Deal Origination
The best opportunities are not always publicly for sale
HenryMae provides discreet, practical deal origination and transaction support for acquirers seeking lower-mid-market opportunities in Australia.
We identify relevant businesses, approach owners confidentially, test strategic fit and help progress credible opportunities from first conversation through to completion.
Many attractive Australian businesses are privately owned, founder-led and not engaged in a formal sale process. They may, however, be open to the right conversation with the right acquirer at the right time.
HenryMae helps clients access that part of the market through focused research, relationship-led outreach and senior commercial judgement. Our work is designed for acquirers who want a qualified Australian target pipeline without immediately establishing a dedicated local origination team.
What we do
1. Define
We work with you to understand your target sectors, geography, size, ownership profile, strategic rationale, financial parameters, transaction preferences and exclusions.
2. Map
We identify and prioritise businesses that appear to fit the brief using public information, industry sources and commercial screening.
3. Outreach
We approach owners, founders and key decision-makers confidentially to test whether they may be open to a conversation regarding an acquisition, investment, succession solution or strategic partnership.
4. Assess
We provide practical feedback on apparent strategic fit, ownership context, likely appetite, timing and the appropriate next step.
5. Facilitate
We support introductions and early commercial discussions, including the exchange of appropriate non-sensitive information.
Where an opportunity develops, we can assist with key terms, non-binding proposals, term sheets, adviser coordination, due diligence workstreams, negotiation support, completion planning and post-completion transition.
What clients receive
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An acquisition brief translated into a focused target-screening plan
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A prioritised market map and target list
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Clear commentary on strategic fit and ownership context
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Confidential outreach managed with care
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Regular reporting on outreach status and target feedback
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Qualified introductions where there is genuine interest
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Support progressing opportunities through term sheet, diligence and completion
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A senior point of contact who understands both the commercial and transaction dimensions of M&A
Where we focus
Our work is focussed on lower-mid-market businesses with strategic relevance. Sectors we focus on and have experience in include:
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Professional and IT services
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Testing, inspection and certification
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Engineering and technical services
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Mining services
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Manufacturing and advanced manufacturing
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Food production and distribution
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Warehousing and distribution
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Logistics and automation solutions
We generally focus on transactions in the AUD $1 million to AUD $50 million range, subject to the client’s acquisition brief.
Who we support
HenryMae works with:
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International acquirers entering or expanding in Australia
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Australian companies pursuing acquisitions or strategic partnerships
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PE-backed platforms and acquisitive founder-led groups
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Corporate development and in-house M&A teams
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Independent sponsors, searchers and acquisition entrepreneurs
Why HenryMae
HenryMae is led by Paul Napier, who has more than 19 years’ experience in private M&A and strategic transactions, including experience with a Big Four professional services firm, a leading Asia-Pacific law firm and almost a decade as General Counsel of an ASX100 company.
That experience informs how we screen targets, approach owners, assess commercial fit and help manage the issues that arise once a conversation becomes a transaction.
HenryMae is not a database of unqualified names. We provide a focused, relationship-led origination capability supported by practical transaction experience.
Senior M&A experience, applied locally
Engagement
Pilot Mandate
Our Pilot Mandate is designed to test the market against an agreed acquisition brief. It can include market mapping, target identification, discreet outreach, opportunity reporting and support with initial discussions.
Pilot mandates can be structured without a monthly retainer, with fees linked to agreed transaction milestones.
Foundation Mandate
For clients requiring ongoing origination support, a Foundation Mandate can provide a dedicated capability over an agreed 3 to 12 month period, combining a monthly retainer with reduced milestone fees.
The scope, target criteria, reporting cadence and fee structure are agreed at the outset.
Disclaimer
HenryMae does not provide valuation services, taxation advice, financial product advice or regulated financial services. Where required, clients should obtain independent legal, tax, accounting, financial, technical, valuation and other specialist advice.