Synergy

M&A

Turkish: Sinerji

Short definition

Synergy is the assumption that the combined firms will produce more cash than the sum of the standalones. Cost, revenue, tax and financing synergy are separate proofs; not all of them are EBITDA.

Detailed explanation

Cost synergy (overlapping SG&A, procurement) is more tangible; revenue synergy carries cannibalisation and customer loss. Integration cost (IT, severance, advisors) leaves cash before synergy arrives.

Embedding synergy in the multiple impairs goodwill if it fails. Timing can break DSCR in the first years.

Why it matters for the CFO

A control premium is often printed on synergy PV. Without cash and a date, the premium is a transfer to the seller’s holders.

How to read it

Gross synergy − integration − tax − non-delivery probability = the decision input. There is no universal “synergy %”.

Related calculators

Güven Sayılgan’s writing on this topic

Read these first

What to learn next

  1. Acquisition
  2. Net Present Value (NPV)
  3. Cannibalization
  4. Goodwill
  5. Accretion

Definitions are educational. They are not investment, credit or tax advice.