Buy Side Mergers & Acquisitions
At FOCUS Investment Banking, our buy-side advisory services are designed to help strategic buyers and private equity firms identify, evaluate, and acquire companies that align with their growth objectives. We work closely with clients to develop a clear acquisition strategy, leveraging our deep industry expertise, robust research capabilities, and extensive network to uncover proprietary opportunities—often before they come to market. From initial target identification through valuation, negotiation, and close, our senior bankers lead every step of the process to ensure a successful outcome that delivers long-term value. Our case studies highlight the impact of our work—demonstrating how we’ve helped clients execute strategic acquisitions and achieve lasting growth.
Our Buy Side Advisory Services
A strategic partner that elevates your acquisition goals — backed by industry expertise, proven process, and precise execution.
FOCUS leverages the operating experience of its bankers and its deep network in the capital source community to develop and execute solutions tailored for each client’s individual needs.
Market
Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive analysis of your target market, identifying industry trends, key players, competitive dynamics, and potential areas of opportunity to ensure your acquisition strategy is grounded in data and aligned with your business goals.
Target and Criteria Development
Working closely with your leadership team, we define acquisition criteria tailored to your strategic, operational, and financial objectives—setting the foundation for a focused and efficient search.
Retained Search List Building and Outreach
Our team builds a curated list of qualified acquisition targets and initiates confidential outreach on your behalf, leveraging our extensive network and proprietary databases to access both on- and off-market opportunities.
Quality of Earnings Analysis
We assess the financial health and performance of target companies through detailed Quality of Earnings (QoE) reviews, helping you uncover risks, validate EBITDA, and gain clarity on cash flow and working capital.
Process Management
From coordinating communications to tracking timelines and deliverables, we manage the entire acquisition process to ensure efficiency, minimize disruption, and keep all parties aligned through every phase.
Approach and Negotiation
Our experienced bankers lead sensitive initial conversations and strategic negotiations, helping you structure competitive offers while maintaining confidentiality, credibility, and a clear path to deal execution.
Due Diligence and Closing
We guide you through the final stages of diligence, working alongside your legal, financial, and operational advisors to resolve issues, finalize terms, and drive a smooth, timely closing.
Our Buy Side Process
We align on strategy, define target criteria, and assess readiness—ensuring you’re equipped to pursue the right opportunities with confidence and speed.
We leverage industry expertise, proprietary tools, and targeted outreach to identify and engage with high-potential acquisition candidates—both on and off the market.
We guide you through financial, operational, and strategic due diligence to uncover risks, validate opportunities, and ensure a smooth path to closing.
We lead negotiations and structure deals to align with your goals—maximizing value while managing risk and positioning the transaction for long-term success.
We coordinate final diligence, documentation, and stakeholder alignment to ensure a timely, seamless close and a strong foundation for post-transaction success.
Notable Transactions
What Our Clients Say
“FOCUS introduced us to ARCH four years ago and was persistent in keeping in touch over the years,” Joe Salontai Sr said. “They understand our industry and showed respect for the importance of entrepreneurial businesses like Morsch. While considering our future and planning for the long term, we determined this is the appropriate time to partner with a larger company that offers financial stability and expanded resources for our continued growth.”
Joe Salontai Sr, Former Owner and Continuing President
Morsch Machine
Frequently Asked Questions
What industries do you specialize in, and do you have experience in my sector?
At FOCUS Investment Banking, we specialize in a wide range of industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, business services, healthcare, government contracting, technology, telecommunications, automotive, and consumer products. Each of our industry teams is led by senior bankers who bring deep, real-world operating experience in their respective sectors. This means we not only understand the nuances of your industry but also have a proven track record of successfully advising businesses like yours. If you’d like to learn more about our specific experience in your sector, we’re happy to share relevant case studies and recent transaction examples.
What are the key components of Buy-side M&A?
Buy-side M&A involves several critical steps to ensure a successful acquisition. Key components include:
- Acquisition Strategy Development: Defining clear goals, target criteria, and strategic priorities.
- Market Research and Target Identification: Leveraging deep industry knowledge and research tools to find the right opportunities, including off-market companies.
- Outreach and Engagement: Initiating confidential conversations with potential sellers to gauge interest and gather information.
- Valuation and Financial Analysis: Conducting rigorous financial assessments to determine fair market value and deal structure options.
- Due Diligence: Performing detailed due diligence across financial, operational, legal, and regulatory areas to identify risks and validate assumptions.
- Negotiation and Deal Structuring: Structuring deals to optimize terms, mitigate risks, and align with your strategic and financial goals.
- Closing and Integration Planning: Managing final documentation, closing logistics, and, where needed, preparing for post-close integration to maximize value.
At FOCUS Investment Banking, our senior bankers personally lead each step of the process to help buyers navigate complexities, uncover the best opportunities, and achieve a successful outcome.
Can you share examples of previous successful transactions or client references?
Qe take pride in our proven track record of successful buy-side engagements across a variety of industries. We invite you to explore our Case Studies and Client Testimonials pages, where you’ll find real examples of how we’ve helped strategic buyers and private equity groups achieve their acquisition goals. These stories highlight not only our results but also the high level of service, industry expertise, and commitment we bring to every engagement. We are also happy to provide specific references upon request.
