Acquisition scout

We help define your acquisition strategy and then engage with targets through our acquisition scout program to ensure you acquire companies fully aligned to your growth objectives.

Our deep understanding of both the agency and martech landscapes provides a unique level of insight across the marketing spectrum.

On the buy side: Our process

  • Define the acquisition strategy based on a comprehensive scoring model that includes requirements based on:
    • employee count, financials, locations, services, client type, technology and culture
    • define the sweet spot, and use as a baseline for the target lists
  • Acquisition target research and development; includes in depth “market immersion”
    • reviewing agency and tech models
    • document market trends (spends and services)
    • define a glossary of terms and omni-channel services
    • document recent and relevant acquisitions, including valuations
    • competitor snapshot
  • Transition long list to short list based on pre-agreed parameters, including
    • financial overview
    • services overview and content tiers
    • locations and employees
    • clients and industry expertise
    • culture
    • technology
    • organisational structure
    • ownership
  • Final recommendations based on a step, stride and leap methoodology
  • Target prospect engagement
  • Coordinate to close

On the sell side: Our Key Principles for developing an exit strategy

  • Be Flexible – the investment and exit strategy may change as conversations develop
  • Focus on your profits – EBITDA is likely to be the key metric of valuation so improve margins wherever possible
  • Protect any recurring value – software that attracts transaction or recurring revenue will drive your multiple
  • 3 Year financial projections – Be pragmatic. They must be credible and deliverable.
  • Growth potential – invest in new services and a keen focus on new business development
  • Focus on BAU – utilise trusted 3rd parties to minimise disruption to your business as you execute your exit

For more information on recent projects please contact us at hello@tkm-consultants.com