Buying a Business

Few business decisions are more important than the choice to acquire another company. Mirus helps you determine if the time is right for an acquisition and then works with you to plan and implement the strongest possible acquisition strategy.

You may already be in discussions with a target company or perhaps you are taking the first steps towards a target search. Either way, Mirus moves the process forward to reach a superior outcome that realizes all of your acquisition objectives. With Mirus at your side, you are able to concentrate on running your company while our professionals guide all aspects of the acquisition.

The Mirus process for acquisitions extends from the development of corporate strategy to its execution. Because successful acquisitions are the result of well-conceived and well-executed integration plans, we help clients plan for as well as implement their transaction strategy. To identify acquisition candidates, we undertake a comprehensive search based on our client's strategic, operational and financial criteria. Potential candidates are evaluated to determine which opportunities should command the highest priority, and once the client has expressed interest in a given target, Mirus performs a thorough analysis of the business, its competitive position and future prospects. Whenever possible, we attempt to determine the value of the target to its current owner, as well as to our client—making assumptions for certain synergies that may be realized in an acquisition. From the drafting of the letter of intent to the closing, Mirus then acts as both quarterback and coach, moving the process forward while at the same time evaluating the due diligence materials that may confirm or disprove our initial conclusions.


Financing an Acquisition

When you want to acquire a business and need capital to fund the purchase, Mirus helps you analyze and choose from among the many equity and debt options. We assist you in understanding key factors, such as current conditions in the debt and equity markets, the appropriate valuation for the business you're acquiring, and the tradeoffs involved with debt or equity financing. Finally, we leverage our extensive network of capital sources to connect you with appropriate capital sources, and we guide you through the entire funding process.


Valuation Analysis

Placing a realistic valuation on a business you're acquiring is crucial to the success of an acquisition and your ability to finance that acquisition. Mirus provides a unique perspective to the valuations of businesses and securities.

What makes 409A valuations different from other valuations? Most valuations begin and end with an estimate of the value of the total enterprise and its equity; however a 409A valuation focuses on valuing the common stock of the company. As a consequence a 409A valuation needs to incorporate the financial features of a company's capital structure to allocate the value of the equity among different classes of shareholders.

Noncompliance with IRC 409A can lead to acceleration of taxable income, penalty taxes, company withholding tax issues and potential exposure for board members. Additionally, non-compliance could impact the marketability of a business to investors and/or acquirers.

We employ several methodologies in every valuation analysis, providing you with all the internal and external data needed to make a sound acquisition decision. We document our valuations in a comprehensive report, appropriate to the scope of the assignment.


Strategic Consulting

If you want to get a big picture viewpoint before venturing into the acquisitions market, Mirus can provide valuable counsel. We help identify and carefully analyze all your potential acquisition options. We review strategic alternatives, size business opportunities, and determine what type of business would add the most to shareholder value. We also determine the value and availability of potential acquisitions. With our unique combination of financial and operating experience, we are skilled at helping you develop viable acquisition strategies to assure you pay the right price for the right acquisition.

Mirus is a leading independent financial advisor to business owners and corporate boards, with 20 years of experience in reviewing strategic alternatives, sizing markets and business opportunities, evaluating transactions, and valuing strategic assets. Strategic Audits can be completed in as little as 30 days when the mandate is to offer a recommendation on a specific opportunity, but often involve a broader overview where Mirus may make recommendations on organizational structure, sales and marketing strategy, balance sheet issues, and strategic alternatives for the business.