the transaction for all parties involved.
VDP has extensive experience in structuring acquisitions and supports clients in designing an optimal financing mix of equity, senior bank debt, subordinated debt and vendor financing. Based on a credible and well-founded business plan, VDP assists in discussions with financing providers and develops a transaction structure that is both financially sound and strategically sustainable.
Companies regularly refocus on their core activities, with non-core businesses becoming candidates for divestment. Releasing capital through a divestment can generate liquidity, reduce leverage and enable the group to concentrate on its core strengths. Such transactions, however, require careful preparation.
VDP supports companies throughout the entire divestment process, from transaction preparation and identifying key carve-out considerations to mapping potential buyers, coordinating due diligence and assisting in negotiations. The focus is on a structured and discreet approach that maximises the value of the business being divested.
Companies may opt for a joint venture when a full acquisition is neither desirable nor feasible, but partnering with another party provides access to new markets, technologies or economies of scale. The success of a joint venture largely depends on selecting the right partner and establishing clear agreements on responsibilities and governance.
VDP advises companies throughout the establishment, structuring and negotiation of joint ventures, with a focus on partner fit, transaction structure, governance and the long-term interests of all parties involved.
