What does an M&A advisor actually do?

An M&A advisor manages the transaction process: structuring the deal, identifying and approaching counterparties, running a competitive process, and negotiating terms. This allows management to focus on the business, while experienced professionals handle the transaction. With over 200 completed transactions, we know what it takes to close deals.

Which companies benefit from M&A advisory?

Any company considering a sale, acquisition, or other strategic transaction benefits from an experienced advisor. We have worked on transactions from under €10m to some of the largest deals in Finland, spanning many industries. Size matters less than complexity or importance – every transaction deserves the same level of commitment.

What are the main steps in an M&A process?

A typical process begins with preparation: understanding the business, refining the investment story, and identifying potential buyers or targets. Then we run a structured process, manage due diligence, negotiate terms, and close. Preparation is often underestimated – but in our experience, it largely determines the outcome.

What does the due diligence process involve?

Due diligence is usually handled by external legal counsel, financial advisors, and other specialists. We coordinate and manage the process, ensuring efficiency and that findings are addressed constructively. A professionally conducted due diligence process protects both sides, reduces late-stage risks, and keeps the transaction on track.

How does buy-side advisory differ from sell-side?

On the sell side, we represent the company’s owner and run a competitive process to secure the best possible price, structure, and counterparty. On the buy side, we help acquirers identify targets, assess value, and negotiate strongly. The mechanics overlap, but priorities are fundamentally different – having the right advisor makes a measurable difference.

Why work with a boutique M&A advisory firm?

Every transaction matters. As an entrepreneurial, partner-led firm, we bring senior-level attention and genuine commitment to every assignment, regardless of size. The people you meet at the start are the ones doing the work, from the first meeting to closing.

How do you choose the right M&A advisor?

Track record is the most reliable indicator. Review completed transactions in your sector and size range, assess the seniority of the team that will run the process, and evaluate whether the firm has genuine relationships with relevant buyers or investors. We are happy to walk you through our references and discuss how we would approach your specific situation.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

As an independent M&A advisor, Sisu Partners helps you execute M&A transactions through to completion, maximizing shareholder value.

Sell-side advisory services

We advise business owners and management teams on the sale of their companies or business assets.

Thorough approach in every sell-side transaction

Every sell-side assignment is different, but a disciplined and well-structured approach is essential in every transaction. We support business owners and management in planning and executing the sale of their company or business assets.

Our work typically begins with a strategic assessment of alternatives, including the optimal timing, together with a detailed valuation analysis to determine expectations and positioning. We prepare high-quality materials, including information memoranda, financial analyses, and management presentations, to clearly communicate the company’s value to potential buyers.

We identify, evaluate, and engage qualified Finnish and international buyers, leveraging our network and experience to create competitive tension and drive value. Throughout the process, we manage communication between parties, coordinate advisors and due diligence workstreams, and provide hands-on support in structuring, negotiating, and finalizing transaction documentation.

Our approach combines high-quality analysis, disciplined process management, and practical deal experience – allowing our clients to focus on their core business while we manage the complexities of the sale process. Our goal is to deliver clear, independent advice and achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Buy-side advisory services

Our team advises companies, investors, and management teams on acquisitions of businesses or assets.

Finding and executing the right acquisition for your situation

We support companies and investors in planning and executing strategic acquisitions. We manage the entire buy-side acquisition process, from early-stage market screening and target identification to valuation, structuring, negotiation, and closing. In addition, we also support the formulation of inorganic growth strategies.

We support clients in both competitive auction processes and structured one-on-one negotiations, and proactively identify and approach potential targets. In every case, we work closely with owners, management, and other advisors to coordinate the process, ensuring efficiency, discretion, and clear communication throughout.

Our typical M&A process includes support in defining acquisition criteria, conducting valuation and strategic analyses, coordinating due diligence, advising on structure and financing, and supporting negotiations through to completion.

Cross-border M&A transactions

Sisu Partners is an experienced cross-border M&A advisor, providing expertise on both buy- and sell-side transactions.

Seasoned international M&A partner

We help clients achieve smooth processes and optimal outcomes, regardless of geography. Nearly all our assignments include an international dimension – whether identifying and approaching foreign targets for acquirers or engaging potential international buyers in a sale process, regardless of the target’s location.

We combine strong execution capabilities with an extensive network in Finland and abroad, allowing us to attract the right counterparties globally and manage complex, multi-jurisdictional situations seamlessly. Most of our team is bilingual, serving clients natively in Finnish and Swedish, and we are accustomed to operating across languages, cultures, and regulatory environments.

Why Sisu Partners?

Partnering with a boutique M&A advisory firm and a highly committed team offers several advantages.

We offer independent advisory, disciplined coordination, and efficient execution for all your M&A engagements. As a reliable, highly experienced partner, we ensure clear communication and smooth cooperation in every domestic or cross-border transaction.

References

Trusted corporate finance advisory

With decades of experience advising companies of all sizes, backgrounds, and ownership structures in Finland and internationally, we know how to make your next move count.

Sell-side Buy-side

Frequently asked questions

What does an M&A advisor actually do?: An M&A advisor manages the transaction process: structuring the deal, identifying and approaching counterparties, running a competitive process, and negotiating terms. This allows management to focus on the business, while experienced professionals handle the transaction. With over 200 completed transactions, we know what it takes to close deals.

Which companies benefit from M&A advisory?: Any company considering a sale, acquisition, or other strategic transaction benefits from an experienced advisor. We have worked on transactions from under €10m to some of the largest deals in Finland, spanning many industries. Size matters less than complexity or importance – every transaction deserves the same level of commitment.

What are the main steps in an M&A process?: A typical process begins with preparation: understanding the business, refining the investment story, and identifying potential buyers or targets. Then we run a structured process, manage due diligence, negotiate terms, and close. Preparation is often underestimated – but in our experience, it largely determines the outcome.

What does the due diligence process involve?: Due diligence is usually handled by external legal counsel, financial advisors, and other specialists. We coordinate and manage the process, ensuring efficiency and that findings are addressed constructively. A professionally conducted due diligence process protects both sides, reduces late-stage risks, and keeps the transaction on track.

How does buy-side advisory differ from sell-side?: On the sell side, we represent the company’s owner and run a competitive process to secure the best possible price, structure, and counterparty. On the buy side, we help acquirers identify targets, assess value, and negotiate strongly. The mechanics overlap, but priorities are fundamentally different – having the right advisor makes a measurable difference.

Why work with a boutique M&A advisory firm?: Every transaction matters. As an entrepreneurial, partner-led firm, we bring senior-level attention and genuine commitment to every assignment, regardless of size. The people you meet at the start are the ones doing the work, from the first meeting to closing.

How do you choose the right M&A advisor?: Track record is the most reliable indicator. Review completed transactions in your sector and size range, assess the seniority of the team that will run the process, and evaluate whether the firm has genuine relationships with relevant buyers or investors. We are happy to walk you through our references and discuss how we would approach your specific situation.