partner

bonus checklists: smaller firm to larger, 25 questions to ask and 17 data points to request.

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm mergers: your complete guide

there are always three intangible factors that greatly influence the extent to which merger terms and issues are negotiable:

more on mergers: what to discuss at the first merger negotiation meeting | 14 provisions to include in a letter of intent | want to merge? ask for data | one times fees is a steal! | looking to grow your firm? how to find a seller in four steps | 15 can’t-skip merger terms to decide | 14 keys to a successful merger

1. negotiation ability of each firm. some people are “tough” negotiators, continuously trying to impose their will on the merger partner, while others are more malleable and tend to go along with whatever the other side wants.
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bonus checklist: 13 ways to make your firm an attractive candidate.

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm mergers: your complete guide

the smaller firm in a proposed merger should make an objective, realistic assessment as to whether or not merging upward is a good business decision.

more on mergers: mergers: assessing compatibility | what to discuss at the first merger negotiation meeting | 14 provisions to include in a letter of intent | case studies reveal potential loi issues | want to merge? ask for data | merger prep: getting to know you | the merger process in 21 steps | looking to grow your firm? how to find a seller in four steps | 13 reasons accounting firms merge | mergers 101: when negotiations aren’t really negotiations | 5 steps to take before merging

every small firm evaluating the feasibility of merging should consider these questions in as much depth as possible:

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bonus checklist: 12 benefits.

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm mergers: your complete guide

while selling to a larger firm may ultimately be the most viable succession plan available to a small firm, the prospect of the merger creates a great deal of anxiety among small firms nonetheless. the larger firm’s sensitivity to these concerns is critical for a successful meeting of the minds during the negotiation phase.

more on mergers: mergers: assessing compatibility | what to discuss at the first merger negotiation meeting | what to ponder before issuing a letter of intent | want to merge? ask for data | merger prep: getting to know you | looking to grow your firm? how to find a seller in four steps | 13 ways to screw up a merger

why small firms are so anxious about merging up
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