Best M&A Advisory Firms of 2024
In mergers and acquisitions (M&A), advisors and consultants are on either side of the process. They would include investment banks, legal firms, and change management companies. However, M&A firms are the most common intermediaries in the world of M&A.
An M&A advisory firm will guide you through the processes of mergers and acquisitions. They handle most of the work to help you make the most out of your transaction by providing expertise in negotiating terms, evaluating deals, and handling the financial and legal aspects of the transaction.
Recommended Firms
Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank that specializes in M&A advisory services. Founded in 1972, they provide expert guidance on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance transactions. Their extensive industry knowledge and analytical approach help clients navigate complex deals and achieve their strategic objectives.
William Blair
William Blair is an investment banking firm known for its personalized approach to M&A advisory. Established in 1935, they focus on providing tailored financial solutions to middle-market companies. Their team of experienced advisors works closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver effective strategies for successful transactions.
Piper Sandler Companies
Piper Sandler is a leading investment bank that provides comprehensive M&A advisory services. Founded in 1895, they specialize in serving growth-oriented companies across various sectors. Their experienced team offers strategic advice throughout the transaction process to help clients maximize value and achieve their business goals.
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Robert W. Baird & Co. is an employee-owned investment bank that provides M&A advisory services primarily for middle-market companies. Established in 1919, they focus on delivering personalized service and expertise in various industries. Their advisors work collaboratively with clients to identify opportunities and execute successful transactions.
Evercore
Evercore is an independent investment banking advisory firm that specializes in M&A advisory and restructuring services. Founded in 1995, they are known for their commitment to providing unbiased advice and exceptional client service. Their team of seasoned professionals works closely with clients to navigate complex transactions and achieve optimal outcomes.
How M&A advisory firms help businesses
Trying to acquire a new business or sell your company can disrupt your operations and expose you to the risk of your business’s value decreasing. You need to partner with an M&A advisory firm to avoid these challenges.
The primary role of M&A advisory firms is to guide and execute M&A transactions for their clients. These transactions include divestitures, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and more. While mergers and acquisitions are the principal focus of M&A firms, they can also offer other services, including:
- Underwriting issuance of securities
- Advising on stock placement and issuance
- Offering investment advisory services
Your M&A advisory partner will identify suitable companies, make initial contact with other businesses, and find the best opportunities. They will then advise you on the deal structure and actively participate in your M&A negotiations.
To maximize the value you get from the transaction, you need to contact an M&A advisor sooner so that they can gather data, strategize, and network your business. They can also help you restructure, raise capital, or any other corporate finance need, including preparing your business for sale by working to increase its valuation.
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How do you choose the best M&A advisory firms?
The M&A advisory firm you partner with will make the difference whether the deal falls through or you see a significant increase in your business’s value. Mergers and acquisitions are bound to get complicated, and when things get a little bumpy, you need to have guaranteed steady hands by your side.
Here are the main steps and qualities you need to factor in when choosing the best M&A advisory firm for your project:
1. Trustworthy
You need a partner who understands your business and what you stand to gain from the transaction. It would help to find a partner who shares your interests and vision. You need to be able to count on them to have your back.
2. Understands the process
You need to find a partner who is not interested in cutting corners. The best advisors diligently represent you and your business and do not skip steps. Request and review a detailed description of what they will do at each stage of the process to get a perspective on the type of advisor they are.
3. The right team
Chemistry is integral in partnerships around sales processes. You need to bring on board a team with integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. You should feel comfortable working closely with your advisor and know your transaction is getting the attention and time it deserves.
4. Fees
Before partnering, you need to pay close attention to their fees and how they are structured. Reliable advisors mostly link their fees to the success of the deal. The right M&A advisor should be able to add more value to your transaction than the cost of their fees.
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Five things to consider when partnering with top M&A advisory companies
To achieve an effective M&A deal, you need the best M&A advisory firm to improve the chances of a successful transaction. Here are our top five key considerations when settling on an advisor for your merger or acquisition.
1. Industry expertise
An M&A firm with knowledge of the business’s industry will offer you more insight when conducting financial analyses, valuations, and research and will likely get you better deals. You need a partner who understands your business and its worth. With this, you can comfortably count on them to maximize the value of your deal.
2. Size of firm
Consider partnering with a boutique M&A firm if your business is relatively small. They will likely offer you maximum priority and work one-on-one with you through the process. If you have an established business, consider partnering with larger firms, as they have more experience working on large-scale mergers and acquisitions.
3. End-to-end assistance
The right M&A advisor will start with a business consultation to learn your business and needs, and they will stick with you until the deal is closed. You need to find a firm that will help you at every stage of the process until the end without you needing to hire any additional help at some stages.
4. Diligence
Diligence is integral to the success of your M&A transaction. To avoid discrepancies, your partner needs to understand the process and explore it step by step until the deal is done. A good advisor maintains proper documentation and provides regular feedback throughout the process.
5. Rich key contacts
You need to find an M&A partner who can leverage their contacts in the industry to help you get the best deal. Your partner needs to have existing relations with business networks and consolidators who can help streamline your M&A deal.