A series of complexes of divalent transition metal ions with malonyl bis(salicyloylhydrazone) (H4MSH) have been prepared and characterized with the help of conductometric, potentiometric methods. The proton–ligand and metal–ligand stability constants were obtained pH-metrically. The electrical conductivity of solid complexes was measured at 289K. The low molar conductance values observed for these complexes indicate that, they are non-electrolytes. They are soluble to a limited extent in DMF and DMSO. The elemental analyses of the complexes indicate that the complexes have 1:1 and 2:1 (M:L) stoichiometry with the existence of water, chloride, acetone molecules inside the coordination sphere as evidence from the IR spectral studies. Further, the complexes have been formulated by comparing C, H, N & metal analysis data, and UV–visible spectra of the complexes have been discussed. The protonation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of their metal complexes will be evaluated potentiometrically. The stoichiometric ratios of the complexes formed in solution will be evaluated applying the molar ratio (spectrophotometric) method and confirmed conductometrically.