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Case Study: M&A Synergy Assessment

ScottMadden energy consultants assisted an energy company evaluating the potential acquisition of another energy company.

Challenge
  • An energy company was considering the acquisition of another energy company with significant merchant assets
  • A number of potential suitors also demonstrated interest in the property
  • Identifying cost reduction and revenue enhancement synergies were key elements of this pre-acquisition evaluation
  • The seller had an aggressive time frame for both data review and bid preparation�about three weeks
  • The organization lacked specific internal measurements to evaluate the sellers performance and synergy opportunities as a combined company
Solution
  • ScottMadden, energy consultants who understand the energy industry and the M&A process, facilitated groups of key functional experts within the client organization (potential "owners" of the resulting organization)
  • Established the initial concept for integrated operations
  • Reviewed seller data and reported findings relevant to legal, financial and operational due diligence investigation
  • Defined and analyzed peer plant operating performance against seller's generating facilities
  • Categorized, assessed and quantified potential operating and financial synergies, both positive and negative
  • Worked with internal and external financial experts to use synergy estimates in the valuation of seller
Results
  • Energy consultants constructed a high-level management and operating approach for the combined entities
  • Quickly identified synergy opportunities that exceeded initial estimates
  • Helped clients go beyond their comfort zones in examining synergy opportunities
  • Identified non-quantified opportunities for strategic value creation
  • Highlighted due diligence issues
  • Identified other internal opportunities for cost reduction, notwithstanding a successful acquisition
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