Start with the customer problem
An acquisition should solve a durable customer problem or strengthen a capability the portfolio already needs.
Evaluate strategic fit
The company should have a clear portfolio role without creating unnecessary overlap.
Measure operating burden
Review technical debt, staffing dependence, security, legal exposure, maintenance, and customer support.
Test authority and defensibility
Look for trusted audiences, original data, specialized workflows, repeat use, or distribution difficult to reproduce.
Review monetization quality
Evaluate concentration, volatility, customer harm, platform dependence, and alignment with usefulness.
Plan integration before closing
Define what remains independent, what joins shared systems, and what must be repaired immediately.
Methodology and limitations
This framework reflects the Reserve One Holdings operating perspective and should be adapted to the industry, regulation, consequence, and company stage.
Related resources
Corporate strategy, operating standards, and the research library.