Reflecting on the Value of Your Business

It is important for business owners to understand the factors that influence value in both the general economy and the acquisition market. This is certainly necessary for owners who are currently considering the sale of their business or may consider such a transaction in the near future.

Fairness Opinions

As part of our transaction advisory and consulting services, Mercer Capital is often called upon to provide fairness opinions in transactions.

The Importance of Reflecting on the Value of Your Business

Many business owners have not done a great deal of thinking about the value of their businesses. When we talk to these business owners about potential transactions, they often have no (or an unrealistic) notion of the economic benefits associated with their ownership interest in the business.

Why Do Good Deals Go Bad?

Corporate mergers and acquisitions are typically announced in a press release that expresses the enthusiasm of both the purchaser and the target. Like any wedding, a deal is an event that results in a great deal of excitement on the part of both participants, as well as a great deal of speculation on the part of those familiar with the union about whether or not it is a wise decision. And, like many marriages between a man and a woman, a significant number of corporate marriages result in disappointment for all involved.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities, comprising convertible debt and convertible preferred stock, represent a hybrid ownership interest combining features of both “straight” debt and common equity.

Financial vs. Strategic Buyers

The terms “Financial Buyer” and/or “Strategic Buyer” frequently arise in discussions about investment banking activities, particularly when discussing the sale of a business. This article describes some of the characteristics of each type of buyer, and briefly discusses potential situations in which one might be more appropriate than the other.

Cash Flow Definitions

Acquirers of non-financial services companies tend to focus on various definitions of cash flow and value.