Corporate Finance & M&A

Corporate Finance & Strategic M&A Desk

Navigating debt and equity raising, capital restructuring, and business acquisitions in the Australian mid-market requires a disciplined institutional methodology. Our Corporate Finance & M&A desk coordinates transactional affairs for private business owners, growth-stage SMEs, and corporate groups. We provide independent valuation and structuring counsel to help align stakeholder interests with clear financing or exit objectives.

Executing transactions under the Corporations Act, ASIC regulations, and ATO guidelines demands structured due diligence. We help clients design tax-efficient acquisition pathways, set up secure virtual data rooms, and negotiate commercial warranties. Our team connects you with institutional debt, corporate lenders, and private capital networks to secure competitive terms.

Corporate M&A Deal Structure

"Corporate finance is the art and science of capital optimization. Whether selling a family business or raising capital for an infrastructure project, success lies in the details of the capital structure and transaction design."

Core Corporate Advisory Capabilities

Our corporate desk provides five integrated advisory services, designed to support mid-market corporate clients through every stage of their business growth and transition cycle.

1. SME Valuations & Valuation Advisory

We deliver independent, market-evidence-based valuations for corporate planning, shareholder buy-outs, tax compliance, and transaction readiness. Our advisors utilize multiple valuation methodologies—including Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), capitalized earnings, and comparable transaction analysis—to establish clear, defensible asset valuations.

2. Equity & Project Financing

We connect growth-stage companies and project developers with appropriate capital providers. We structure and negotiate private equity placements, venture capital investments, mezzanine debt, and joint venture syndicates. Our team helps you prepare investment-grade documentation and guides you through pitch presentations to secure funding.

3. Project Investment Advisory

We provide strategic counsel for capital-intensive real estate, infrastructure, and commercial projects. From initial site selection and feasibility modeling to joint venture agreements and commercial structuring, we ensure your project is designed to attract institutional debt and equity funding.

4. Acquisition & Divestiture Structuring

We represent both buy-side and sell-side clients in M&A transactions. For sellers, we manage business preparation, draft Information Memorandums, identify strategic buyers, and run competitive sale processes. For buyers, we identify target opportunities, manage commercial negotiations, coordinate due diligence, and design tax-efficient acquisition structures.

5. Local Commercial Credit Scheme Design

We design and negotiate structured commercial credit facilities for corporate groups. We work with leading Australian commercial lenders to secure equipment finance, trade credit, working capital facilities, and acquisition debt, ensuring the repayment terms and covenants align with your business cash flows.

Our Transaction Management Lifecycle

We guide clients through transactions using a four-stage process designed to maintain momentum, protect confidentiality, and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.

01

Mandate & Transaction Preparation

We define the transaction objectives, analyze financial histories, and establish initial valuation ranges. We prepare the necessary transaction documentation, including blind profiles, Information Memorandums, and virtual data rooms.

02

Market Engagement & Deal Sourcing

We identify and contact qualified strategic and financial buyers or capital providers. We distribute blind summaries under strict non-disclosure agreements, managing initial inquiries to protect your business confidentiality.

03

Negotiation & Heads of Agreement (HOA)

We analyze and negotiate incoming offers, structuring the deal parameters (such as cash components, earn-outs, and share swaps) to optimize value. We draft and execute the non-binding Heads of Agreement to secure the deal terms.

04

Due Diligence & Settlement Coordination

We manage the buyer's due diligence process, coordinating information flows through our secure data room. We work alongside legal counsel to draft the final Share Sale Agreement (SSA), coordinate adjustments, and manage settlement logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does capital structure impact corporate valuations? +
Capital structure (the balance of debt and equity) affects the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), which is the discount rate used to value future cash flows. An optimal blend of lower-cost debt and equity reduces WACC, maximizing the company's valuation. However, excess debt increases financial risk and covenant constraints, which can depress valuation. We model alternative capital structures to find the optimal balance for your business.
What is the role of an earn-out in an M&A transaction? +
An earn-out is a transaction structure where a portion of the purchase price is deferred and paid only if the acquired business achieves specified financial targets (such as revenue or EBITDA benchmarks) post-acquisition. Earn-outs help bridge valuation gaps between buyers and sellers, ensuring the seller is rewarded for continued performance while protecting the buyer from overpaying for underperforming businesses.
Why is EBITDA preferred over Net Profit for business valuations? +
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) is preferred because it eliminates the distorting effects of different capital structures, tax jurisdictions, and non-cash accounting policies. EBITDA provides a clear measure of the core operational profitability of the business, making it easier to compare against industry benchmarks and past transactions.