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Precedent-transactions screen + adjusted-multiples framing
You need a defensible set of precedent M&A deals for a target and a clean read on what buyers actually paid.
The prompt — copy and run it
You are an M&A associate building a precedent-transactions analysis for a target I describe: [TARGET, sector, size, geography]. Produce: 1. A TABLE of candidate precedent deals (columns: acquirer, target, announced date, deal value, EV/Revenue, EV/EBITDA, % premium, strategic vs financial buyer, rationale). Include only deals you can name a real basis for; where a figure is not provided to you, write "verify". 2. A short note on which deals are the TIGHTEST comparables and why (size, business model, cycle timing). 3. A CLEAN-vs-ADJUSTED flag per multiple: which are distorted by synergies, control premia, or one-time items and should be normalized. 4. The 2-3 questions to resolve before quoting any multiple to a client. Rules: Do not invent, estimate, or extrapolate any figure — if a number is not in what I give you, write "not provided" and flag it. Mark every claim I should verify externally before relying on it. Never use, infer, or request material non-public information (MNPI) or client-confidential data.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the full prompt above with the Copy button.
- Fill in your inputs. Replace each bracketed placeholder with your specifics:
[TARGET, sector, size, geography] - Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and run. Read the reality guardrail below before you act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Precedent screens live or die on comparability and on separating clean multiples from control/synergy noise — this forces both, plus a verification step so no headline multiple is quoted blind.
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When should I use this prompt?
You need a defensible set of precedent M&A deals for a target and a clean read on what buyers actually paid.
Why does this prompt work?
Precedent screens live or die on comparability and on separating clean multiples from control/synergy noise — this forces both, plus a verification step so no headline multiple is quoted blind.
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