MERGER AND ACQUISTIONS
ONE TEAM ON YOUR SIDE OF THE TABLE.
Buying a business, or selling the one you built. A CFO leads the transaction and brings in valuations, tax, accounting, and legal at the stage each one matters, including the people outside our firm.
MERGER & ACQUISITIONS
ONE TEAM ON YOUR SIDE OF THE TABLE.
Buying a business, or selling the one you built. A CFO leads the transaction and brings in valuations, tax, accounting, and legal at the stage each one matters, including the people outside our firm.
CFO-LED FROM PLANNING TO POST-CLOSE / BUYING AND SELLING / VALUATIONS, TAX, ACCOUNTING, AND LEGAL IN HOUSE
An M&A engagement here is one integrated team, led by a CFO, running the transaction from the first conversation through to the year after it closes.
A deal needs valuation work, tax structuring, financial due diligence, and legal documents, usually at the same time and usually against a deadline. Most owners get those from four different places and connect them personally.
Our CFO assembles the team, sequences the work, and stays the single point of contact. Where specialists outside the firm are involved, a broker, a lender, counsel outside Ontario, they are coordinated the same way.
THE PROBLEM
Most owners end up running their own deal.
The broker markets the business. The lawyer drafts the documents. The accountant produces the statements. Each one does their own part well, and nobody owns the whole thing.
So the owner does. You become the person relaying information between four offices, chasing the document somebody else is waiting on, and answering the same question three times. All of it while still running the business you are trying to sell, or trying to afford.
The cost shows up at the seams. Tax structure gets settled after the price is agreed, when the options have already narrowed. Due diligence turns something up too late for it to change the terms. A financing condition surfaces that everybody assumed somebody else had handled. A transaction is a full-time job, and it arrives on top of the one you already have.
HOW IT WORKS
ONE LEAD, AND THE RIGHT PEOPLE AT EACH STAGE
A CFO is assigned as the lead for your transaction. They build the team around the deal, bring each specialist in when the stage calls for it, and stay with it through to integration.YOUR TEAM LEAD IS A CFO
A transaction is a finance problem before it is a legal one. Pricing, financing, earnings quality, working capital, and what the business looks like the day after all sit with the same person.
THE BENCH IS IN HOUSE
Valuations, tax, accounting, and in Ontario legal. The valuator pricing the deal and the tax team structuring it are not meeting each other for the first time on your file.
COORDINATING OUTSIDE PARTIES
Brokers, lenders, private equity, counsel outside Ontario, and specialists such as insurance or real estate. They work to the same timeline, through the same lead.
INTEGRATED M&A SERVICES FOR SELLING
SELLING THE BUSINESS YOU BUILT
01
PLANNING
Your goals for the sale, and the scope of the work
The deal team assembled under one CFO lead
Staging the business: the quick wins that raise value, prioritized and implemented
Projections prepared, accounting records brought current
Pre-sale tax planning, while the options are still open
A realistic price, from a pricing analysis or a full valuation
02
MARKETING
A Confidential Information Memorandum, and a teaser for broad distribution
A Quality of Earnings report, prepared before a buyer asks for one
NDAs and a confidentiality protocol before anything is shared
A buyer list and outreach, run with brokers and through our own network
03
NEGOTIATION & DUE DILIGENCE
Screening of incoming letters of intent and buyer profiles
One point of contact for every buyer and broker question
The buyer's due diligence managed, rather than absorbed by you
Offers compared on terms, not only on price
Negotiation and review of the purchase and sale agreement
04
CLOSING
Final financial statements and final tax returns
Working capital adjustment
Agreement finalized, funds and assets transferred
Post-closing transition, including what the corporation still needs afterward
INTEGRATED M&A SERVICES FOR BUYING
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING
01
PLANNING
What you are buying and why, defined before the search starts
The deal team assembled under one CFO lead
Financing assessed: what you have, what you need, where it comes from
The lending process supported from your side of it
Corporate records and structure reviewed so you meet lender requirements
02
TARGET IDENTIFICATION
Opportunities sourced through brokers and through our networks
NDAs prepared and reviewed before information changes hands
Preliminary screening of each target by valuations, accounting, tax, and legal
The list narrowed to the few worth real work
03
NEGOTIATION & DUE DILIGENCE
A pricing analysis or valuation, so the offer has a basis
Letter of intent drafted and sent
A Quality of Earnings report on the target: real earnings, real risks, adjusted EBITDA
Financial, accounting, tax, and legal due diligence
The offer refined on what diligence finds, and structured for tax
Negotiation and drafting of the purchase and sale agreement
04
CLOSING & INTEGRATION
Final details coordinated across every party
Working capital adjustment reviewed
Agreement finalized, funds and assets transferred
People, processes, systems, and data integrated, so the return actually shows up
THE TEAM
THE SPECIALISTS YOU WANT ON YOUR TEAM
CFO
DEAL LEAD
Leads the transaction, sequences the work, and stays your single point of contact from planning through to post-closing. Pricing, financing, and what the business looks like afterward.
