Catalyst StrategicCatalyst Strategic

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying or selling a business brings up a lot of questions. That's normal. We've worked through thousands of deals, so we've heard just about everything. Here's what our clients ask us most — straight answers, no corporate speak.

We guide you through the entire M&A process. That means valuation analysis, buyer or seller identification, due diligence prep, negotiation strategy, and deal closure. Basically, we're your strategic partner from day one. We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business. Think of us as the experienced voice in the room when things get complicated.

Most deals take 6 to 14 months, depending on complexity and industry. A straightforward sale might move faster. A complicated acquisition with multiple entities? That takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation within our first few meetings. Rushing a deal usually costs money later, so we don't push artificial deadlines.

Yes. We're based in Cluj-Napoca, but we've handled deals across Romania and internationally. Geography matters less than finding the right strategic fit. If you're a solid business with growth potential, we'll work with you regardless of location. Virtual meetings have made this pretty straightforward these days.

We typically work on a retainer basis combined with success fees tied to deal completion. That way, our incentives align with yours — we only win when you win. We're transparent about fees upfront. No surprise charges buried in the fine print. Every engagement is different, so contact us to discuss what makes sense for your situation.

Our retainer covers advisory work regardless of outcome. Success fees only apply if we close the transaction. We're comfortable with that structure because we believe in our process. That said, failed deals are rare when you've got solid preparation and realistic expectations. Most deals that fall apart do so because of issues we'd have surfaced early.

Absolutely. You might have found a target yourself, but the real work starts in evaluation and negotiation. We'll assess whether it's actually a good fit, identify potential red flags, and structure the deal properly. Sometimes people get emotionally attached to a target without thinking strategically. We bring objectivity to that conversation.

We coordinate financial, legal, and operational due diligence. We don't do the accounting ourselves — we work with trusted third-party specialists — but we manage the process and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. We've seen deals derail because someone missed critical issues. That won't happen under our watch.

Call us at +40 588 164 986 or email [email protected]. We'll schedule a conversation to understand your situation — are you buying, selling, or exploring options? From there, we'll outline what engagement looks like. No pressure. Just a straightforward chat about your goals and how we might help achieve them.

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