M&A Target Identification

Prompt

Identify and analyze potential M&A acquisition targets for [ACQUIRER COMPANY NAME] in [TARGET SECTOR OR MARKET].

Acquirer context:
- Acquirer business: [DESCRIPTION]
- Strategic rationale for acquisition: [GROWTH / CAPABILITY / MARKET ENTRY / TALENT / OTHER]
- Target criteria: [SIZE, REVENUE RANGE, GEOGRAPHY]
- Budget for acquisition: [RANGE]
- Synergy types sought: [REVENUE / COST / TECHNOLOGY / TALENT]
- Timeline: [URGENCY AND PROCESS STAGE]

**TARGET IDENTIFICATION**

1. **Universe of Targets** — Identify 8-12 potential targets meeting the stated criteria. For each:
   - Company name and brief description
   - Estimated revenue and size
   - Strategic fit rationale
   - Likely valuation range
   - Known owner/stakeholder situation (PE-backed, family-owned, public)

2. **Prioritization Matrix** — Score each target on: strategic fit, accessibility (likely willingness to sell), value creation potential, integration complexity.

3. **Top 3 Deep Dive** — For the highest-priority targets:
   - Detailed business overview
   - Key products/services and competitive position
   - Management quality signals
   - Synergy hypotheses with supporting logic
   - Deal structure considerations

4. **Acquisition Approach Strategy** — For the #1 target: how to approach them, who to contact first, and how to position the conversation.

5. **Valuation Benchmarks** — Recent comparable transactions in the sector. EV/EBITDA and EV/Revenue multiples paid.

6. **Integration Risk Ranking** — Rank targets by integration complexity and cultural fit.