What does an M&A advisor in India actually do?

An M&A advisor leads the deal end-to-end: target identification (or buyer search on sell-side), strategic & commercial diligence, valuation, deal structuring, negotiation, term-sheet and SPA, regulatory clearances (FEMA, CCI, sector regulator) and post-merger integration support. We are CA-led, so financial discipline runs through every stage.

How do you value a business for M&A?

We use multiple methods triangulated for context: DCF (intrinsic value), EV/EBITDA & EV/Revenue multiples (relative), precedent-transaction analysis (deal comparables), and asset-based for capital-intensive businesses. For early-stage targets we also use VC method and probability-weighted scenarios.

What is the typical M&A deal timeline in India?

Sell-side mandates typically run 6–9 months from kick-off to close; buy-side deals 4–8 months. Mid-market transactions in regulated sectors (BFSI, pharma, telecom) can stretch to 12 months due to regulatory clearances. We work to a hard timeline with weekly milestones.

What are the tax implications of M&A in India?

Common tax issues include capital gains for selling shareholders (LTCG vs STCG, with indexation), GAAR concerns on aggressive structuring, indirect transfer rules, stamp duty on share transfer & business transfer, GST on slump sale, and tax neutrality of certain Section 2(1B) mergers. Each transaction needs upfront tax structuring.

What is the difference between merger and acquisition?

Merger combines two entities into a new entity (or one survives) via NCLT scheme — typically tax-neutral when conditions are met. Acquisition is a share or asset purchase where the target survives and is owned by buyer. M&A advisory covers both — we help pick the structure based on tax, regulatory and commercial considerations.

What is due diligence in M&A?

Due diligence is structured investigation of the target across financial, tax, legal, commercial, HR, IT, environmental and IP areas. Our CA-led financial DD covers quality of earnings, working-capital normalisation, debt-like items, off-balance-sheet exposures and revenue recognition — typically running 4–8 weeks.

What is a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report?

QoE is a forensic adjustment of reported EBITDA to arrive at a normalised, sustainable earnings number. Non-recurring items, owner expenses, accounting policy quirks and one-off gains are removed. QoE is increasingly required by PE buyers and lenders — we prepare buy-side and sell-side QoE.

How are M&A advisory fees structured?

Typical structures include monthly retainer + success fee, retainer credited against success, or pure success-fee mandates. Success fee is usually 1–5% of deal value (mid-market), with declining percentages on larger transactions (Lehman scale). For complex deals we may also include milestone fees.

What is a virtual data room (VDR)?

A VDR is a secure online repository for diligence documents. Access is granted by folder & user with audit logging. We set up and manage the VDR (Intralinks, Datasite, SecureDocs), prepare the index, populate documents and handle Q&A. Strong VDR hygiene shortens deal timelines.

Do you handle cross-border M&A?

Yes. Outbound (Indian buyer / target abroad), inbound (foreign buyer / Indian target), and triangular structures. We coordinate Indian tax, FEMA, ODI/FDI compliance with counterparty-country counsel — including US, UK, UAE, Singapore and Mauritius.

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DEAL ADVISORY

M&A, JV & Strategic Transactions

Whether you are acquiring, merging, divesting, or forming a joint venture, Bharat Quantum Prospera provides end-to-end transaction advisory. We manage every phase - from target identification and due diligence through deal structuring, negotiation, regulatory approvals, and post-merger integration.

Process

How we work.

A structured engagement — from first conversation to delivered outcome. Each mandate follows a transparent process so founders always know what's next.

Step 01 / 04

Identify

Screen and shortlist potential targets or acquirers.

Step 02 / 04

Diligence

Comprehensive legal, financial, and tax due diligence.

Step 03 / 04

Structure

Design deal terms for tax efficiency and compliance.

Step 04 / 04

Close

Negotiate, obtain regulatory approvals, and execute.

Scope

What we cover.

The full range of expertise we bring to every engagement in this practice.

Buy-side and sell-side transaction advisory - target screening to close
Joint venture structuring and strategic partner alignment frameworks
Legal, financial, and tax due diligence (domestic and cross-border)
Transaction structuring for tax efficiency and regulatory compliance
Drafting and negotiation of definitive agreements - SPA, SSPA, SHA
Valuation and deal modeling - synergy analysis, control premium, earnout design
Virtual data room setup and investor documentation
Regulatory approvals - CCI, RBI, SEBI, MCA, IFSCA
Post-merger compliance, integration support, and strategic disinvestment advisory

Deliverables

What you receive.

Tangible outputs — documents, filings, and transaction artefacts delivered on every mandate.

01 Deliverable

Transaction structure memo

02 Deliverable

Due diligence report (legal/financial/tax)

03 Deliverable

Valuation & deal model

04 Deliverable

Definitive agreements

05 Deliverable

Regulatory filing packages

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Adjacent practices.

Engagements that often accompany this mandate.