M&A Announcement Presentation – Checklist
We recently responded to an IRO (also a friend of OUTKREATE) about how to develop a presentation to announce their M&A over an investor call.
The advice ended up turning into a bit of a long email. It made us think—this could be useful for our IR community too.
So, let’s dive into this week’s topic:
“Articulating the Strategic Rationale of your recent acquisition: What to include in your Investor Call presentation”
We’ve all heard the saying, “Perception is reality.” And when it comes to announcing acquisitions, shaping that perception can seriously impact investor confidence.
An investor call dedicated to the acquisition is one of the best ways to make sure everyone’s on the same page and understands the value behind the deal.
So, what exactly should go into that high-stakes presentation? Below, I share a checklist to get you started.
Remember, every deal is unique, so think of this as a framework you can tweak based on your specific situation.
M&A Presentation Checklist (for dedicated Investor calls)
1. Acquisition Highlights
Start with the essentials—announce the purchase price. Then, share key metrics like EBITDA multiples, expected cost synergies, and the pro forma revenue or EBITDA impact. Be sure to mention the expected timing for the deal to close and how it’s being funded (cash? New debt?). Laying out these numbers upfront establishes a strong, transparent foundation for the rest of your presentation.
Bonus: this section can also serve as a one-pager for your deal.
2. Strategic Rationale
Clearly articulate the “why” behind the acquisition. How does this move strengthen your company? The larger the deal, the more important it is to connect the acquisition to your long-term vision and goals. This is your opportunity to show how it aligns with your strategy and adds lasting value. If the deal is significant, you may need to go deeper into the “whys” with more detailed explanations.
3. Stated Strategy
Reinforce your overarching strategy by demonstrating how this acquisition fits into both your long-term goals and growth targets. This isn’t just an opportunistic move; it’s a deliberate step toward achieving your broader plan. Showing this alignment will help investors see the acquisition as a calculated, strategic move.
4. M&A Track Record
Highlight your past successes with mergers and acquisitions. Many companies don’t take enough credit for their previous deals, but showcasing how you’ve successfully integrated past acquisitions can build investor confidence. Share how previous deals have been accretive and how you’ve managed leverage effectively, demonstrating your ability to handle these transactions well.
5. Acquired Company Overview
Provide a clear snapshot of the company you’re acquiring. What competitive advantages do they bring? Are their products or strategies aligned with key industry trends and macroeconomic factors? Highlighting these points reassures investors of the acquisition’s long-term potential.
6. Financial Impact
Dive into the pro forma financials and key performance indicators (KPIs) that highlight the impact of the acquisition. If there are significant synergies, make sure to emphasize them. Additionally, address any concerns by outlining your plans for managing leverage and reducing debt.
Now that you have a strong starting point, tailor it based on your specific situation and the style of your presenters, whether it’s your CEO or CFO leading the charge.
And, if your acquisition isn’t as sizable, consider incorporating key details from above into your earnings call as a one-slide overview. We’ll dive into more specifics on that in an upcoming newsletter.
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