Deals

Whether you are in the process of making a business acquisition or involved in a merger, selling your business or part of it, or whether you are in the process of starting a new business, we can assist you in a number of ways to ensure that the deal ahead is maximised in your favour.

The following are a number of services that we can provide:

Financial due diligence

All businesses involved in an acquisition, as buyers or sellers, need to ensure that the financial information they hold is as accurate as possible, not only to prevent paying too much (or in a seller’s case receiving too little) but also to ensure that their governance and risk management objectives are met.

From the buyer’s perspective the quality of information available about a potential acquisition determines the ultimate success of a transaction. Without ensuring that the financial statements about a business reflect the reality, a deal may deliver less than first impressions suggest.

On the other hand, to ensure an efficient sales process, vendors need to present their financial information to potential buyers as transparently as possible. An independent assessment provides potential buyers with certainty about the business and the nature of its cashflow.

Financial due-diligence can help to identify and focus attention on the factors in the business that will be critical to its future success.

Independent expert opinions

There are a wide range of circumstances in which an independent opinion of value is required, and each different scenario requires specialist knowledge and the application of specific skills.

Courts, regulators, tax authorities, shareholders and businesses will, at different times, all need an objective specialist to provide a valuation of an asset or business. The context and purpose of the valuation determines the approach that needs to be taken to provide an appropriate opinion.

In the instance of a commercial dispute, courts require a completely independent and objective analysis of disputed assets. In these circumstances the opinion is given solely at the behest of the court and total objectivity is vital.

In the instance of shareholder disputes, an opinion is often required by shareholders to verify valuations in the event of an issue of share options which dilute existing holdings.

In the event of a merger or acquisition an objective verification of the values inherent in a transaction using an exchange of shares is required to confirm that the mechanism in use offers appropriate value. Similarly, where an asset is exchanged for an equity share in a business, an independent valuation is required to demonstrate the appropriate value of the contribution in kind.

PwC' services provide the appropriate level of independence in all circumstances. We are appointed by the courts and the regulatory authorities around the globe to provide independent, knowledgeable opinions relating to value. We draw on considerable economic and commercial specialisation to ensure that our opinions are delivered to the most robust standards of objectivity and independence.

Contact us

Edgar C Lavarello

Partner, PwC Gibraltar

Patrick Pilcher

Partner, PwC Gibraltar

Tel: 20066842 ext 309

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