In a merger or acquisition (M&A), two companies combine forces by agreeing to a deal. Whether you are the company that is acquiring a competitor or the acquisition target, the process can be highly involved. Organization is important for both sides, particularly during the due diligence phase. This M&A documents checklist can be used to stay on track and ensure completeness throughout the M&A process.

Investment banks play a key role in the financial services industry, particularly concerning mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Learn more about how banks assist with M&As, including their role as advisors that offer insights on market trends and conditions.

Companies in the startup phase need a secure place to share data with potential investors. Learn what is a startup data room, why this powerful solution is so beneficial and the most common use cases.

Understanding Data Rooms for Startups

If you’re an ambitious start-up, securing a Series A fundraising round is an important milestone. This isn’t just about raising capital to help you become a profitable business: it’s about getting your business model validated by investors who are convinced that your product has value and potential.

Organising a business plan that is articulate, ambitious and stands to scrutiny, is essential in today’s competitive global economy. This requires plenty of time and research, and the process should not be rushed, even if you are anxious to get your business to market as soon as possible.

First of all, define what you do

Define what your business does and the problem it's trying to solve. If an investor doesn’t understand what your business does after reading the first paragraph of your business plan, you may have lost their attention already.

DFIN’s Q1 2024 earnings report, released this week, showcases the success of the company’s software transformation, while suggesting that the turn in the IPO market might not be too far off.

DFIN’s software transformation remained on track in 2023, and our clients reaped the benefits.

In our just-released 4Q and full-year 2023 earnings report, DFIN achieved record software solutions net sales of approximately $293 million for the year, an increase of approximately 7% from 2022 on an organic basis. Software solutions net sales were approximately 37% of our full year net sales, up from approximately 34% in 2022.

This is powerful evidence that we are delivering the kind of solutions that clients require in a fast-paced, always-evolving business environment.

When thinking about an exit strategy from their business, most owners have a clear idea of their desired exit. However, there are cases when owners take what is known as a dual-track exit, pursuing not one but two types of exit strategies. Usually, they move forward with a merger or acquisition (M&A) and initial public offering (IPO) until deciding which option meets their needs. 

Discover how a dual-track transition works, when it can be advantageous, and how owners can stay organized throughout the dual process.

What Is a Dual-Track IPO Listing?

For those who try to predict the future, the last two years have been a challenge. This is especially true when attempting to forecast IPO activity and emerging federal and state regulations, including pending U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules.

In 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) modified the rules for disclosing acquisitions and dispositions, which are part of SEC Rule 3-05. The changes were intended to simplify financial reporting for matters including corporate property dispositions. This guide covers the changes to SEC Rule 3-05, including final amendments and the all-important Rule 3- 05 significance test. Read on to discover what's new and why these changes were made.