Overview

Deciding to acquire or merge with another firm, or explore a private equity deal, is one of the most crucial decisions you and your partners will ever make. That’s why you need the advice of someone who knows the industry, the players and the things to look at when considering a move of this magnitude.

Allan D. Koltin, CPA, Koltin Consulting Group CEO, and co-author of CPA Firm Merger Strategies That Work, is widely recognized as one of the top M&A/PE consultants in the accounting industry. He has helped scores of firms make the right decision about mergers & acquisitions by leading them through a process that includes:

For M&A:

• Defining the firm’s goals and expectations
• Targeting the market and beginning the search
• Reviewing candidates and making an offer
• Negotiating and closing the deal
• Planning for post-merger communications, operations and cultural integration

For PE:

• Gain an understanding of why PE is interested in the accounting profession and the benefits they could provide
• Explore what would be the best type of strategic acquirer (PE, Independent firm, Merger of Equals, etc.) for the firm
• Engage with various acquirers to learn more about the potential cultural, strategic, and economic fit
• Exchange financial and operational information to see what an economic deal would look like
• Set up both in-person and virtual calls for the shareholders and stakeholders
• Decide on whether to “merge up” and, if so, select a firm