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How to acquire a business or company in Italy

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From choosing a target to completing the acquisition

To buy an established business, define what you are looking for, investigate earnings and risks, agree the price and prepare the funding to complete the transaction. The seller’s asking price is only one consideration: debt, contracts, key people and investment needed after the acquisition also matter.

Start with our businesses for sale, or explore a confidential acquisition search.

Define the company you are looking for

Set the sector, location, size, strategic objectives and available budget before assessing opportunities. Acquiring customers, capabilities or market access only makes sense if the target fits the buyer’s plans. Public listings can support the search; many suitable targets also require a confidential direct approach.

Understand earnings, cash and value

Clarify the transaction scope and valuation assumptions before making an offer. Our guide on how much a business is worth explains earnings, financial debt and equity value. A business valuation requires company-specific information and analysis.

An NBO can present initial economic terms and conditions to investigate. An LOI can organise negotiations, due diligence and any exclusivity. The sequence varies: distinguish indicative terms from commitments actually assumed.

Shares or a business asset transfer?

Buying shares changes the ownership of a participation; the company retains its relationships and obligations, which require investigation. In a business or business-unit transfer, define the assets and operating scope while considering rules on contracts, employees and liabilities. Neither structure automatically removes historic risks. Compare share and business transfers.

Negotiate and investigate

Due diligence may cover finance, tax, contracts, employment, technology and environmental matters as relevant. Findings can confirm the initial assumptions, lead to a price adjustment or call for specific guarantees.

Signing the agreement may coincide with completion or take place earlier. At closing, carry out the agreed transfer formalities and payments due on that date. Deferred amounts follow the contractual timetable.

Plan the funding and the first months

Funding may combine equity, acquisition finance, investors and other appropriate instruments. A vendor loan can provide seller financing alongside them. Compare repayment dates, interest, guarantees and commitments to all financiers.

The financial plan should also cover investment, working capital and a margin for unexpected needs. The acquisition price is not the entire funding requirement. Cash-flow forecasts must support the payment plan; they do not guarantee repayment.

After completion, plan communications, retention of key people, integration and management control. For support with target selection, valuation and negotiations, explore our M&A advisory or contact us using the form below.

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