ALM First has created a 5 phase process to handle your merger from start to finish. That means we can help with the entire process, and have the expertise to handle not only the quantitative analysis, but also the qualitative aspects.

Phase 1 – Preparation

• The four primary activities in this phase focus on ALM First, educating the Client’s executive management team and board on the merger process, current trends and merger motivation, and ultimately creating a customized strategic merger plan for the Client.
• ALM First will identify merger candidates through a customized, qualitative, and quantitative questionnaire and analysis to determine fit and focus used to screen potential targets that conform to defined key target prospect criteria.

Phase 2 – Initiation & Structure

• This phase mainly focuses on the qualitative aspects of a collaboration
• ALM First will introduce and facilitate meetings with credible merger prospects on behalf of the Client based on Phase 1 results.
• ALM First will:
  • Initiate and participate in preliminary discussion with prospects to assess their level of interest and commitment to exploring merger discussions
  • Actively facilitate meetings/discussions with a prospective partner(s) to explore a mutually beneficial collaboration
  • Create an initial summary collaborative value proposition assessment/market intelligence report based on the initial vetting and exploring of a possible combination
  • Provide other services as mutually agreed upon to assist the Client in meeting prospective candidates

Phase 3 – Transaction Analysis

• ALM First will provide guidance and support to the Client’s executive management team and board and Client’s third party professionals (e.g., Client accounting firm) in identifying both quantitative (e.g., financial) and qualitative (e.g., cultural aspects, etc.) factors that may hinder a successful collaboration.
• Combined ALM Analysis of the combined institution

Phase 4 – Definitive Agreements & Regulatory Approval

• ALM First will work with Client’s retained legal counsel in completing the definitive merger agreement along with applicable employment agreements.
• ALM First will conduct an initial analysis to determine, with Client’s legal counsel, whether the merger will require a Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust filing with the Department of Justice / Federal Trade Commission.

Phase 5 – Closing & Integration

• Closing & Integration is the crucial stage in the process where all the work culminates into communication, member approval, and integration of the two organizations.  This Phase includes five core areas of focus: Communication Planning and execution, Member Vote / Town Hall Meetings, Operational Integration: One-time License for method and tools, Operational Integration: Facilitation, and Technological Integration & Implementation

ALM First is experienced with CUSO valuations including such areas as insurance brokerages, FinTech, mortgage banking, and financial consulting.

ALM First has a document of questions useful for institutions to consider ahead of time. A few example questions include:

• What does it mean to you to be “the surviving entity”?
• How will your institution integrate different work cultures?
• Are you willing to give any board seats to the target?

ALM First would be happy to talk through additional considerations and potential opportunities. Contact us today to arrange a call.