Timothy Goddard (cont’d)
Now down to Silicon Valley, Marc O'Brien.
Marc O’Brien
It is important to have the correct people attending your launch meeting to ensure the experience will translate to an optimal, actual launch when presenting to potential buyers. The best launch audience will include senior members of your M&A advisory team as well as key stakeholders from your side. From your advisor, you want to have multiple deal makers in the meeting as they have experience in the process and will know key areas of both additional focus and red flags.
It is important the senior deal makers attend but also key personnel in other areas. For an effective launch of your company into the market, it is essential the entire team has not only an understanding of the management presentation but can provide feedback from years of experience. A good example is the professional writer on staff that will be crafting the documents to be sent to potential buyers. No one knows your business better than you and having an experienced M&A writer, both absorb your material but also provide feedback, is a tremendous benefit.
The same is true on the research team who will build buyers' lists, valuations, and other materials. From your side, make sure you have people in the room who can speak authoritatively about core business areas, in particular, finance, technology, and overall strategy. The confidentiality of the process is important but so is having the right people engaged and available to answer questions from your advisor's team. Discuss with your advisor the best way to strike this balance well ahead of the meeting.
Timothy Goddard
Thanks Marc.
This is a segment from Tech M&A Monthly: M&A Launch – 10 Tips to Ensure Success (May) webcast. For more information, please visit Corum Group's Software M&A Webcast Archive.