One of the first things we look at when on-boarding a client is whether now is the appropriate time to take the business to market. In fact, many clients that first reach out to us do so for an informative understanding of market dynamics and where their company stands within. Additionally, the task of selling a Middle Market company can be daunting, so gathering information is a natural first step. If during our initial conversions, we agree as a team that the time is right to sell, then a strategy can be developed and the business marketed accordingly. If the decision is made to plan and wait, then it’s critical that a forward-looking strategy be developed in view of what the Shareholders are trying to accomplish, integrating the dynamics specific to their particular company and to its industry, developing a set of benchmarks and initiatives to achieve a particular future position, and then drilling it all down into activities and action items with the ultimate goal of executing on all action items and putting the company in the best light possible for exit. This strategy should allow ownership to meet all objectives and one day exit the business when it is best positioned for sale. By selling too early, or without a strategy in place to maximize shareholder value, it’s likely that ownership might leave money on the table.
We have experts on our teams that have experience consulting middle market companies on turnaround and exit strategies. Our strategy development process is based on creating value for the shareholders of our client companies. In this light, and among other things, we can assist in defining a company’s long term objectives with an emphasis on shareholder value while keeping all eyes on an exit strategy. To achieve this, we will develop detailed action plans for all stake holders, obtain strategic resources to support implementation of the plan and establish an internal working knowledge of the strategic management process.
Our process is proven, so we are confident in its ability to be successful. And the amount of assistance one client might require compared to another is highly disparate. So we let the client decide the level of service they require and we work together on creating an exit strategy where everybody wins.
The ValleyBiggs team of experts has a large network of advisors and professionals in multiple segments that are helpful in bringing mid-market deals to fruition. These include tax, due diligence and accounting professionals; attorneys (buyers, seller and transactional); post-sale transition and operational teams; and most importantly, a large network of banking, VC and private equity professionals that fund our deals. This latter part of our network is the key that drives our excellence in this sector and why we are able to close over 95% of the deals we work on. This is an unprecedented rate of success in this sector – something we tout often and have a great deal of pride promoting.
Other keys to our success, include the following processes:
We generally work with our clients for 3-4 weeks before we go to market. This helps us ensure that the marketing materials to be presented to potential buyers are as accurate as possible and presented in a highly professional manner. We have found that this upfront work helps us maintain consistency throughout the sales process and has been well accepted by our clientele. An important part of our process is a detailed exploration of our clients’ financial statements, which helps determine profitability (including whether add-backs exist) and whether there is a need for client financials to be normalized to position the Company in the best possible light.
The reasons why ValleyBiggs stands out about the rest, and why sellers are hard-pressed to find a better group to represent them in the sale of their business, is the following:
Whether you’re a seasoned buyer of companies that has merged a number of entities into your own, or you’re looking for a first time investment, ValleyBiggs is the partner you need to achieve success. Acquisition clients come to us in various forms, including those that are looking to buy a competitor in the space, those that have been contacted by another firm indicating they would like to sell and those that aren’t sure where to start, but would like to embark on an investment.
When it comes to handling the acquisition of a company, smart entrepreneurs know that you’re in the best position to be successful and close on a transaction if you have the right people backing you during the process. You need a team that understands the marketplace and is aware of trends and targets, solid deal makers that can keep the flow moving and a partner that has a team in place that can manage the entire process from start to finish without the need to outsource. That’s ValleyBiggs.
Acquisitions provide competitive leverage, new technology and know-how, new capabilities, access to new markets and other value-adding objectives. The key is valuing and structuring a sale correctly, mitigating risks and executing a well thought-out integration / transition plan. Since we’ve handled the acquisition process from virtually every vantage point, whether as buyers, sellers, founders looking to exit or as consultants, we’re in a position to provide assistance in a number of area, including, but not limited to:
Chances are that if your company is in the position to divest or sell at the mid-market level, you’ve probably seen your fair share of successes. And successful entrepreneurs know best that in order to be successful in business, you must put people around you to help promote growth and longevity. When it comes to exiting your business, that’s where ValleyBiggs comes in.
