Français du Canada 
Buying Process
Phase 1
Strategic Deal Structuring
● Objective Alignment:
Clearly define your goals for the acquisition—are you looking for growth, diversification, or a strategic market entry?
● Framework Design:
Structure the deal to address key considerations like upfront payment, earnouts, equity involvement, or seller retention.
● Risk Mitigation:
Incorporate clauses to minimize exposure, such as indemnities, warranties, and non-compete agreements.
● Value Proposition:
Ensure that the terms reflect the value of the acquired business, including its client base, assets under management, and recurring revenue.
Phase 2
Comprehensive Due Diligence
● Financial Analysis:
Review financial statements, client fee structures, revenue streams, and profitability trends.
● Operational Review:
Assess internal processes, systems, and workflows to identify integration challenges.
● Client Retention Metrics:
Understand the stickiness of the client base, including retention rates and the client demographics.
● Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure the target business complies with industry regulations, licensing requirements, and ethical standards.
● Cultural Fit:
Evaluate alignment in company values, culture, and long-term vision to minimize post-deal conflicts.
Phase 3
Secured DealFinancing
● Funding Plan:
Decide on the mix of financing options (cash, debt, equity) that best supports the transaction.
● Lender Engagement:
If financing involves external lenders, secure pre-approvals and ensure funding is accessible within the deal’s timeline.
● Cost Analysis:
Evaluate the cost of financing, including interest rates, repayment terms, and potential impact on cash flow.
● Flexibility:
Build in financial flexibility to accommodate unexpected costs during the transition or integration phase.
Phase 4
Optimized Tax Strategy
● Tax Impact Assessment:
Analyze how the deal structure affects tax obligations for both buyer and seller.
Asset vs. Share
● Transaction:
Determine the most tax-efficient structure—acquiring assets may provide more deductions, while share acquisitions may simplify client relationships.
● Jurisdictional Considerations:
Understand the tax implications in your operating region, especially for cross-border transactions.
● Post-Deal Planning:
Plan for ongoing tax efficiency post-acquisition to optimize profitability and compliance.
Phase 5
Robust Documentation and Finalization
● Legal Agreements:
Draft detailed contracts covering all aspects of the deal, including the purchase agreement, non-compete clauses, and transition arrangements.
● Regulatory Filings:
Complete all necessary filings with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
● Review Process:
Collaborate with legal and financial experts to review all documents thoroughly, ensuring clarity and completeness.
● Final Closing:
Confirm that all preconditions are met (e.g., financing, due diligence approvals) and proceed to finalize the transaction.