The Technology M & A Guidebook

The Technology M&A Guidebook offers comprehensive preparation for anyone involved in, or considering, the purchase, sale, or merger of a technology company. It covers every stage of the M&A process from arriving at the decision to buy or sell a company to handling the critically important postacquisition environment.

This book reveals techniques for identifying companies worth buying; introduces the different types of deals and explains how they are funded; and discusses the strategic synergy and transaction structures that can make the new entity stronger than either of its component companies. Other important topics include:

• Performing a detailed financial evaluation
  
• Determining the right price
  
• Special accounting and tax considerations
  
• Detailed marketing and sales evaluation
  
• Special technology marketing considerations
  
• Legal and contract considerations
  
• Due diligence management techniques
  
• Special technology segment influences
  

The Technology M&A Guidebook provides step-by-step instructions for performing due diligence and reviews all of the factors that should be weighed before making a final buy/sell decision.

Complete with formulas and valuation evidence and examples, this book provides both the technical expertise and the sound negotiating advice that will make every stage of the M&A process go smoothly, helping both buyers and sellers protect their interests, make the best deal possible, close the deal without a hitch, and ensure posttransaction success.

Contents

• Preface
  
• 1. Stages of the M&A Process
  
• 2. Motivations for Buying or Selling a Business
  
• 3. Financial Statement Overview
  
• 4. Effectively Using Financial Ratios
  
• 5. Financial Analysis Concepts
  
• 6. Deal Types and Their Funding
  
• 7. Strategic Synergy and Transaction Structures
  
• 8. Special Accounting and Tax Considerations
  
• 9. Detailed Marketing and Sales Evaluation
  
• 10. Special Technology and Marketing Considerations
  
• 11. Semiconductor Equipment and Chip Manufacturers
  
• 12. Evaluating a PC/Workstation and Related Hardware Businesses
  
• 13. Software Businesses
  
• 14. Data Networking and Telecommunications Businesses
  
• 15. Internet-Related Businesses
  
• 16. Preparing to Buy and Sell
  
• 17. Franchised and Competitor Transactions
  
• 18. Performing Due Diligence
  
• 19. Determining the Right Price
  
• 20. Making the Buy/Sell Decision
  
• 21. Legal Considerations
  
• 22. After the Deal Closes Bibliography
  
• Appendix: Due Diligence Starting Checklist
  
• Index