M&A advisory proposal: Free template

Customize this free M&A advisory proposal with Cobrief

Open this free M&A advisory proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your transaction experience, target deal type, and client objectives. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching sell-side or buy-side support, deal structuring, due diligence guidance, and post-acquisition planning. Whether you're an investment banker, corporate advisor, or fractional CFO, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is an M&A advisory proposal?

An M&A advisory proposal outlines how you’ll support a client through a merger, acquisition, or sale of their business. It typically includes deal strategy, market research, buyer/investor outreach, financial analysis, negotiation support, and coordination with legal or tax advisors.

This type of proposal helps companies understand the process, clarify your role, and build confidence in your ability to guide a successful transaction.

A strong M&A proposal helps you:

• Define your role clearly across the deal lifecycle.
• Build trust through your expertise and process.
• Align on timeline, deliverables, and fees.
• Help clients prepare for and navigate complex deals.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you write clear, high-trust proposals — with built-in AI to speed up every step.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: No formatting delays or templates required
• Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify complex deal points, simplify terms, or refine tone instantly
• Run a one-click AI review: Get improvement suggestions on clarity, structure, and flow
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept individual edits or apply all in one click
• Share or export instantly: Send via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version

Spend less time formatting and more time winning mandates.

When to use this proposal

Use this M&A advisory proposal for:

• Sell-side advisory (full or partial business sale).
• Buy-side advisory (acquisitions or roll-ups).
• Strategic exit planning for founders or investors.
• M&A readiness assessments or market positioning.
• Corporate development support or partnership structuring.

It works for early-stage companies, mid-market firms, or private equity clients.

What to include in an M&A advisory proposal

Each section helps the client understand your process, what’s included, and what they can expect:

• Executive summary: Outline the client's goals (e.g., exit strategy, growth via acquisition) and how your expertise will guide the transaction from strategy to close.
• Scope of work: Define the stages covered — e.g., deal preparation, buyer/investor outreach, financial modeling, CIM development, data room setup, negotiation support, and coordination with legal and tax teams.
• Methodology: Explain your approach — from pre-deal assessment to valuation, market outreach, deal structuring, and close. Highlight frameworks, tools, and team experience.
• Timeline: Break the deal into phases — discovery, outreach, negotiation, diligence, closing — with high-level timelines. Note that deal timelines are subject to market dynamics.
• Pricing: Present your fee structure — typically a monthly retainer plus success fee (e.g., % of transaction value). Be transparent about when fees are due and what they cover.
• Terms and conditions: Cover confidentiality, exclusivity (if applicable), conflicts, payment terms, and termination clauses.
• Next steps: End with a clear CTA — such as “Reply to confirm,” “Schedule a kickoff call,” or “Sign to proceed.”

How to write an effective M&A advisory proposal

This proposal should feel strategic, experienced, and execution-focused:

• Frame the deal as a journey: Clarify the client’s starting point and how you’ll guide them to outcome.
• Balance expertise and clarity: Use plain-English explanations even when discussing complex concepts.
• Be transparent on timeline and effort: Deals are dynamic — setting clear expectations builds trust.
• Tailor to the client’s goals: Acquisition and exit strategies require different framing.
• Keep formatting clean: Use short sections, bullets, and structured headings.
• Make the next step easy: Guide them toward starting the engagement.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.