Financing an acquisition during an economic slowdown is a strategy used by many companies in the past.It is difficult for a business to grow to its fullest potential through internally generated methods. Acquisitions are a helpful tool that brings your company more exposure and opportunity to corner a specific part of a market.
Financing an acquisition during an economic slowdown can be tough for a company that is being effected negatively by the economy. Financing an acquisition during an economic slowdown requires prudence, conservatism and perseverance.
Yet, if a company has the drive and ability to execute an acquisition, an economic slowdown is often a great time to buy a company at a reduced price. Companies can become illiquid and distressed during an economic slowdown which provides a great buying opportunity for the acquirer.
Often, selling is their only option in order to satisfy their creditors. Also, loans are harder to get in an economic slowdown. This usually depresses the price that a selling company can command, giving the buyer leverage to negotiate a good deal.
If a company is looking to expand itself and has a preexisting customer base that will benefit from outward expansion, financing an acquisition during an economic slowdown can bring the company into new markets. The acquisition can be the impetus the company needs in order to dominate its market and grow into a powerhouse.
If a company can follow through with acquisitions during an economic slowdown, when the economy picks up again, the company will be larger, stronger, and would have made out with the best possible price of the target company.