Not only can we facilitate the sale of a business using highly proven methods via a team of highly trained professionals, but we’ve acquired, sold and started up a number of Internet companies ourselves. We’ve been right where you are today, so we are in the enviable position to help you build a strategy that best suits your needs. Why work with mid-market brokers or bankers that only understand the financial side of a deal when you can work with a team that understands both the financial and operational aspects of a transaction?
Before an exit strategy can be developed, one first needs to review the company’s foundation to ensure it’s at the right stage to promote a solid transaction. Then, it’s important for the Founders and Investors to agree on an exit that puts everybody in a position to be successful. But how do you know when the time is right to sell, and if the time is right, what’s the best process to follow to ensure your company, your employees, your investors and you are protected during the process?
The team of experts at ValleyBiggs focuses on M&A in the the Technology and Internet Sectors. Since we solely focus on these sectors, we are aware of virtually all transactions available to those interested in merging with or acquiring a tech or internet company. It’s a relatively close-knit space. In this respect, we are in a good position to help interested parties acquire a tech company on reasonable terms and within a reasonable timeframe.
Clients specifically find our advisory skills helpful with respect to buy side transactions because our Founders are Tech Entrepreneurs. They have acquired, sold and started up a number of Internet Companies, so they are well positioned to understand not only the economics of the deal, but the actual intricacies and operations of the target business. This is a rare skill that very few ValleyBiggs competitors can claim, and we find that it truly sets us apart.
Buy Side Services can come in a number of forms. We can help clients scale their worldwide footprint, consolidate and/or expand their categories and/or product lines. As an experienced team of experts fully entrenched in the industry, we offer a compelling, independent perspective to our clients that allow them develop their scale strategies. As a buy side advisor, we can identify marketplace trends, acquisition opportunities and assist in bringing to close potential transactions or transactions that are underway.
Our experts tailor their approach to the the buy side of a transaction specific to each client’s needs. Some clients may need help identifying and lining up support services to assist with certain aspects of a transaction, while others may need the entire process managed. We are available for either of these opportunities and anywhere in between.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of ways we can help:
Corporate valuations vary greatly depending on the industry. Luckily our qualified professionals help to value and prepare your business for eventual sale. Our value-added services include working directly with owners and management to substantially increase the value of your business in a short period of time allowing you to walk away with a hire exit multiple. This often means expert consulting in everything from finance and marketing to business development and logistics. The valuation is viewed through the lens of an entrepreneur, not simply a careless consultant.
Our team focuses on sell-side M&A transactions in the Technology and Internet Sectors. While many M&A firms provide a highly disparate, differentiated approach to capture business from multiple verticals, we believe that our team can provide the best value-added service, advice and guidance by focusing on the Technology and Internet Sectors. Therefore, that is our sole focus.
ValleyBiggs typically works on Technology M&A projects in the Mid-Market space. We define middle market as a transaction purchase price ranging from $3 Million to $300 Million in value. The experts at ValleyBiggs have sold hundreds of companies over the past 20 years, making them experts in the industry. Additionally, the Founders of ValleyBiggs own and operate multiple technology companies also in the middle market, putting them in the very best position possible to understand the nuances of a tech company sale.
When a client engages ValleyBiggs to work with them during the Acquisition process, they have the benefit of having a team of entrepreneurs, attorneys, accountants and executive advisors on their side. What better way is there to ensuring your success at the negotiation and closing tables than by packing the room with experts?
Our strategy has been perfected over time, but generally, and as with everything we do, first we develop a strategic plan. This plan reviews the buying entity, its team, its financial wherewithal as well as its ability to obtain funding or lending. We work directly with the client’s key stakeholders to define a strategy that make sense for the client. That includes, identifying target entity specifics, like company size, market share, industry and synergies. Once the target is well-defined, then an acquisition strategy is put into place and executed, including the search and screening of target companies.
Once one or more target companies are identified, then term sheets are developed indicating interest in the acquisition of the company. If the terms are agreed upon by all parties, a definitive agreement is executed and due diligence begins. Once due diligence is complete, the deal is amended to deal with due diligence findings and a closing is set. Following closing, an integration and transition plan is executed upon.
Our approach can be the complete facilitation of this entire process, or the management of bits and pieces of it. Our goal is to ensure the client is successful in the acquisition and we will play whatever role makes sense for the client.
