We attend the AM&AA (Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors) annual conference. These conferences brought 500+ lower middle market M&A professionals (Investment bankers, Private Equity Groups, Accountants, Lawyers and other transactional professionals). AM&AA members represent sellers and buyers of businesses ranging from $5 to $500 million in transaction value. We met in person Private Equity Groups and Family Offices that are actively seeking equity investment opportunities in Canada. The AM&AA conference provides us with a network of knowledgeable professionals with whom we can share information, resources, and deals

Congratulations! You have just acquired your main competitor: what a brilliant move! You are now a leader in your market. The only problem is that your financial structure is now less solid. Plus, you need to integrate your competitor into your company quickly and efficiently. What should you do? The following is an overview of a proven integration process.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, strategic planning is somewhat of an obscure process. Who should be involved? How is the process initiated? Where does operational planning end and strategic planning begin? What is the scope and timeframe for the process? Should everything be brought into question?

 
Strategic alliances are increasingly a key part of corporate strategies for companies worldwide. A strategic alliance or partnership can take various forms, such as a contractual agreement, a minority share, or the creation of a consortium. There are a number of reasons for an alliance or partnership. Here are some examples:

 
Sometimes, a choice has to be made between providing a service internally or outsourcing it. This type of decision forces the company to do things a certain way for a number of years. Providing the service in-house involves major investments that must be amortized over several years. On the other hand, outsourcing requires a serious commitment, as well as an agreement that spans several years. This choice therefore requires much thought. Here are some aspects that must be considered in the thought process.