Successful client relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. We have been fortunate over the years to work with a number of great companies in the manufacturing, business service and distribution sectors. As a fee-based firm, we act as a professional resource for our clients and we avoid the potential conflicts that can arise with commission-only intermediaries. We will be glad to provide references as part of any engagement.

SERVICES - PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET RESEARCH BUSINESS (B TO B)

Hunterdon County, NJ

Challenge

The owner of the business, realizing that the majority of his personal net worth was tied up in his business, wanted to diversify his personal financial risk by selling a portion or all of his business.

Solution

Based on an evaluation of the business performance and an assessment of the M&A market conditions for this industry, SEA recommended that it was a favorable time to go to market. We prepared and implemented the strategy to develop a competitive marketplace for the business. Following a thorough vetting process, several buyers were selected to receive a presentation from the company’s management team resulting in multiple bids for the business. We negotiated the price and terms, resulting in a transaction which met our client’s goals and exceeded his expectations.

 

AEROSPACE – COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURE (B to B)

Montgomery County, PA

Challenge

The owner of the business decided to transfer the business to a key manager after two years of breakeven business performance, with pipeline products (not yet to the market), soft demand in the market and with a defined value for the business (which could not be supported by debt). Minority ownership was interested in cashing out of the business with the retiring owner.

Solution

After interviewing stakeholders, our team developed five (5) different scenarios to transfer the business to the employee, and a strategy to monetize minority shareholders. SEA led strategy sessions on the pros and cons of the scenarios, identifying stakeholder ‘pinch points’ to each, arriving at a mutually acceptable option. SEA refined the plan incorporating the new owner’s vision and projections, identified ‘pinch points’ and potential workarounds. Following SEA’s engagement, attorneys documented agreement of the stakeholders.

 

SERVICES - MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BUSINESS (B TO B)

Mercer County, NJ

Challenge

The owners of this business were approaching retirement age and indicated they were interested in finding the best way to convert their equity interest into cash.  Originally, they desired to transfer the business to a key employee group.

Solution

After our team evaluated the option for transferring the business to their employees, the owners determined that this scenario would not accomplish their goals and decided a third party sale would be their best option.  SEA created the marketing plan for the business, developed a list of strategic and financial buyers and confidentially presented the business to the marketplace.  After a number of parties expressed an interest, the owners selected a strategic buyer that they felt was the "best fit" for the business.  SEA led the negotiations on the deal, managed the due diligence process and brought the transaction to a successful close. 

 

SERVICES - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Montgomery County, PA

Challenge

The owner of this business was interested in selling this business and facility to enable her to relocate and build her dream home.

Solution

Our team assessed the value of the business, identified an number of likely prospective buyers and marketed the business to strategic acquirers looking for expansion opportunities. SEA negotiated the deal, managed the due diligence process and closed the deal with a buyer who had significant experience in our client's industry.

DISTRIBUTION - INSTRUMENTATION COMPANY

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Challenge

Two Owners interested in the value of their business, and alternatives for exiting the business as each approaches retirement age (at different dates).

Solution

Our team completed a benchmarking study and market check report to assess the current market value of the company; then completed a SWOT analysis of the business operations and management. Our process identified vulnerabilities in obtaining fair market value for the business, and suggested corrective actions to mitigate vulnerabilities.

MANUFACTURING - VULCANIZING COMPANY

East Coast

Challenge

Owner interested in the assessing the marketability for the business, with two years remaining on the company lease.

Solution

Our team completed a market valuation for the company. We confidentially marketed the business and identified several strategic acquirers looking to expand their geographic footprint. Market feedback indicated the facility required updating or re-location. We worked with the Owner and completed financial projections to re-locating the business, and the impact on the business value.

SERVICES - LAWYER SERVICES BUSINESS

Mercer County, New Jersey

Challenge

Owners interested in selling one division of a multi-division company, with annual declining revenue..

Solution

We confidentially marketed the business to strategic acquirers. The company received four indications of interest and selected to enter negotiations with two strategic acquirers looking to expand their service offerings.

COMPUTER HARDWARE & SERVICE BUSINESS
Chester County, Pennsylvania

Challenge
Owner burn out after key technical staff left the company, following a busy decade growing to a multi-million firm. Identify a merger partner with a similar company who was looking to expand its market reach by providing similar servers and/or related products or services.

Solution
We identified prospective candidates outside the competitive market area and proceeded to sell the business assets to a strategic acquirer who shared a common business philosophy. The acquirer had the experience to complete a successful client and staff transition. The owner became an employee of the acquiring business.

WEB-BASED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Fairfax, Virginia

Challenge
The owner of a fast-growing company offering continuing professional education (CPE) services needed help finding a merger partner. He felt he had grown the company as large as he could and that his best solution was to team up with a larger better capitalized company.

Solution
We worked the owner to develop a strategic exit plan that would enable him to convert his equity into cash and new stock and to join the new company as a senior level executive.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FIRM
Chester County, Pennsylvania

Challenge
Determine the value of the business and develop an exit strategy for the owner in a challenging and changing market place.

Solution
We completed a business appraisal for the business, exceeding the owner's expectations by 50%. We considered a transaction structure in order to determine if a sale fit the owner’s lifestyle plans. We determined a growth and reinvestment strategy was the best alternative for our client.

BUSINESS INFORMATION COMPANY
Mercer County, NJ

Challenge
Company founders needed to develop a plan to raise $5 million in investment capital and to subsequently sell the company once staffing and product plans were put in place and operating effectively.

Solution
SEA principals created a business plan, identified prospective investors, pitched the company, negotiated the transaction, recruited the Board of Directors and helped manage the operation until its two business units were sold to investors as part of its original exit plan.

MANUFACTURING - COATING APPLICATION BUSINESS
Chester County, Pennsylvania

Challenge
Determine the value of the business, and develop strategy for exit options for the owner of two related manufacturing companies.

Solution
Our team completed a business appraisal and we were retained to sell the business. Our process helped identify strategic candidates with industry experience and complete the sale to a buyer who merged the customer base and staff to capitalize on a synergistic fit.