Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

RSM Switzerland’s mergers and acquisitions team supports shareholders, management teams, entrepreneurs and investors throughout complex transaction processes. We advise on acquisitions, business sales, management buy outs, equity and debt financing, succession and transaction structuring, combining financial, tax and strategic expertise.

Our role is to support informed decision making, manage transaction risks and help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes. With strong roots in the Swiss mid market and access to an international network, we accompany our clients at every stage of the transaction lifecycle – from initial strategy to closing and beyond.

Buy side M&A & acquisition advisory

Whether you are considering the acquisition of a competitor, a strategic target or a growth platform, careful planning and execution are essential. On the buy side, our role is to help you identify the right targets, assess value versus price and structure the transaction under optimal conditions.

How we support acquirers

We support:

• Corporates seeking strategic or add on acquisitions
• Private equity investors
• Entrepreneurs and management teams

Our services typically include:

• Definition of acquisition strategy
• Identification and screening of targets
• Valuation analysis and financial modelling
• Coordination of due diligence
• Support during negotiations and transaction structuring

Sell side M&A & business sales

Selling a business is often one of the most important decisions a shareholder will make. Beyond price, a successful sale requires careful preparation, market positioning and disciplined execution.

RSM Switzerland advises owners of privately held and family owned businesses on sell side transactions, with a strong focus on value maximisation and execution certainty.

Our sell side approach

We assist our clients with:

• Preparation of the company for sale
• Identification of relevant buyers locally and internationally
• Management of competitive sale processes
• Negotiation support to achieve the best possible terms
• Coordination with tax and legal specialists to optimise transaction structure

Management buy outs & buy ins (MBO / MBI)

Management buy outs and buy ins are complex transactions that require balancing financial, strategic and emotional considerations. These transactions often involve leverage, multiple stakeholders and time pressure, while management continues to run the business.

Supporting management teams and shareholders

RSM Switzerland supports:

• Entrepreneurs and management teams acquiring the business they operate
• Shareholders planning a management led transition

Our support includes:

• Financial modelling and business planning
• Structuring of equity and debt financing
• Coordination of due diligence
• Transaction structuring and negotiation support

Succession & ownership transition

Succession planning is a critical issue for family owned and owner managed businesses. Unlike purely financial transactions, succession processes involve emotional, strategic and long term considerations.

Tailored succession solutions

We support:

• Family successions
• Succession outside the family
• Transitions involving management or third party investors

Our approach focuses on:

• Clarifying objectives and long term strategy
• Evaluating governance, financing and ownership options
• Managing the transaction process to ensure continuity and stability

Transaction financing & structuring

Securing appropriate financing is a key success factor in many transactions. Whether for an acquisition, succession or restructuring, the right mix of equity and debt can significantly impact both value and execution risk.

Our financing advisory services

We assist clients with:

• Definition of financing strategy and capital structure
• Acquisition and succession financing
• Refinancing and renegotiation of existing facilities
• Coordination with banks, investors and other financing partners

Why RSM Switzerland for M&A

A mid market, hands on advisory approach

Our M&A engagements are led by senior professionals with extensive transaction experience in Switzerland and internationally. We focus on:

• Pragmatic, decision oriented advice
• Close involvement of senior advisors
• Clear and actionable deliverables

Local expertise, global reach

Through the RSM network, we provide seamless cross border support while maintaining a strong understanding of the Swiss business environment and mid market dynamics.