Question 1

Purpose and Function of the Singapore M&A Registry

Accepted Answer

Singapore M&A Registry (SMAR) is a structured registry system designed to organize and present corporate sale and investment data to standardized criteria. This enables investment banks, strategic investors, and international acquirers to evaluate company data under a consistent standard. This system aims to reduce inefficiencies in interpreting data that arise from differences in accounting principles and financial reporting practices across countries. By restructuring corporate data to meet global standards, SMAR helps companies access a broader international investor base beyond their domestic market.

Question 2

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure of Registered Information

Accepted Answer

All data submitted to Singapore M&A Registry is subject to strict confidentiality and non-disclosure principles. A company's identity, executive information, and specific financial data will not be disclosed externally. The relevant data is made available in an anonymized format only to certain international investors who have passed a prior eligibility screening before participating in the evaluation process. Registered companies have the right to withdraw their registration at any stage. Upon withdrawal, all related data will be immediately removed from all distribution and review processes.

Question 3

Standard Process Following Registration

Accepted Answer

Once registration is complete, a SMAR partner accounting firm in the relevant country will be assigned to the company. An initial review is then conducted through a virtual meeting between the assigned partner accounting firm and the company to evaluate the company's current status and strategic direction. Following the preliminary review, the company's financial and business data is standardized. Based on the results, Singapore M&A Registry determines eligibility for listing through an internal assessment. Only companies that meet the listing criteria are made available to eligible international investors in a viewable format.

Question 4

Necessity of Standardization Criteria

Accepted Answer

Financial data submitted by companies across different countries is prepared under varying accounting principles and reporting systems. Such differences can make it harder for international investors to accurately evaluate a company's business structure and financial performance. To address this challenge, Singapore M&A Registry operates a structured procedure to reconstruct financial data to meet global standards. This standardization work is performed by certified public accountants affiliated with SMAR partner accounting firms, and only standardized data is used for registration review and listing.

Question 5

Scope and Eligibility of Registered Companies

Accepted Answer

Singapore M&A Registry places no restrictions on industry sector or company size. Companies across a wide range of industries — including food and beverage, franchise, retail, e-commerce, technology, software, logistics, distribution, and healthcare — are eligible for registration. SMAR is broadly applicable to businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large enterprises. The scope of registration is not limited to full company sales. Companies seeking to sell a partial equity stake, attract capital investment, or pursue a strategic partnership are also eligible to register.

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