PSMJ has had the pleasure of working with many companies
over the years - of all sizes, markets, locations, and cultures.  And when it comes to helping our clients successfully navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, we often see some of the same approaches and blind spots. 

One of the most commonly-held beliefs is that the best buyer for your company is the giant firm that rapaciously gobbles up companies and talent (maybe that should be “has the ability and track record of successful acquisitions”).

We are in regular contact with deal-makers from “the bigs” and, on behalf of our sell-side clients, often present companies to them when there is a good match for their growth-by-acquisition plans.  These companies are organized, motivated, and have the ability to make things happen.  That said, they are not going to be interested in every company that is presented to them, AND lots of opportunities are presented to them.   Deal-flow is a double-edged sword: they recognize the value of being able to pick and choose from the best opportunities presented to them, but it also means they spend a lot of time, money and effort looking at companies which will not, in the long-run, become part of the family.

Conversely, for the selling company, being in a beauty pageant is not necessarily the best way to meet a spouse.  What makes for a good partnership?  In reality, there are many variables. What are your/their strengths? What are your/their shortcomings?  Do your company cultures match? What are your long-term plans – individually and if you tie the knot? Where do you add strategic benefit? With whom will 1+1=10? 

At PSMJ, we know and are known by many, many firms, each with their own mix of strengths and weaknesses, and plans, and cultures.  We understand and evaluate the many dimensions by which A/E firms are measured, compete and perform.  As M&A advisors, we encourage our clients to look for the best fit – your Ideal Match, not just the biggest name on the list of suitors.

You can check out more ways to evaluate your firm’s culture in PSMJ’s "just-released" Navigate the Hurdles to M&A Success: The Ultimate A/E Mergers & Acquisitions Manual  with hundreds of pages of insights and advice, backed up by innovative thinking that only the successful PSMJ advisers can make. PLUS, you get dozens of tables, charts, worksheets, and templates to get on track for success!