Bank Acquisitions are the most complex transaction. And it is critically important that the Buyer engages experienced Advisors to assist them. Mostly to effectively manage the steps to buy a Bank which is outlined herein.
Initial Decision
The initial decision toBuy a Bankshould carefully consider the entire process. This is required to insure an understanding of the numerous issues and requirements. This will ensure the smooth going of the process.
Acquisition Analysis
The first of step to buying a Bank is for potential buyers to identify Banks.They must be available for sale that meets their:
A substantial part of the initial acquisition analysis can be done with Public Numbers. If the Buyer is an existing Bank it should complete an analysis. This analysis will determine at what price the transaction will be accretive to earnings per share. And then enhance shareholder value.
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Absent any substantial issues of concern in the Acquisition Analysis a Letter of Intent should be prepared which addresses purchase structure, price, due diligence requirements, confidentiality requirements, and retention of key employees. The final LOI is submitted to the Seller along with evidence of the Buyer’s Qualifications including:
(1) a Business Resume for the Principal Buyer;
(2) a conceptual Business Plan which outlines the intentions of the Buyer for the Bank post-acquisition;
(3) a Proof of Funds Letter to evidence the Buyer’s financial capacity; and,
(4) a Commitment from the Buyer for a Preliminary Meeting with appropriate Regulatory Authorities to determine the probability of their willingness to consider a Change of Control Application.
If the material terms of the transaction have been agreed upon by both the Buyer and Seller the LOI is executed. In the event of widely held or publicly held stock there may be additional, and complex, requirements for Shareholder approval of the LOI. The execution of this LOI does not obligate either side to complete the transaction. It merely sets forth in writing the material terms of the transaction and evidence agreement by both parties so that the acquisition process might continue. The non-binding LOI serves as the basis for the subsequent drafting of a Definitive Purchase Agreement.
Due Diligence
Following Acceptance of the LOI, by the Seller, the Buyer and its Representatives will perform due diligence on the Bank. If the transaction involves the Buyer’s Stock as consideration, the Seller will also perform due diligence on the Buyer. The due diligence period provides an opportunity for the Buyer to complete a comprehensive review of the Seller’s business operations at the Bank. The due diligence process includes a comprehensive review of the Bank’s loans, business operations, fixed assets, compliance issues, contractual agreements, other material components of its operations, and, if necessary, a ‘Fair Value’ analysis of assets and liabilities.
If due diligence reveals no major deficiencies in the Seller Bank, the transaction proceeds as outlined in the LOI. However, if due diligence uncovers issues or problems, the Buyer has the option of amending the terms of the LOI (such as lowering the purchase price or requiring an additional provision to the seller’s ALLL) to account for the problems discovered during due diligence or simply terminating the LOI.
Definitive Agreement
If the Buyer elects to proceed with the Acquisition a Definitive Agreement is drafted. This Agreement is the actual Purchase and Sale Agreement. It includes representations and warranties of both the Buyer and Seller, conditions to closing such as regulatory and shareholder approval, termination provisions, and other relevant issues. The Definitive Agreement will also incorporate any specific requirements of the Buyer or the Seller that may have developed in the Due Diligence process.
♦ Negotiate a Definitive Agreement
The Definitive Agreement is then presented to the Seller's Bank. Seller will review the proposed Definitive Agreement and notate changes that they deem appropriate or unacceptable. Negotiations will continue until such time as both parties achieve their principal objectives and commit to signing.
♦ Execute Definitive Agreement
Upon Execution, by both Parties, the Definitive Agreement represents a legally binding contract for both parties to the transaction.
Regulatory Approval Process
Following the execution of the Definitive Purchase Agreement, the Buyer will initiate all required Regulatory applications. The appropriate federal (Federal Reserve / FDIC / OCC) and/or State regulators will review the application, provide comments, ask for additional information, and conduct background checks on those whom they deem to be the Principal Buyers. The Buyer will respond to the Regulators in an effort to finalize the application and resolve any issues of regulatory concern. The regulatory approval process is, most often, a four to six-month process at the minimum.
Closing
Conditioned upon final Regulatory approval, and waiting periods, the Buyer may proceed to a Closing of the Transaction. Wherein payment of the Purchase Price is tendered by the Buyer. And Stock Ownership and Control are tendered by the Seller. This is done in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement. Now you know thesteps to buying a Bank, so good luck!
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