VALUATIONS
PRICING
Illustrative pricing analysis or a formal valuation by a Chartered Business Valuator, used to set an asking price or to test the one in front of you.
TAX
STRUCTURE
Deal structure, pre-sale planning, tax due diligence, cross-border where it applies, and the tax consequences buried in how the agreement is written.
ACCOUNTING
THE NUMBERS
Financial analysis and reporting, accounting due diligence, working capital adjustments, and the final statements the closing depends on.
LEGAL
ONTARIO
Letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, legal due diligence, and the corporate records a deal both requires and creates.
OUTSIDE THE FIRM
COORDINATED BY US
Brokers, lenders, private equity, counsel outside Ontario, and specialists such as insurance or real estate. Coordinated by the same lead, on the same timeline.
WHO WE DO THIS WORK FOR
OWNERS ON EITHER SIDE OF A TRANSACTION.
Some of this work starts years before a deal and some of it starts the week somebody makes an offer. Both are worth a conversation.
✓ Owners planning an exit who want support before the business goes to market
✓ Owners who have been approached by a buyer and need someone on their side
✓ Owners growing by acquisition, whether this is the first one or the fifth
✓ Companies buying a competitor, a supplier, or a book of business
✓ Owners transitioning to a management team or the next generation
✓ Buyers who need the financing arranged alongside the deal rather than after it
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
"Gauvreau are hands down, the leader in the accounting industry. We’ve had past accountants that simply do that, accounting. Then you’ve got Bob and his team, where they go above and beyond the call of duty. They truly care how your business is doing, and have become a pinnacle driver of how we run our business, look at numbers, and plan for our future. They have an entire team available and the response time is second to none. We also love their offerings, from simple taxes, to legal advice, and all the way up to an option of a CFO program where we have monthly meetings to look back, look at, and forecast our business and its numbers. They truly are a cut above the rest. Nothing else compares. Thank you!"
"When new legislation came down the pipe for our industry, I had to speak with several firms before finding Gauvreau and being introduced to Tyler Powers. Tyler was the only one who could confidently answer my questions. I have been extremely impressed with the level of service he and the team have been able to provide from a tax planning and bookkeeping perspective. As a busy entrepreneur with an evolving business, it's crucial to be able to know the team behind you not only cares, but is one you can trust who can help you make informed & confident decisions throughout your year and day to day. Every interaction I've had with any member of the team at Gauvreau has always been pleasant, prompt and professional. Would happily recommend, keep up the great work everyone!"
"We have been clients of Gauvreau for several years and have consistently received exceptional service. Their team takes the time to answer questions clearly, provide practical guidance, and ensure everything is handled accurately and efficiently. We appreciate their attention to detail, expertise, and commitment to client service. It is reassuring to work with a firm we can trust for both our personal and business accounting needs. We are grateful for the support and advice they have provided over the years and would confidently recommend them to anyone seeking experienced and dependable accounting professionals."
"I cannot even put into words how appreciative I am of this firm. I have NO IDEA what on Earth I was doing without them before. They truly and genuinely care about hoping you and your business, and your money. The organization of all the Departments is great! I feel SO confident having my finances in their hands. They have spent days and hours with me going over everything to make sure I know exactly what is going on. They have dug deep for me to try to make sure I was taken care of. Thank you so much!"
"Started using Gauvreau over a year ago to help set-up a corporation and then to do my personal and corporate tax returns. My main point of contact has been Tyler Powers and I cannot say enough positive things about this firm and person. Starting a corporation and working through the financial statements and tax returns is supposed to be overwhelming, but with the support of Tyler and the team at Gauvreau, it’s been a breeze. Anytime I have concerns or questions, Tyler makes it easy for me to reach out and alleviate any stress I had, which allowed me to focus on my business and not worry about the numbers. I highly recommend Gauvreau for any accounting, tax or even legal needs. Extremely happy client!!"
"We’ve had a fantastic experience working with Gauvreau! As new business owners navigating finances and taxes can feel overwhelming, but the entire team has been incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive every step of the way. They take the time to ensure everything is handled properly and efficiently, giving us confidence and peace of mind. Their proactive approach, clear communication, and attention to detail truly set them apart. We highly recommend them to any business looking for a reliable and professional accounting partner. "
"I was referred by a client and friend of mine, who highly recommended Bob and his team to help me first with bookkeeping, which has now turned into accounting that we're moving over as well as they've set us up in record time. Knowing I can lean on them for speed of execution in the legal and accounting space, it's something after 17 years of business I am NOT accustomed too. I'm building our a multi million dollar real estate portfolio and have been looking for someone able to advise on strategy and actually execute. Knowing I have someone reliable and who can move with speed in the investing world (for me anyways) is HUGE! ;-)"
"I LOVE Gauvreau! Bob Gauvreau is an expert in his field and he seeks out like-minded professionals to work for/with him. The entire staff are exceptional, from the smiling front desk staff to the support staff who respond promptly to any inquiry you may have. I deal with Tyler Powers who is amazing and quick to respond and give advice but other colleagues also deal with Gauvreau and have had the same experience. Their knowledge is extensive and they love to share what they know. I cannot recommend them enough!"
