Fairness Opinion

For a board of directors or a special committee, approving a material transaction such as a merger, acquisition, or disposal carries significant fiduciary responsibilities. A Fairness Opinion is an expert, independent analysis that provides the board with a crucial piece of evidence in fulfilling its duty of care: an objective opinion as to whether the financial terms of the transaction are fair to the company’s shareholders.

Our Role

Aether provides independent and rigorously analysed Fairness Opinions to boards of directors, special committees, and other decision bodies. We act as a trusted advisor, undertaking a comprehensive financial analysis of the proposed transaction to arrive at a defensible and objective conclusion.

Due Diligence

A thorough review of the transaction terms, the subject company’s financial and operational data, and relevant market and industry conditions.

Valuation Analysis

The application of a broad range of valuation methodologies to assess the value of the company and the consideration being offered or received. This includes analysing potential synergies, non-cash consideration, and alternative strategic options.

Formal Opinion

The delivery of a formal, written opinion to the board or committee, summarising our analysis and stating our conclusion on the financial fairness of the transaction.

The Aether Advantage

In an environment of increasing shareholder activism and judicial scrutiny of M&A transactions, a Fairness Opinion is a critical component of a board’s risk management and governance process. The credibility of that opinion rests entirely on the independence and expertise of the firm providing it.

Unimpeachable Independence

Aether FS is not a transactional advisor or a financing provider. Our sole role in the engagement is to provide an objective financial opinion. Unlike an investment bank that may have other roles in the deal—creating potential or perceived conflicts of interest—our independence is absolute. This ensures that our analysis is, and is seen to be, completely impartial, providing the board with a robust and defensible foundation for its decision-making process.

Analytical Rigour

Our opinions are underpinned by comprehensive and sophisticated financial analysis. We do not simply provide a conclusory statement; we deliver a thorough assessment that considers the transaction from multiple perspectives. This analytical depth gives the board a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of the deal, equipping them to demonstrate that their decision was made on a fully informed basis, thereby satisfying their fiduciary duties to shareholders.

Confidential Consultation

To engage Aether Financial Services to provide an independent Fairness Opinion for a significant corporate transaction, please contact us.