M&A Associate in City of London, London

Dartmouth Partners are mandated by a high growth Private Equity backed business services firm in their search for an M&A Associate to join their Group Corporate Development team.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The M&A Associate will support the Group Head of M&A, M&A Directors and Country CEOs throughout Europe to further build and develop the company by driving the external growth strategy in a leveraged buyout environment. She / He will work closely with Country CEOs to identify targets, define strategic rationale and evaluate potential transactions.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development and management of a strong M&A pipeline: Identify potential acquisitions in within their primary target region(s) (as well as other regions on an ad hoc basis if required) and develop relationships with potential partners.
• Analyze market segments and identify strategic opportunities.
• Prepare and manage the confidentiality agreements.
• Analyze preliminary data such as audited and management accounts, evaluate targets based on their business and financial condition and outlook, carry out valuation analysis and prepare investment recommendation for the board of directors.
• Assist in preparing and negotiate non-binding offers, in close cooperation with country CEOs, M&A Directors and the Group Head of M&A.
• Manage the Transaction process and support day to day negotiations, including interfacing with the potential targets, its shareholders or advisors as required.
• Manage the due diligence and coordinate the activities of other external advisors (e.g. legal counsel, auditors) as required.
• Prepare sale and purchase agreement, representations and warranties, with legal counsels and help negotiate final documents.
• Assist with the presentation of final recommendation, due diligence findings, and integration plan to the Board of Directors.
• Organize signing/closing, interfacing with all internal and external parties.
• Perform peer reviews, train and mentor M&A analyst(s) and support, in relation to the workload, other members of the M&A team as required.
• Integration of the acquired companies.
• Prepare and project lead the first phase of the post-merger integration (until the target is absorbed).
• Follow-up any post-closing obligation resulting from the acquisition (annual account, earn-outs, post-closing performance, warranties).

KEY PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Work with the M&A Directors, Group Head of M&A and the Executive Board to develop and implement the Group Strategic plan, closing deals in line with the strategy.
• Develop relationships with companies in the industry to feed a strong pipeline of opportunities.
• Maintain updated log-files of targets with information on companies and last contact.
• Ensure all targets are tracked and contacted, in close coordination with the business.
• Prepare high-quality acquisition recommendations to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
• Train, support and manage M&A Analyst(s) and other junior team members.
• Ensure the consistent implementation of Group M&A policies and methodologies in partnership with country management teams.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Languages that are highly desirable; German, Spanish, Dutch.
• Outstanding technical / conceptual understanding of finance & valuations.
• Strong computer, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly on all levels and with different types of personalities; genuine positive and outgoing personality.
• Finance / Technical Background demonstrated through any combination of Finance or Engineering Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Business Administration, and/or CFA Certification.
• ACA qualified or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Established background in Transaction Services/ FDD or M&A Advisory.
• Experience in the corporate development team of an international group would be beneficial but not essential.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Strong cross-functional collaboration abilities, initiative, and teambuilding skills.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail; Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to learn new techniques, multi-tasking, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Provable ability to seek and approach new business opportunities.

If it's something that seems like it might be of interest, we invite you to apply!