Business Acquisition
For more than 15 years, we have successfully advised clients on company and business unit acquisitions.
Around half of our mandates involve cross-border transactions, reflecting our experience in identifying and approaching acquisition targets across international markets.
Whether pursuing market expansion, portfolio development, technology acquisition, or succession-related opportunities, a successful acquisition requires careful preparation, rigorous analysis, and disciplined execution.
We advise our clients throughout the entire acquisition process, from acquisition strategy and target identification to transaction execution and closing.
Professional. Independent. Personal.
Dr. Patrick Stiller
A business acquisition requires careful preparation, sound judgement, and disciplined execution.
We would be pleased to discuss your acquisition objectives in confidence.
Our Clients
Our clients range from entrepreneurial buyers and family-owned businesses to private equity investors and corporate groups.
While acquisition objectives differ, all clients share the ambition to grow through acquisitions and realise strategic opportunities.
We support private equity firms in platform investments, add-on acquisitions, and buy-and-build strategies.
We also advise international corporates seeking attractive acquisition opportunities in Germany and across Europe as part of their growth and expansion plans.
Senior-Level Advice. From Strategy to Closing.
A Proven Process. Thoughtfully Applied.
We assume overall project responsibility and coordinate all activities and advisers involved in the acquisition process.
Every acquisition process is different and depends on the buyer's objectives, acquisition criteria, and strategic priorities. Our services can therefore be adapted to individual requirements, but typically include the following phases.
1 Acquisition Strategy & Preparation
Establishing a clear framework for the acquisition process.
- Define acquisition objectives and strategic priorities
- Develop an acquisition strategy and target profile
- Identify relevant industries, markets, and target companies
- Conduct market research and target screening
- Prepare the acquisition approach and communication strategy
Typical timeline: Months 1 to 3
2 Target Approach & Preliminary Evaluation
Identifying opportunities and assessing strategic fit.
- Approach selected target companies on a confidential basis
- Coordinate confidentiality agreements and information exchange
- Review available information and assess strategic attractiveness
- Evaluate opportunities, risks, and potential synergies
- Prepare and submit indicative offers where appropriate
- Support management presentations and preliminary negotiations
Typical timeline: Months 3 to 5
3 Transaction Execution
Managing the transaction through signing and closing.
- Negotiate key commercial terms and Letters of Intent
- Coordinate due diligence processes and specialist advisers
- Support purchase agreement negotiations
- Assist with purchase price discussions and transaction structuring
- Coordinate communication among stakeholders
- Support signing and closing preparations
Typical timeline: Months 6 to 7
Network + Technology
Finding the Right Acquisition Targets Requires More Than One Approach.
We combine traditional market research, specialised transaction databases, proprietary screening tools, modern AI-assisted research techniques, and industry knowledge to identify relevant acquisition targets.
In less transparent markets or where “hidden champions” are involved, we also leverage the experience of our international network and local market contacts.
Our objective is not to generate long target lists, but to identify companies that are genuinely aligned with our clients' acquisition criteria and strategic objectives.
Proactive Deal Origination
Many attractive acquisition opportunities never become part of a formal sale process.
Particularly in fragmented markets, proactively approaching selected companies can be an effective way to identify opportunities before they become visible to a broader group of buyers.
Combining market intelligence, targeted research, and direct outreach, we help our clients access opportunities that may not emerge through traditional auction processes.
Valuation & Purchase Price Assessment
A successful acquisition requires a clear understanding of value and a realistic assessment of the factors influencing purchase price expectations.
In addition to financial performance, strategic rationale, growth prospects, competitive dynamics, and transaction structure can all have a significant impact on valuation.
Drawing on transaction experience and continuous dialogue with strategic and financial investors, we help clients assess acquisition opportunities and negotiate from an informed position.
