Post-acquisition services

The advisor's role usually does not end with the signing of transaction documents or the transfer of ownership. The period after the deal closes is, from the new owner's perspective, one of the most important and most risky phases — when it is necessary to stabilise the company, implement new processes and effectively integrate it into the investor's structure.

An advisor can provide the new owner with a broad range of expert services in the legal, economic, tax, HR, organisational and strategic areas.

After the acquisition, several legal steps related to taking control of the company are required. The advisor can in particular handle:

• preparation and execution of changes in the commercial register,
• changes of the company's statutory bodies,
• changes of partners or shareholders,
• transfers of ownership interests or shares,
• update of founding documents,
• preparation of new internal policies and corporate rules,
• review of existing contractual relationships,
• compliance and regulatory obligations review,
• implementation of corporate governance rules,
• legal support in communication with banks, authorities and business partners,
• obtaining licensing or regulatory approvals,
• implementation of AML and compliance processes.

The advisor can also coordinate:

• legal integration of the company into the investor's group,
• restructuring of holding structures,
• optimisation of ownership relationships.

One of the most important areas after the acquisition is the implementation of the new owner's financial and control mechanisms. The advisor can provide services particularly in:

• setting up new accounting standards,
• implementation of IFRS or group reporting rules,
• introduction of controlling,
• cash-flow management,
• implementation of budgeting processes,
• setting financial KPIs,
• implementation of internal control mechanisms,
• consolidation of accounting within the group,
• optimisation of cost processes,
• financial planning,
• implementation of reporting systems for investors or banks.

This may also include:

• checking operating efficiency,
• implementation of investment plans,
• support with refinancing,
• preparation of audit materials.

After taking over the company, it is often necessary to align tax and compliance processes with the investor group's rules. The advisor can carry out:

• tax structure optimisation,
• implementation of transfer pricing rules,
• VAT process review,
• setting up international tax reporting,
• implementation of the group's tax policies,
• review of tax risks identified during due diligence,
• communication with the tax authority,
• preparation of internal compliance processes.

After the acquisition, successful integration of the company into the investor's structure must be ensured. The advisor can coordinate:

• post-merger integration process,
• integration of operational processes,
• harmonisation of IT systems,
• integration of commercial departments,
• optimisation of production or logistics processes,
• synergy projects,
• implementation of the investor's strategy.

The objectives are:

• maximising synergies,
• reducing costs,
• increasing management efficiency,
• growing the company's value after the acquisition.

The advisor can also help the new owner with further development of the company, for example:

• identifying new business partners,
• expansion into foreign markets,
• raising new investors,
• refinancing the company,
• preparing further acquisitions,
• finding synergy partners,
• preparing investment projects.

Quality post-acquisition advisory is often a decisive factor in the success of the entire transaction. A large part of M&A problems does not arise during the purchase itself, but during the subsequent integration and implementation of changes.

The advisor's role is therefore to ensure:

• continuity of the company's operations,
• elimination of operational and legal risks,
• effective implementation of changes,
• protection of the new owner's investment.