How to do M&A in France?

This article will provide a detailed explanation of the types of M&A and explore how to effectively manage the M&A process.

Insight
Oct 3, 2024

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are crucial strategies for business growth and expansion, encompassing different scenarios.

This article will provide a detailed explanation of the types of M&A and explore how to effectively manage the M&A process.

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Table of Contents
  1. Differences Between Mergers and Acquisitions
  2. Reasons for Considering Mergers, Sales, or Acquisitions
  3. Key Considerations Before M&A
  4. Steps in the M&A Process
  5. Types of Mergers and Acquisitions with Examples
  6. Advantages of Mergers and Acquisitions
  7. Conclusion

1. Differences Between Mergers and Acquisitions

M&A covers two different realities: acquisitions and mergers.

1.1 Acquisitions

An acquisition occurs when one company buys another through cash, financial means, or third-party financiers such as private equity funds. Marc Irisson notes that acquisitions can be paid for in various ways, including cash or external funding.

1.2 Mergers

A merger happens when one company purchases another by paying in stock, or when two companies of similar size come together. Marc Irisson explains that mergers involve compensating the target company's shares with one's own company's shares, leading to a true merger of the companies and their shareholders. When two companies of equal size merge, neither dominates in terms of size or company culture, aiming to combine into a unified entity.

2. Reasons for Considering Mergers, Sales, or Acquisitions
2.1 Motives for the Acquirer

Companies pursue M&A for various reasons, including increasing production capacity, expanding customer bases, acquiring new technology, or entering new markets. Additionally, acquisitions can help eliminate rising competitors.

2.2 Impact on Service Companies

Service companies often use M&A to acquire skilled employees, strengthening the company's workforce in areas where it might have been lacking.

2.3 Benefits of Acquiring Smaller Companies

Acquiring smaller companies allows larger corporations to adopt their agility and efficient internal management practices, avoiding the bureaucratic inefficiencies common in large organizations.

2.4 Motives for the Seller

Sellers choose to sell their businesses for numerous reasons, such as retirement, the desire to start a new venture, or believing that new management would benefit the company and its employees more.

3. Key Considerations Before M&A

When a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or intermediate-sized enterprise (ISE) is being acquired by a larger group, the seller must align their business with the standards of the acquirer. This includes preparing compensation plans, dealing with unions, and understanding the workings of the Works Council (CSE).

Marc Irisson observes that small companies often reflect the image of their leader. These companies are typically agile with short decision-making processes but may lack familiarity with the performance measurement tools required by larger groups.

Additionally, the departing business owner's attitude is crucial. Entrepreneurs value their freedom of action and decision-making, which can conflict with the integration into a larger group or another company. The departing owner must accept the transition and allow new management to take over, acknowledging that different approaches can be equally effective.

4. Steps in the M&A Process

An M&A project typically follows four stages:

4.1 Preparation Phase

This includes a diagnostic phase and the development of an acquisition plan.

4.2 Negotiation Phase

During this phase, the acquiring company contacts the target company and negotiates the terms of the transaction.

4.3 Integration Phase

This phase must be carefully planned to account for the disruptions caused by the merger or acquisition.

5. Types of Mergers and Acquisitions with Examples

M&A can take various forms, generally categorized into three types:

5.1 Horizontal Mergers and Acquisitions

This occurs when a company acquires other businesses that are complementary to its own, leading to economies of scale and increased market share.

For example, a company that produces cow milk yogurt might acquire companies specializing in goat milk yogurt and plant-based yogurt.

5.2 Vertical Mergers and Acquisitions

This strategy involves controlling part of an economic sector by acquiring the leading company and subsequent companies. This aggressive strategy aims to eliminate competition.

In this case, a cow milk yogurt producer might try to take control of the leader in that sector.

5.3 Conglomerate Mergers and Acquisitions

This type involves companies looking to diversify their activities by acquiring leaders in various sectors.

For example, the yogurt producer might invest in green methane production to enter a future-oriented sector and become a major player.

6. Advantages of Mergers and Acquisitions

M&A offers several benefits to the involved companies:

6.1 Revenue Improvement and Diversification

M&A can improve the company's revenue and diversify its activities within the same or parallel verticals.

6.2 Cost Reduction and Economies of Scale

It reduces costs and creates economies of scale.

6.3 Market Share Increase

M&A increases market share by acquiring a competitor established in a previously uncovered geographic area.

6.4 Access to Excess Cash

It allows access to the excess cash of a competitor in a mature market, facilitating new investments without mobilizing shareholders.

6.5 Tax Benefits

M&A can lead to lower taxes on profits.

Mergers and acquisitions are complex but rewarding strategies for business growth and diversification. By understanding the differences, reasons, considerations, steps, types, and advantages, companies can navigate the M&A process effectively and achieve successful outcomes.

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