The right deal at the right time.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Sale

The opening, mid-game, and endgame. Like chess, transactions have distinct phases. For the best results, you want experience on your side and to perform at your best when the clock starts.

While a great transaction can work out well for all parties, nobody will do you any favors. You cannot expect the benefit of the doubt if your business, financials, outlook, and team don't put their best foot forward.

Whether you are buying or selling, your transaction counterparts are motivated to get the best deal. So are you. Furthermore, often the most important negotiations in a transaction have nothing to do with the headline number. 

Dealing now vs. later. Money upfront vs. an earn-out. Walking away at close vs. signing up to be an employee for 5 years. Working capital adjustments. Representations, warranties, indemnifications. The dreaded "re-trade" during due diligence. There are any number of factors that contribute to (or detract from) the value realized in a transaction. 

Experienced advisors can easily pay for themselves by helping you assess alternatives, present with credibility, manage an efficient process, and advocating on your behalf in negotiations with savvy counterparts.

First Water offers advantages over traditional transaction intermediaries.