An M&A Associate position has arisen within a rapidly expanding multinational business. The successful appointee will be challenged with contributing to the M&A agenda in synthesis with the ambitious growth strategy of this listed corporation (double in size by 2020). This would be the perfect opportunity for an M&A professional based in Asia looking to return back to Europe within the next couple of years.

The M&A Associate will act as an internal consultant, partnering with a team of M&A experts to originate, evaluate, negotiate, and complete a portfolio of M&A targets. Deal size will typically be in the range of US$5-50m, with multiple deals per annum anticipated.

Coordination of M&A pipeline:

• Industry analysis, identification and discussing with potential future partners
• Prepare and manage all necessary documentation including confidentiality agreements and due diligence materials such as audited financial statements, details of shareholdings
• Evaluate targets for their business and financial viability, and recommend a suitable deal structure
• Lead the transaction process and provide advice to all relevant stakeholders, in particular interfacing with the potential targets, their shareholders or advisors
• Guide senior management with the preparation of negotiation documents including heads of agreements, terms sheets, indicative offer letters or exclusivity agreements as required
• Coordinate the due diligence process including activities of other external advisors (e.g. legal counsel, auditors)
• Drive negotiations and related strategy, providing key input on sale and purchase documentation
• Validate the acquisition contracts, representations and warranties
• Synchronise the closing of the deal, including financial settlements

Integration of the acquired companies:

• Assist in setting up reporting and reliable communication between the new partners and general management
• Support a potential legal restructure of some companies, to optimise fiscal and financial position
• Follow-up any contractual provisions, such as ‘earnouts’
• Prepare shareholder resolutions and follow-up annual account and post-closing performance

Candidate requirements:

• Master degree in Business Administration, Finance or Engineering from a top university
• MBA/CFA/CPA qualification is considered preferable
• High potential, ‘next generation’ finance leader
• Strong track record of experience working in an M&A deal environment, in both Europe and Asia
• Big 4 advisory experience, with tenure across the following disciplines in descending priority: Deal Advisory / Transaction Services / Audit & Assurance
• Corporate (industry / in-house) M&A experience advantageous
• Excellent interpersonal, communication & team leadership skills
• Outstanding technical / conceptual understanding of finance & valuations, and the entire M&A deal process
• Fluency in English and French/German/Dutch/Flemmish preferred, with Manadarin/Japanese/Korean/Bahasa language skills beneficial
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, good strategic thinking and business acumen
• Energetic, passionate and motivated to succeed
• Self-starter, eager to learn, with sense of ownership and natural leadership
• Results driven, with strong work ethic and commitment to ‘roll up sleeves’ when required
• Culturally sensitive and able to partner with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Finely attuned to the strategic big picture and details