Buy-Side M&A

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Company acquisition - Buy-Side M&A

Companies often rely on opportunistic acquisitions and seller-driven bidding processes for their M&A activities – to the disadvantage of the buyer. Our buyer-led framework, BuyerControl, ensures that the buyer remains in control at all times.

From the targeted search for and approach of strategically suitable target companies to individually tailored contract negotiations, the buyer always remains ‘in the lead’.

WTS Advisory supports family businesses and corporations alike in strategic acquisitions with services tailored to your situation. This includes:

Your company has its own M&A department: WTS Advisory acts as a target interface, enabling systematic relationship building. As a result, the M&A department has more time for internal processes.
Your company does not have an M&A department: WTS Advisory acts as an outsourced M&A department and takes on all the tasks of an M&A/corporate development department.
You have already defined your acquisition strategy: We act as a sparring partner and implementer, validating your strategy through iterative target research and deriving tailor-made acquisition measures.
You do not yet have an acquisition strategy: We work with you to develop a viable strategy and translate it into targeted acquisition measures.

How does a buy-side M&A process work?

Strategy workshop

In the strategy workshop, we work with you to analyze your current growth plans—both organic and inorganic—and compare them specifically with market conditions. On this basis, we identify initial potential target companies, thus laying the foundation for a customized search strategy.

Identification and evaluation of attractive target markets for acquisitions
Development of a compelling acquisition story for potential partners
Creation of an anonymized “benefit profile” that clearly highlights the strategic advantages for all stakeholders

Research / Prioritization

We identify a comprehensive long list of potential targets based on the defined target markets. Subsequently, we prioritize the most attractive candidates in collaboration with you and create a shortlist. As part of this phase, we prepare individual approaches for the selected targets.

Direct and confidential contact with potential targets
Communication of a shared vision and building of trust
Organization of management meetings and on-site visits

Target approach

We approach potential target companies individually and discreetly. The approach is based on the jointly developed strategic vision. If there is interest in selling shares, we organize an initial joint meeting.

Direct and confidential contact with potential targets
Communication of a shared vision and building trust
Organization of management meetings and on-site visits

Initial meeting

At the first face-to-face meeting, we actively support you in convincing the decision-makers on target level of the strategic relevance and advantages of the project. Together, we create a trusting atmosphere for discussion and lay the foundation for successful cooperation.

Identifying the individual interests of the discussion partners and strengthening trust
Developing a shared vision and defining the next steps

Target valuation / Non-binding offer

We support you in obtaining and analyzing all relevant company information in order to make a sound assessment of the target. On this basis, we work with you to develop an economically attractive offer tailored to your goals. In doing so, we take into account both your interests and the seller's expectations in order to maximize the likelihood of closing the deal.

Detailed company analysis and valuation
Development and optimization of individual offer components
Comprehensive evaluation of opportunities and risks
Preparation of an economically viable offer with a high probability of closing
Drafting and presentation of a letter of intent (LOI)

Due diligence

We coordinate the entire due diligence process, assist you in selecting suitable advisors, and guide the seller in the structured preparation of all relevant documents and the setup of the data room. This ensures a smooth and efficient process.

Guidance for the seller to ensure a targeted and efficient process
Coordination of due diligence and support in selecting advisors

Negotiation & Closing

Jointly with you WTS Advisory develops a draft agreement (SPA), coordinates the contract negotiations, and supports their implementation. In doing so, we always maintain a relationship of trust with the seller. As a mediator, WTS Advisory resolves potential conflicts and ensures the smooth completion of the transaction.

Integration

If necessary, WTS Advisory supports the integration with relevant specialists.

Our offer - Advantages of working with WTS Advisory

Access to highly attractive target companies that are not “on the market”

Transactions in line with your corporate strategy

Highest response rate/conversion rate on the market

Process reliability through risk anticipation and minimization

Mediation and negotiation in complex negotiation processes

More than 15 years of experience with over 100 projects

Contact

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in our services or have any further questions. You can reach our experts directly using the contact details below or via the contact form.

Main Contact

Jan Steinbächer

Director Advisory

M&A Strategy

Frankfurt

+49 151 52535576

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Main Contact

Jean-Christophe Irigoyen

Director Advisory

M&A Strategy

Frankfurt

+49 151 72401988

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BuyerControl approach?

The BuyerControl approach is a proactive, systematic, and strategically oriented buy-side M&A concept. It enables complete control over the entire transaction process, from the identification of potential target companies to post-merger integration.

How long does an acquisition process with WTS Advisory usually take?

We typically accompany you through a buy-side M&A process over a period of 6-12 months. We start with an analysis and strategy workshop (1-2 months), followed by a market phase (2-6 months). This results in negotiations, during which we support you until the contract is signed and the shares are transferred (2-4 months).

We generally support our clients over the long term—sometimes across multiple acquisitions, which we can also manage in parallel if necessary.

Why is WTS Advisory the right choice for your buy-side M&A project?

With its exclusive BuyerControl service offering, WTS Advisory is one of the few providers in Germany to offer specialized buy-side M&A consulting. Our dedicated buy-side M&A team supports your company in identifying suitable and attractive target companies that are not yet publicly available on the market and in establishing exclusive and trusting relationships with them – with the ultimate goal of realizing measurably successful transactions. Our common goal is to actively shape your M&A process instead of waiting for opportunities: become a creator instead of a driven player.

Another advantage is WTS's global network: Through our collaboration with WTS Global, we can support you not only with domestic acquisitions but also with cross-border acquisitions, offering you comprehensive market knowledge and international reach. This ensures that your buy-side strategy is implemented optimally – regardless of whether you want to invest in Germany or worldwide.

Further topics, you could be interested in

Sell-Side Advisory

Capital Markets

Fit for Sale

Contact us today

Do you have any questions about our services or WTS? Please let us know. Please fill in our short contact form. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

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