F.A.Q.

Will you try to protect our anonymity, and can one go through an initial discovery in confidence?

Our approach is based on ensuring the highest degree of confidentiality. TENZING partners_® therefore contacts ‘candidate companies’ directly with a narrowcasting method. As such, we act as a screen for our client and our first contacts are all done in a blind (anonymous) way. When we communicate your company-related information, it is initially done via anonymous teasers, protecting the identity of your company as long as possible. All long, TENZING partners_® works in the most pragmatic, self-serving way on behalf of you, our client. Lastly, before any meeting is conducted with a candidate company, we obtain a signed Non-Disclosure-Agreement.

What critical questions should a prospective M&A firm client be asking of us?

Can TENZING partners_® guarantee a successful outcome?
TENZING partners_® will not guarantee a result, and no M&A advisor should. However, we do not accept a mission on behalf of any new client unless we feel that we have a reasonably high chance of success. Further, we have tailored our fee structure such that a large part of our revenues is linked to a successful outcome.

Can I engage TENZING partners_® to work on behalf of our company without having a valuation done first?
Yes. TENZING partners’_® main role is matchmaking. While we will ensure that your expectations are realistic within the market context, we do not mandate a company valuation in all cases.

How long will the whole process take?
TENZING partners_® will work with you, our client, in order to ensure an optimal schedule. However, it is clear that such M&A transactions aren’t to be rushed, as the selling or buying of a company often takes more than a few weeks’ time. However, TENZING partners® will execute much of the legwork, leaving you to concentrate on the running of the day-to-day operations of your firm.

Should I ask my auditor, accountant, banker or lawyer to find a ‘candidate company’?

While these close and important advisors of yours may have network contacts, they are most often not experts in the marketing of companies and their business is not that of being a matchmaker, where TENZING partners_® excels. We can create value for your company and help you negotiate the most favorable terms by screening the market well beyond the boundaries of your advisors’ networks.

What kind of companies do you approach?

TENZING partners_® works both on behalf of public or private companies. Our network is active in most industry sectors and geographic regions. Further, if we don’t believe that we can offer value to you and your firm in the desired outcome, we simply will not accept to work on your behalf.

Will a valuation sell my business at the highest price?

Not necessarily. A valuation might give you a guideline, however many other issues can affect the transfer price such as strength of the management team, your unique selling proposition, the general economic environment, the specific sector you operate in, and, at least as importantly, TENZING partners’_® established methodology for extracting maximum value out of a deal.

What are the most common reasons why a transaction might not close?

The most frequent reason why deals don’t successfully close is the failure of one of the parties to disclose a material critical issue upfront during the discovery phase. At TENZING partners_®, we work with our clients in order to avoid this, and as our partner in the transaction, we would expect you to value the wisdom of full-disclosure. While some elements of disclosure can feel uncomfortable, we will always work with you with your best interest in mind.

How will a due diligence process be done? Can one guarantee confidentiality of data?

In nearly all cases the formal due diligence process will be performed by the acquiring company at the seller’s offices or at a neutral place. This can be hosted at our offices, or those of a notary or lawyer. All material information will be in one room, called the ‘data-room’, and will be under constant supervision and physically secure. No information can be copied or taken out of that room, without prior approval of all parties.