By Dario Dobric
Philip Herrmann, Partner of the i-unit group and Managing Director of i-capital GmbH, welcomed more than 100 guests to the Braunschweig M&A Forum 2023. “After a three-year break due to the Covid pandemic, we are delighted to host the Braunschweig M&A Forum again.” In the course of engaging and concise presentations, reports, and discussions, M&A advisors from i-capital, lawyers, auditors, and entrepreneurs highlighted various aspects and topics from the transaction environment.
As part of his in-depth market assessment, Herrmann pointed out that the current transaction market is affected by political uncertainties and a weakening economic outlook. However, after the outstanding years of 2021 and 2022, the M&A market is currently returning to a more normal level. In light of the high uncertainty, flexible purchase price models are gaining increasing importance. Nevertheless, there are still many exciting developments and market opportunities in the SME sector. Herrmann also spoke about the biggest pitfalls in small and mid-sized transactions in Germany. The success of such transactions depends largely on realistic price expectations, solid preparation of the potential buyer group, and the ability to handle due diligence challenges and negotiation conflicts.
Dr. Rüdiger Brock of the law firm BRL BOEGE ROHDE LÜBBEHUESEN provided insights into regulatory requirements in the transaction business. Together with his colleague Jan Christian Maack, he discussed the specifics of purchase agreements and some related new trends. Special attention was given to W&I insurance, which allows buyers to insure against warranty breaches in the context of a purchase agreement. If tax aspects of business succession are not sufficiently taken into account, a transfer can become very costly. This was explained by Dr. Heller from the Holthoff-Pförtner Wassermann partnership in his talk on the tax aspects of business succession.
Hans-Heinrich Intelmann, entrepreneur and Managing Director of Intelmann GmbH, shared his experiences on how a company succession can be successful. Together with Philip Herrmann of i-capital, he spoke about the sale of his company’s majority stake, emphasizing his gratitude for having i-capital as a professional advisor at his side.
In the closing presentation, Eike Jankun of i-strategy shed light on current challenges in acquisition financing. Given the present framework conditions, bank processes have become more time-consuming and due diligence reviews more extensive. As an alternative, private debt providers and family offices are increasingly coming into focus.
After these insightful presentations and practical perspectives, there was plenty of opportunity for networking over food and drinks in the garden of the i-unit group.
Interested in M&A processes & transactions? Feel free to contact us!
Contact person
Philip Herrmann
p.herrmann@i-capital.de
