The days of due diligence being a “box-ticking exercise” are long gone.
Buyers in the marketing communications sector are digging deeper than ever into the numbers and the story behind the business.
What’s changing?
Cultural alignment: Acquirers want to know if teams will integrate smoothly and whether leadership styles will mesh. Culture can make or break deal value.
Client resilience: Dependency on a few key clients is being scrutinised more closely. Buyers want proof of sticky, diversified, and sustainable client relationships.
Future-readiness: ESG credentials, AI adoption, and digital transformation are moving from “nice-to-have” to “deal-critical.” Investors want assurance that the business is fit for the next decade, not just the next quarter.
Human capital: Talent retention, incentive structures, and succession planning are now front and centre. In people-centric industries like Marcomms, the team’s strength is the strength of the deal.
For sellers, this evolution means preparation is everything. Businesses that invest early in tightening governance, clarifying strategy, and demonstrating resilience will command stronger valuations and smoother deal processes.
At M&A Advisory, we help founders and leaders anticipate these shifting buyer expectations, ensuring they’re not just “deal-ready” but positioned as the obvious choice for acquisition.