Mergers
2 + 2 = 4, 5, 6, 7.... what adds up for you?

The odd mistake or misjudgement in running a business can be corrected or overcome but when it comes to merging you may only get one chance. The process of merging companies can be fraught, the traps and pitfalls being wide and varied.

A successful merger or joint venture can lead to cost efficiencies, increased profits, new market penetration, and a stronger management team with complementary skills.

If you are struggling to make progress at a difficult time, then it may well be the right moment to be considering and seeking out a strategic merger, possibly leading to an acquisition in the future.

However, while the idea of a merger may be attractive, great caution is required and it should be remembered that the 'bride and groom' have to live together afterwards.

The considerations of 'fit' become of critical importance when it comes to a merger if you want to avoid the risk that you may 'marry in haste, repent at leisure'.

Hyde Corporate Finance have the M&A skills and experience to evaluate and effect the merger process to a successful and harmonious conclusion.

If you would like to discuss your particular requirements or arrange a free initial meeting, please call Gabriela Silvestris on 020 7292 7800 or email .

Hyde Corporate Finance is part of the Hyde Partnership, providing joined up advice across consulting, accounting, tax and marketing issues.

"We were fortunate to be able to plug into Hyde's experience to guide us through the merger minefield. In addition to obvious areas such as the simple financial arithmetic of the deal and premises there are so many other issues to take into consideration. These range from bureaucratic and compliance issues with the likes of the Inland Revenue and the Financial Services Authority to other issues such as business hive-up (i.e. effectively getting all the trading in the right place in the new structure) and the implementation of Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme options (a highly tax-efficient employee share scheme) to incentivise key staff. All of these mean that you have to have the best advice."

Rod Milne, HFS Milbourne