A key part of CFSG’s standard business sales process is maximising competition for a client’s business. This necessarily involves identifying the largest pool of likely acquirers, including both industry players and financial buyers, and inviting them to bid for the business.
In addition to identifying local acquirers with whom we often have close existing relationships, CFSG will also typically look to reach out to select foreign acquirers who may also have an interest in the opportunity.
For a detailed overview of CFSG’s proven business sales process, please click here.
An example of CFSG’s global approach to identifying prospective acquirers for a client is Invest Assure Group (“IAG”), the financial planning organisation and its principal subsidiary Monitor Money. In addition to Monitor Money, Invest Assure Group also includes back-office support organisation Assure Services and Technology.
CFSG was appointed by IAG to explore merger & acquisition opportunities for the company.
Following its appointment, CFSG put a process in place to help IAG secure an equity partner to help fund the continued growth of its local financial planning business. This process resulted in interest from five separate parties that each presented a formal expression of interest.
IAG completed a transaction with one of New Zealand’s largest financial planning and funds management companies, Spicers Portfolio Management (“Spicers”) a subsidiary of US financial services institution, Sterling Grace Corporation.
The transaction valued IAG at circa $25m and was completed in two tranches. Spicers acquired a 50% interest in IAG through the initial tranche and acquired the balance shares over the next 2-years.
Maximising competitive tension in a business sale transaction is a key part of any sales process and reaching out to offshore parties that may have an interest is an important part of that process.
If you would like to have a confidential discussion about how CFSG can assist you in successfully preparing for and completing the sale of your business, please contact us.