Features List
2
Platform-Optimised Prompts
6
Analysis Steps per Prompt
7
Structured Output Deliverables
Why Corporate Development and M&A Teams Use These Prompts
End-to-End in Two Prompts
One prompt for ChatGPT, one for Manus AI — each covering the full M&A targeting process from thesis and guardrails through valuation and term sheet. Fill in your industry, geography, and financial parameters, then run. No piecemeal prompting required.
8-Step Analytical Framework
Both prompts follow the same structured framework: thesis and guardrails, target universe, pre-screen and ranking, commercial due diligence, financial quality, synergy sizing, risk assessment, and valuation. Every phase is documented so nothing is skipped.
7 CFO-Ready Output Deliverables
Each prompt specifies the exact outputs required: target universe table, weighted shortlist scorecard, commercial DD pack, financial DD pack, synergy model, risk register, and valuation pack. You define the format at the start, so the AI builds toward each deliverable from the first response.
Manus AI for Deep Research
The Manus AI prompt is built for Manus's autonomous research capabilities. It runs multi-source web research, compiles market reports, and returns a structured analysis document without you needing to manage the search process step by step.
Guardrails That Keep It Real
Both prompts include financial guardrails: revenue range, EBITDA margin threshold, leverage headroom, return hurdle, and no-go criteria. The AI is anchored to your actual deal parameters from the start, not generic sector commentary.
What's Inside the Free Download
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ChatGPT Prompt Template (PDF)
A fill-in-the-blanks prompt for ChatGPT's agent mode. Covers all 8 analysis steps and specifies 7 required outputs. Fill in your industry, geography, deal thesis, financial guardrails, and exclusions, then run in a ChatGPT session with web search enabled.
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Manus AI Prompt Template (PDF)
A structured prompt for Manus AI's autonomous research agent. Uses the Four T's strategic framework (Territory, Technology, Talent, Total Addressable Market) and 7-phase analysis structure. Covers 7 phases including cultural and talent assessment alongside the financial and strategic dimensions.
ChatGPT vs. Manus AI — How the Two Prompts Diffe
Dimension: Best for
ChatGPT Prompt: Interactive multi-turn M&A research with a CFO advisor framing
Manus AI Prompt: Autonomous end-to-end research with minimal manual input
Dimension: Framework
ChatGPT Prompt: 8-step playbook: thesis through valuation and deal terms
Manus AI Prompt: 7-phase analysis: strategic fit through market and competitive landscape
Dimension: Strategic lens
ChatGPT Prompt: Financial guardrails: revenue range, EBITDA margin, leverage, return hurdle
Manus AI Prompt: Four T's Framework: Territory, Technology, Talent, TAM
Dimension: Output format
ChatGPT Prompt: 7 structured deliverables named upfront; AI builds toward each
Manus AI Prompt: 4 report sections: executive summary, target analysis, market report, roadmap
Dimension: Risk coverage
ChatGPT Prompt: Commercial DD pack: GRR, NRR, customer concentration, CAC/LTV, pricing power
Manus AI Prompt: Financial health benchmark: growth rates, cash flow, valuation multiples
Dimension: Risk coverage
ChatGPT Prompt: Legal, regulatory, privacy/cyber, MFN clauses, change-of-control triggers
Manus AI Prompt: Industry-specific risks, key person dependency, competitive threats
Dimension: Valuation output
ChatGPT Prompt: DCF, trading comps, precedent transactions, earn-out structures, WC pegs
Manus AI Prompt: Industry multiples, deal structure optimisation, tax efficiency, earnouts
Dimension: When to use each
ChatGPT Prompt: Use for focused deal work where you manage the conversation and review each step
Manus AI Prompt: Use when you want a single comprehensive research document without managing steps
The 6-Stage Due Diligence Process
| Stage | Activities | Output | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Initiation | Business unit submits request; determine preliminary risk tier | DD Request Form with initial tier classification | Day 1 |
| 2. Scoping | Set assessment depth based on risk tier and data classification | Scope Document confirming required documents and review team | Days 2-3 |
| 3. Information | Collect vendor documentation; send questionnaire; chase missing items | Vendor Package with all submitted documentation | Days 4-14 |
| 4. Assessment | Domain experts review; calculate TCI score across 3 components; identify gaps | Completed Assessment Template (Part B) with TCI score and findings | Days 15-21 |
| 5. Recommendation | AI Risk Officer makes Buy/Hold/No-Buy recommendation with written rationale | Recommendation Report with TCI classification and conditions | Days 22-25 |
| 6. Approval | Tier-appropriate approval authority signs off; contract finalization proceeds | Approval Record filed in vendor registry; next reassessment date set | Days 26-30 |
Common Questions
Do I need a paid ChatGPT or Manus AI account?
How long does a full analysis take to run?
What makes a vendor an automatic No-Buy?
How do I fill in the placeholders?
Should I use the ChatGPT prompt or the Manus AI prompt?
Can I customise the prompts for a specific industry or geography?
Two Prompts. A Full M&A Target Analysis. Free.
Updated for 2026. ChatGPT and Manus AI versions included — fill in your parameters and run.