International external growth

External growth, your gateway to the international market

External growth beyond national borders is a major strategic tool for organisations wishing to expand their commercial footprint internationally. In a market context that is both globalised and protectionist, the acquisition of companies abroad is a key factor,‘ is a smart way to access new markets, consolidate its position, integrate complementary technologies or diversify and secure its activities.

On this page, Salveo invites you to explore the various key stages in a company’s external growth process at the European level.international and how Salveo can optimise the whole process. From co-defining the project with the customer to the’every phase of the post-integration support process requires meticulous planning, in-depth analysis and rigorous execution.

Through this analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive framework for companies aspiring to undertake international external growth. By understanding the dynamics of each stage and adopting the right strategic and operational approach, organisations can maximise their chances of success in this complex and challenging process.

Salveo’s team of consultants, experts in international external growth, is always available to assist and advise you.

The steps in your international M&A project

Step 1

Co-definition of the growth project with the customer (area, specifications for the target to be acquired, etc.)

Identifying growth objectives : In this initial phase, it is crucial to establish a shared understanding of growth objectives with the customer. This means clearly defining the geographical area and, above all, the strategy behind the acquisition. We therefore need to look at the different value chains of the targets and their compatibility with the acquirer.

Drawing up specifications for the target to be acquired : Working closely with the customer, it is essential to define the precise characteristics of the target audience. This includes aspects such as the size of the company, its sector of activity, its market positioning, its profitability, etc. but also its culture, a very important factor in successful integration.

Step 2

Preparing the target hunt and build-up

Detection of potential acquisition targets : At this stage, an active search is carried out to identify companies corresponding to the criteria defined in the specifications. This may involve the use of specialist databases, contacts in the sector, in-depth market analysis, etc. Thanks to its international subsidiaries, Salveo has the necessary local network to help you detect the most relevant targets.

Preparation of the presentation file : Once the potential targets have been identified, a presentation pack or memo is prepared for each company. This file highlights potential synergies, the benefits of the acquisition for both parties, and any other relevant information to attract the target's interest.

Step 3

Completion of the acquisition

Target approach : Target companies are contacted to express their interest in a potential acquisition. This step often requires preliminary negotiations to assess the target's receptiveness. The approach is often made "blind", i.e. without mentioning the name of the potential buyer.

Evaluation of targets: An in-depth evaluation of targets is carried out to assess their culture, their likely financial value, their operating performance, their competitive positioning, their risks, the integrity of their management, etc.

Validation of relevant targets to be acquired:Targets that meet the criteria defined in the specifications and have the potential to create value are validated in order to begin the negotiation process.

Negotiation assistance : Our international external growth team will assist you in the final negotiations with the selected targets. This may include setting the terms and conditions of the acquisition, the purchase price, the terms of payment... but the most important thing is to guarantee a calm and transparent climate, a real guarantee of success for the transaction.

Our network of local partners, notaries, lawyers and local experts can also help you formalise the acquisition.

Step 4

Post-integration strategic and operational support

PMI or Post Merger Integration: Once the acquisition has been finalised, particular attention is paid to the integration phase. A detailed plan is drawn up to effectively integrate the new company into the customer's existing structure. The organisational, tools and, above all, human aspects will be worked on to ensure optimum buy-in from all stakeholders.

Monitoring and adjustment : The external growth team continues to provide support to the client during the post-integration phase. This may involve strategic adjustments, operational reorganisations, corrective measures, collective integration sessions, individual or team coaching, etc., to ensure the long-term success of the acquisition.

Choose Salveo to support your international development

When it comes to international expansion, choosing the right partner is essential to the success of your project. Salveo is the partner you can trust to guide you through this complex and strategic process. Our strong entrepreneurial AND international culture, combined with over 30 years’ experience in supporting small and medium-sized businesses, enables us to intervene effectively in all phases of an international acquisition.

Our “Funnel partner hunt” methodology

Our approach, based on the “Funnel Hunting for Partners and Companies” methodology, is distinguished by :

a confidential and exhaustive approach to potential partners;
preliminary investigations to identify the interests and motivations of the target partners with regard to a cooperation opportunity;
selecting and presenting the best partnership opportunities;
the use of our network of privileged high-level partners.

Above all, it’s the guarantee of a larger number of really interested targets!

Our network of partners and subsidiaries around the world

Salveo has built up a global network of professionals and business partners, enabling it to provide the best solutions to its customers throughout the world. We have an operational presence in the main strategic countries for French exporting and internationalised companies, strengthening our knowledge of local markets and our ability to intervene effectively.

Our expertise in networking and our extensive address book, which includes business introducers, heads of public institutions and federations, as well as decision-makers in the economic and political world, also enables us tooffer our customers privileged access to opportunities and key players in each target market.

By choosing Salveo as your partner for your international external growth project, you benefit not only from our opportunity-hunting expertise but also from our extensive network and personalised strategic and human support, these are all key success factors when it comes to effective, long-term expansion in global markets.