"As a small business, numbers are everything to us. Bob and his team go above and beyond what you’d expect from an accountant or bookkeeping firm. They offer a turn-key solution for us that has so much value that our financials are no longer a major burden or stress to us. If you own a business I highly recommend talking with Gauvreau, they can help identify where you are succeeding and where you could make some much needed change. It might just save your business!"
"Gauvreau Accounting and Tax Law Advisory is a one-stop-shop for all my Corporate, Personal and Estate matters. Responsiveness and communication is consistently exceptional, matched with the upmost professionalism, advice, accuracy and deliverables for all my accounting needs. I've worked with so many members of the team over the years and I'm forever impressed and grateful."
"Expert advice, clear explanations and sensible advisory services. Tyler helped me out of a multi-year tax complication and set me on the right path to fixing my situation. No rush, Tyler took the time to make sure that I actually understood my situation and how the decisions I make will impact me in the future. I have switched over to Gauvreau for all my accounting services in the future."
“I've been working with the team at Gauvreau for a few years with my business and personally. Specifically working with Tyler Powers has been exceptional. The service is second to none. They consistently go above and beyond to provide me with all I need to run my business. I trust them wholly and would highly recommend them."
"It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Gauvreau. From my first meeting they were all very helpful and knowledgeable. They had insightful ideas about how to do things more efficiently and cost effectively. I can most definitely say that the work at Gauvreau is absolutely flawless. They are very detail oriented and they always know what needs to be done. My experience leaves me with no hesitation to recommend them for any accounting needs."
“Working with Tyler Powers was excellent. He has a genuine interest in his clients as he took extra time to help answer questions and bring to light errors made by another accounting firm. I have high standards, especially with accounting as my field of study, and Tyler exceeds them all. I highly recommend Gauvreau.”
“We have used Gauvreau since opening our business and we cannot say enough good things. We work with Tyler Powers and he is extremely professional and goes above and beyond - emails are answered promptly, and accounting details run smoothly. Everyone is always friendly. We are very happy!”
"Gauvreau is an amazing team to be working with. From the time we started working with them it has been a very professional and valued experience. Bob and his team are very experienced with what they do and make sure that you are satisfied with their services through the entire process. Would highly recommend them to anyone!"
"I switched all my accounting to Gauvreau after having issues with a different accounting office. It has been one of my best choices for my business accounts. I work mostly with Jenn and she is absolutely fantastic, answers every question and goes above and beyond to help me with any issues I am having regarding my accounts. All interactions I have had with other members of their team have also been very positive. I 10/10 recommend Gauvreau."
"I find that since working with Gauvreau, they are very attentive to both my needs and business growth. They use innovative tools which makes my job of keeping track of my current state so much easier than I have ever experienced. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and are on top of all I could hope for in an accounting firm. I highly recommend this company."
"I've been working with Gauvreau for our organization's financial needs, and they have been amazing. The team is incredibly knowledgeable about bookkeeping and financial management. Communication with them is very easy. They're responsive, friendly, and always willing to address my questions or concerns promptly. Their fees are reasonable. I highly recommend them!"
"My experience with Gauvreau has been amazing, not only did they help me get my books back in order but also opened my eyes to all the benefits and value that come with have a professional accounting team on your side! Everyone that helps me from Robert's team is helpful, timely and always friendly! Highly recommended!"
"Tyler Powers has been helping with our accounting side of business & Jeff Fitzgerald has been helping us with a real estate transaction. Both parties have been amazing to deal with. Quick to answer & extremely tentative. Definitely look forward to continuing our business with Gauvreau in the future. Highly recommend."
"My income taxes were more complex than usual this year. Tyler Powers assisted me by going above and beyond to acquire the needed information. This was especially appreciated as I was supporting a very ill spouse at the same time as the tax returns were due. Tyler was also kind and reassuring and got the job done before the deadline."
"The team at Gauvreau is world-class!!! I was having a very stressful day dealing with banks & lawyers and I needed a tax document from them. Ashley answered the phone and was so incredibly positive and helpful - truly a breath of fresh air. It completely shifted the course of my evening. I am very grateful to be working with such a caring team."
"We have worked with Gauvreau Accounting for a number of years and have found all the staff to be pleasant, knowledgable and responsive to our needs in a prompt and professional manner. We have great confidence in Gauvreau Accounting and highly recommend their services."
"Excellent in their work. Easy to submit tax info. Friendly service and respond quickly to questions. Considering I have two home businesses they handle my taxes efficiently. I won’t go elsewhere"
"The Entire team at Gauvreau is top notch. They have made a massive difference in my business and completely changed our view on finances and operations. I would recommend Gauvreau to anyone in need of an excellent, experienced accounting team."
FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS
On a sale, preparing one before going to market backs your asking price and surfaces problems before a buyer does. On a purchase it tells you what you are really buying, and what it finds could support a lower price.
LEARNING CENTRE
More on MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
BUYING OR SELLING,
START HERE.
Whether you are a year from selling or looking at a target now, the first conversation covers where you are, what the deal will need, and who should be in the room.