M&A advisory focused on owner-managed businesses and SMEs
We have extensive experience across all aspects of the transaction process, whether it involves acquisitions or divestments. Our primary focus is strategic and financial advisory services for owner-managed businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
We possess in-depth knowledge of the strategic and financial considerations that are critical to achieving the optimal transaction outcome. While we do not specialise in any single sector, we advise clients across a broad range of industries.
Strategic and efficient sale of your business
At Grant Thornton Corporate Finance, we combine technical expertise with a holistic advisory approach, enabling us to provide fully integrated services and guide you safely through the entire transaction process.
Working with complete discretion and often in competitive situations involving multiple potential buyers, we identify and approach selected parties, negotiate key terms, and secure the best possible conditions for you and your business.
Holistic transaction management
We act as the project manager throughout the entire transaction process and serve as a trusted strategic adviser to owners, executive management, and boards of directors. This enables you to maintain focus on running the business and achieving the operational objectives that are critical to completing the transaction on the best possible terms.
Market insight and buyer identification
We leverage our market insight and experience to assess the value of the business and identify potential buyers who are both strategically relevant and capable of paying the right price. The most suitable buyers may be international, and through Grant Thornton’s global network, we gain rapid access to key decision-makers, wherever they are located in the world.
Secure execution and early preparation
Our structured sale process and strong negotiation capabilities ensure a clear presentation of the acquisition opportunity and the best possible sale price for you as the client. We work closely with you before, during and after closing, helping to manage key risks and contractual terms throughout the transaction.
The earlier the process is initiated, the greater the opportunity to prepare the business for sale and maximise its value ahead of a future transaction.
M&A process when selling a business
Whether you are facing a generational transition or seeking a new partner to support future growth, it is beneficial to begin the process well in advance to clarify the motivations and expectations surrounding a potential sale. We help evaluate the various options and work with you to tailor the best solution based on your specific circumstances.
Preparing a business for a potential sale requires careful planning and a thorough assessment of both the business plan and market opportunities. Through a comprehensive analysis of commercial and financial factors, we help our clients prepare their businesses for sale, creating the best possible conditions for a successful transaction.
It is essential to communicate the right equity story and highlight the key commercial strengths of the business to potential buyers. To achieve this, high-quality professional sales materials must be developed, based on in-depth analyses of the factors that drive value within the company. We prepare these materials with the objective of generating interest from the right buyers and securing the best possible terms for the sale.
We help identify relevant buyers, both locally and internationally, based on criteria such as strategic fit, potential synergies, corporate culture, and financial capacity. Through Grant Thornton’s global network of more than 6,400 M&A advisers across over 150 countries, we often have direct access to the most relevant buyers, wherever they are located in the world.
We manage all communication with potential buyers, from the initial dialogue through to final negotiations, presenting the opportunity and responding to questions from interested parties throughout the process. In addition, we help owners and management teams prepare for critical questions and rehearse presentations ahead of management and company presentations.
A successful business sale is about both finding the right partner for the company’s future journey and securing attractive terms for the current owners. We help compare and evaluate offers and negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible transaction terms.
Business acquisition
As achieving profitable organic growth can be challenging in a competitive global market, acquisitions and market consolidation are often attractive strategies for companies seeking to expand rapidly through new products, services, or entry into new geographic markets.
Strategic market screening
At Grant Thornton Corporate Finance, we can support you throughout every stage of the acquisition process. If you need assistance identifying potential acquisition opportunities in the global market, we are ready to help. We always begin by developing a thorough understanding of the rationale behind a potential acquisition. Based on this, we conduct a comprehensive market screening and identify the most relevant target companies, both in Denmark and internationally.
Working with complete discretion and often in competition with other potential buyers, we approach selected target companies and negotiate the key terms to secure the best possible outcome for you and your business.
Advisory throughout the transaction
If you have already identified a potential acquisition opportunity but are looking for an adviser with experience across the entire transaction process, we are also available to assist. An acquisition process involves many considerations and complex decisions, and having an experienced adviser by your side can be invaluable.
We create value by providing strategic and financial advice throughout the transaction and by working closely with both owners and management teams. Our support includes guidance on the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, advice on the bidding process and transaction structure, assessment of potential synergies, identification of key commercial and financial negotiation points, and recommendations for the post-acquisition integration of the target company.
Financing and optimal capital structure
If the acquisition cannot be financed through available funds, we can also help secure the necessary capital. Many acquisitions require a combination of equity and debt financing, and achieving the right balance is crucial for managing both risk and return. We advise on the optimal capital structure based on the company’s strategy, risk profile, and financial position, drawing on extensive experience with debt financing and negotiations with banks and other lenders. This ensures that the financing structure supports both the acquisition and the company’s continued growth and development.
