Private Equity and M&A

OC&C are experts in providing commercial advice, delivering value for investors across the globe. We work with private equity (across a range of fund sizes), other asset class investors and corporate acquirers, helping them on acquisitions, portfolio support and exits. Sector expertise is at the heart of what we do, with our teams constructed around relevant topic experts to provide global topic expertise combined with local insights. Proof that this is a compelling proposition is demonstrated by the rapid growth of our private equity practice across all our industries and geographies.

Acquisition scan

We know our stuff, and can leverage sector insights and deep transaction experience to help investors to answer the question “what should I buy?” We work with clients to prospect across industries where we have sector experience, help to develop an investment case, and assess target attractiveness and outside-in synergy evaluation.

Buy-Side Due Diligence

Assessing a business’s commercial performance and future potential is a core part of our offering. We develop a comprehensive and fact-based outside-in perspective, using secondary and primary research, including industry expert and customer interviews. We have developed bespoke analytical methods and tools to help to mine large datasets for unique commercial insights in the rapid timelines required for due diligence.  Where possible, we work with target management and other advisors to build a detailed view of the target’s performance and opportunities for driving future profits.  

Synergy Evaluation

We have extensive experience in synergy evaluation for target assets and existing portfolios. We have undertaken numerous “black-box” exercises as well as detailed work in revenue-optimisation and cost-optimisation projects for clients.

Value Creation Plans

Investors need returns, and the early days of ownership are crucial for successfully implementing plans for driving growth, profit and value. We work with investors and management teams, helping to identify, prioritise and action performance improvement opportunities. We also assist corporates with the post-merger integration of targets into existing assets.

We help our clients with acceleration or turnaround strategies, provide support for re-capitalisations, and drive performance in business mid-ownership.

Exit Planning & Sell-Side Due Diligence

Finally, we assist with the exit strategy – preparing a business for sale through developing and testing a growth plan and rehearsing the narrative. We consider the likely buyer profile, optimal timing, testing of crucial future growth drivers and anticipating the concerns and interest areas of prospective buyers. We assist vendors with developing sell-side commercial due diligence (CVDD) to support vendors in realising their assets’ maximum potential value.