Acquisition and takeover of companies
Luxembourg | Belgium | France

90%

Mandates completed

2000

Companies monitored in our network

360°

Tailored and confidential support

Do you want to accelerate your growth by acquiring a business? Finding and taking over a company that perfectly matches your criteria and objectives requires determination and proactivity. A successful acquisition depends on a methodical and effective external growth strategy, an area of expertise in which we excel. We support you in making the ideal acquisition a reality with complete peace of mind.

We understand the challenges and objectives of our clients, who are managers of SMEs and large groups. Our commitment: to assist you in identifying the best acquisition opportunities, securing each stage of the process, maintaining confidentiality, optimising negotiations and offering you comprehensive support for a smooth and controlled acquisition.

How do we complete your acquisition?

We follow a proven methodology to implement a well-thought-out and structured external growth strategy.

1. Defining the strategy
An external growth strategy must be fully aligned with your objectives: increasing your market share, accelerating geographic expansion, strengthening capabilities, pooling costs, acquiring new expertise, or securing your supply and distribution. Together, we define your priority criteria – industry, size, profitability, location – to effectively guide your strategy.
To maximize opportunities, a comprehensive view of the market players is essential. We conduct an in-depth analysis to identify companies that match your criteria. You receive a detailed list of relevant target companies, including information on their activities, size (staff, revenue), profitability, and shareholder structure.
Taking a proactive approach allows us to identify shareholders open to discussions about selling their company, whether in the short or medium term. We directly contact the shareholders of the identified targets, assess their interest, and verify key information. We then organize the signing of confidentiality agreements (NDAs) and the initial meetings to refine our understanding of the shareholders’ expectations and the company’s characteristics.
By approaching multiple targets simultaneously, we compare their attractiveness while taking into account the sellers’ expectations and your strategic criteria. We conduct an in-depth analysis of the selected companies, assessing their business, positioning, and financial performance. This evaluation allows us to establish a valuation that serves as a solid basis for negotiations.
Once your interest in a target is confirmed and common ground is identified, we draft a preliminary offer. This document details the proposed price and its mechanism, the payment terms (including seller credits and potential earn-outs), as well as all terms of the transaction, including the seller’s representations and warranties, post-sale support, non-compete clauses, and conditions necessary to complete the acquisition. We structure the discussions, gather feedback from the sellers, and negotiate each key point to protect your interests. Once an agreement is reached, the letter of intent is signed, initiating an exclusivity period dedicated to securing financing, reviewing the deal structure, and conducting audits.
Once the indicative offer is validated, we prepare a complete file for banks to facilitate the financing of the transaction. In collaboration with specialized tax advisors, we analyze financial optimization opportunities, including the potential creation of an investment vehicle, to structure the acquisition efficiently and in line with your objectives.
Acquisition audits (Due Diligence) allow for a detailed examination of the financial, legal, social, and tax aspects of the target company. They are conducted by specialists, including accountants, tax advisors, and lawyers. We assist you in selecting the auditors and coordinate their work to ensure a thorough and structured analysis. We simplify the process by centralizing auditors’ requests in a secure data room, a digital space where sensitive information of the target company is stored and shared, allowing for a controlled progression of the audits. We identify any potential weaknesses of the target and propose suitable solutions, whether implemented before or after the transaction. Finally, we synthesize the audit findings and, if necessary, share them with the sellers to adjust the terms of the agreement.
The signing of the final acquisition agreement often involves adjustments and negotiations. In collaboration with your legal advisors, we ensure that the contract accurately reflects the spirit of the negotiations and review it in its entirety. Once the agreement is signed, we oversee the fulfillment of any conditions precedent required to finalize the transaction and prepare the allocation of financial flows.
Post-acquisition integration plays a key role in the success of the operation. However, it is often preferable to introduce changes gradually while respecting the company culture. Based on the audits conducted, we develop a structured and prioritized integration plan. This plan includes actions to reassure staff, clients, and partners, implement “quick wins” that generate immediate results, address identified weaknesses, strengthen the acquired company’s assets, establish synergies, and harmonize certain processes and systems.

With this proven methodology, we transform a complex process into a controlled, value-creating experience that is carried out with complete peace of mind.

Why choose AKCEAN for your business acquisitions in Luxembourg, Belgium and France?

AKCEAN stands out for its cross-border expertise, offering in-depth knowledge of the Luxembourgish, Belgian, and French economic landscape. Whether you wish to consolidate your market, accelerate geographic expansion, further integrate your value chain, or diversify, AKCEAN is your trusted partner for successful acquisitions. Contact us today to learn more about our external growth support services and discover how we can help you achieve your ambitions.