M&A Playbookv1.0.0

A software company seeks to acquire a smaller SaaS startup to gain new technology and talent. The buyer uses the target screening scorecard to evaluate strategic fit and applies SaaS valuation multiples, while conducting thorough due diligence on IP and customer retention.

A family-owned manufacturing business prepares for sale by improving exit readiness, such as reducing customer concentration and documenting operations. The seller leverages value enhancement levers to increase valuation, with deal structuring focusing on asset purchase for tax benefits.

Two consulting agencies merge to expand market reach and achieve synergies. They follow the integration playbook for the first 100 days, stabilizing operations and planning cultural integration, while using the sell side framework to assess management independence.

A private equity firm evaluates a target company using the buy side framework, applying DCF and comparable transactions for valuation. Due diligence includes financial and legal checks, with deal structuring options like earnouts to bridge valuation gaps.

An e-commerce platform acquires a niche marketplace to diversify offerings. The buyer screens targets based on growth rate and integration complexity, uses marketplace valuation multiples, and plans integration to consolidate technology and vendor contracts.

Businesses with recurring subscription revenue, high net revenue retention, and scalable technology. Valuation often uses ARR multiples (e.g., 4-15x), with due diligence focusing on MRR/ARR reconciliation and customer churn.

Firms providing professional services like consulting or marketing, often project-based with lower recurring revenue. Valuation uses revenue multiples (e.g., 1-3x), and due diligence assesses client concentration and operational dependencies.

Companies producing physical goods with capital-intensive operations and supply chain complexities. Valuation applies revenue multiples (e.g., 0.5-2x), and due diligence includes working capital analysis and CapEx requirements.