In most cases, you begin by screening likely acquisition candidates.
Screens are like resume reviews.
They are used to eliminate companies but rarely result in a clear first choice. The screening process is intended to narrow the field of candidates to those companies that match your requirements. A professional valuation advisor can help you define the parameters of this process. You and your advisor can then investigate the targeted companies more closely. You are likely to increase your chances of finding a good acquisition candidate more quickly if you are willing to work with your advisor to design and implement the screening process.