In the corporate world, there are a number of ways to conduct business between organizations. These strategies are usually done at the right time, in order to maximize operational efficiency. Sometimes, the benefits of these tactics are felt almost instantaneously. At other times, the benefits are more long-term, impacting the business structure and operations in a significant way.
One often used strategy in business is known as an acquisition, which involves two or more companies. It isn’t quite like a corporate takeover that most may recognize it for. An acquisition refers to one company acquiring the assets of another organization. The business looking to get a hold of the other organization’s assets will decide how to go about this transaction.
Sometimes, a portion of all the organization’s shares will go to the company doing the acquisition. At other times, the company may seek to take over all of the organization’s assets in totality. It all depends on what the business is after presently, as well dealing with goals for the long term.
Want to learn more about what is an acquisition in business? Here is a quick and steady guide to help you understand the world of acquisitions:
When does an acquisition occur?
Many companies who are thinking about pulling the trigger on an acquisition may be thinking about when to do so. The reality is that it all depends on the organization’s goals at the moment. For example, if the business is preoccupied with improving their market share, an acquisition may be necessary.
Traditional growth, even at the height of operations, can become slow at best, and stalled at worst. By pursuing an acquisition, the company takes a much less costly, as well as less risky, route in order to benefit their operations. That way, growth can be sparked again, benefiting the business as a whole.
Before implementing any sort of acquisition, it is imperative to have a meticulous plan for doing so. Preparation is the best way to ensure that the acquisition do not go awry, even when the outlook is positive. Acquisitions can help all parties, just as long as the company is ready for it. If you need assistance with your acquisition plan, using a business advisory firm is an excellent way to gain professional expertise.
Merger vs acquisitions
You may have heard the terms ‘merger’ and ‘acquisitions’ used together a lot. While an acquisition mostly has to do with taking over a company’s operational duties, it is often compared to a merger. Both of these corporate strategies are two different tactics entirely, each of which having their own pros and cons.
When put into action, A merger has to do with working together. It does not have to do with one company gaining hold of another organization’s assets in totality. Rather, a merger has to do with two businesses combining their operations into one single entity. This new entity will have access to a pool of resources, in addition to a larger consumer base.
How to prepare for an acquisition
For businesses of all scopes, entry barriers are likely to be experienced in some capacity. These obstacles, which can come in varying magnitudes, can directly make or break operations. With an acquisition, these short term barriers can be mitigated accordingly. New markets can be entered, with a new reputation behind the company.
Existing client bases, in addition, are another advantage that comes along with a company pursuing an acquisition. Since market entry, initially, can be somewhat costly, these advantages will help keep unnecessary costs down. That way, the business can focus on more important matters, such as research and development.
Benefits of acquisitions in business
Some of the advantages of an acquisition are palpable from the onset. For instance, once a company has been acquired, it brings about a fresh perspective for the owning company. Not only can this make things much more productive, but goals can be reached in a fun way too!
Moreover, management is given the chance to put together several teams of experts to handle operations. These teams are comprised of professionals who are adept in their craft, and can conduct their duties without fail. Not only can this benefit operations immediately, but the outlook on various goals can be optimized.
Disadvantages of acquisitions in business
Acquisitions can be immensely beneficial to a company, if the market outlook favours one. However, it should be noted that it oftentimes comes with some disadvantages as well. One of the biggest ones involves a clash of workplace cultures. Since one company will be acquired by another, this can be a hindrance on productivity.
It is important for the company pursuing the acquisition to know about this, prior to pursuing one. The last thing that management will want to experience is having a team that is dissatisfied with new company goals. Once things are discussed with all parties, the acquisition will progress in a satisfactory way.
