Assistant Director / Director, Transaction Advisory Group (Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) S[...] in London

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with over 11,000 entrepreneurial, action and results-oriented professionals in over 40 countries. We take a hands‑on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are why our people love working at A&M.

We are seeking an Assistant Director / Director to join our dynamic and experienced EMEA SPA team. You would be joining our single EMEA SPA team, whose members are based across EMEA and provide SPA services to clients across all geographies. Our EMEA SPA team works alongside our award‑winning Transaction Advisory Group team, the largest such practice outside the Big Four. Our mission is to provide comprehensive advice throughout the mergers and acquisitions lifecycle to create value for buyers and sellers by enhancing their deal negotiation, optimising the purchase price, and expediting deal closures.

Pre‑Closing: Provide expert advice on the SPA before signing/closing. This includes providing strategic advice and support to buyers and sellers on a range of pre‑deal analysis and negotiation aspects, including assessment of the financial advantages of pricing mechanisms (Locked Box vs. Completion Accounts), identification of key cash and debt‑like items, and preparation of completion mechanism memos. Assisting buyers and sellers in considering adjustments between Enterprise Value and Equity Value, and in formulating compelling arguments and counterarguments to justify proposed approaches in preparation for the negotiation. Advising on the financial and accounting aspects of SPAs, providing commentary on the pricing and adjustment mechanism, relevant representations and warranties, and any other accounting‑related clauses and schedules related to the locked box or completion accounts and/or earn‑out.

Post‑Closing: Providing assistance to buyers or sellers on post‑Closing price adjustment mechanisms including on completion accounts or earn‑out accounts or leakage reviews, ensuring that value is either protected or generated through effective execution of the relevant mechanisms in the SPA.

How you will contribute:

• Advisory Services: Provide expert advice on the financial and strategic implications of sale and purchase agreements.
• Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence procedures to identify potential risks and opportunities on the transaction price.
• Negotiation Support: Assist clients in negotiating financial terms and conditions of the purchase price and SPAs.
• Financial Analysis and Testing: Perform detailed financial analysis and testing to support transaction and purchase price decisions.
• Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and delivering tailored solutions related to the purchase price and SPA.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to ensure comprehensive service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in SPA Advisory
• Excellent writing and language ability, to effectively comment on SPAs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• A strong academic record and professional qualifications such as ICAEW, ACA, CPA, or equivalent are preferred.
• Fluent business‑level English is essential. Additional European language skills including French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, or Spanish are highly desirable.

We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritise an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top‑notch training and on‑the‑job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.

We prioritise your well‑being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favourite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high‑performing and passionate professionals.

Inclusive Diversity: A&M’s entrepreneurial culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who can positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M’s core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are the main reasons our people love working at A&M. Inclusive Diversity means we embrace diversity, and we foster inclusiveness, encouraging everyone to bring their whole self to work each day. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.

Equal Opportunity Employer: It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws.