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Business Growth Strategies For 2024

As we get into 2024, every business owner should think about ways to create growth, especially if you are considering exiting your business or embarking on retirement. So, let’s look at some things you can do to take your company to the next level.

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Business & Industry Trends of 2024

As we move into 2024, here’s what to expect to be the biggest focuses for businesses across various industries on a global scale.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between RubLine Marketing, LLC and ‘corePHP’, LLC

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of a leading outdoor recreation marketing agency, RubLine Marketing, by ‘corePHP.’ 

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Make The Most Of Selling Your Company

Deciding to sell your business is a big deal, and while you might be a bit scared by the endeavor, there are more important reasons to get excited about it.

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Benchmark International’s Brittney Zoeller Named Among Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders Of 2023

We are proud to announce that our very own Brittney Zoeller, Global Creative & Brand Strategy Director at Benchmark International, has been named among the Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2023 by Industry Era Women Leaders magazine.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between We Are HydRogen Ltd and PA Media Group

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Glasgow-based Hydrogen by London-based PA Media.

Established in 2016, award-winning Hydrogen is the largest social media agency in Scotland, specialising in social media management, B2B and B2C content creation, community management, paid advertising, research, and insights.

The company has delivered significant year-on-year growth since its formation and has worked with clients across the publishing, utilities, FMCG and hospitality sectors, including The Economist, Highland Park, SSE and Magners.

PA Media is the UK's leading provider of multimedia content and services. The group comprises a diverse portfolio of specialist media companies, spanning news and information, technology, and communications services.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

PA Media Group has 20 shareholders, who are mainly UK news and media businesses. The largest shareholders include DMGT plc, Informa plc, News UK plc and Reach plc.

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Benchmark International Named Best Global Middle Market M&A Specialists 2022

Benchmark International has been named 2022’s Best Global Middle Market M&A Specialists by the Global 100. 

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Complete Marketing Resources, Inc. and VIV

The seller, Complete Marketing Resources, is a leader in the web design, search engine optimization and online marketing space, specializing in the automotive industry. Established in 2008, CMR boosts an impressive portfolio of over 600 auto shops that benefit from their wide range of services.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

The buyer, VIV, offers their clients a suite of digital marketing solutions across the U.S. VIV’s mission is to help businesses grow their sales. “As VIV strives to offer companies best-in-class marketing solutions that support all stages of the selling process, CMR, Inc brings a talented team and cutting-edge programming that bolsters our offering and expands our geographical reach across the U.S. CMR, Inc will continue to have the same great service and more by joining VIV,” said Allan Noe, Managing Partner, of VIV.

“The team at Complete Marketing Resources carved out an impressive niche in the automotive digital marketing vertical. Their hard work and dedication to their clients established them as a leader that did not go unrecognized. VIV sees the value of adding them to their already robust suite of services. A great result for both parties”.

– Matthew Kekelis, Director, Benchmark International

Schedule A Call

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Enquiries@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 

 

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

Benchmark International’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $8.25B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from 14 offices across the world, have assisted thousands of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

Website: http://www.benchmarkintl.com
Blog: http://blog.benchmarkcorporate.com

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Benchmark International’s Marketing Team Wins Another Addy Award

At the American Advertising Awards, Benchmark International's marketing team won another ADDY® award for their "Virtual Black Box" in the Microsite category. A microsite is any web page or series of pages that are a part of a larger website but intended to feature specialized information. 

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The Latest Sales Trends Heading Into 2022

Every business owner should be keeping up with the top sales trends being used to boost companies’ bottom lines in today’s tech-driven economy. So what does the future hold? Use these sales trends insights to make sure you’re doing every last thing you can to take your business to the next level.

Social Selling
Over the last decade, selling has evolved immensely. More than 90% of consumers do online research before buying something these days. And that’s why social selling is becoming so integral to the sales process. Social media connects you with consumers already interested in what you do, so you already have the upper hand by simply having them as an audience. You are also able to build better relationships with them, which will translate to higher customer retention rates.

And don’t forget about the power of referrals. 70% of companies have reported that referrals convert faster than any other type of lead. If your consumers are happy with what you are doing, they will be more likely to recommend you to their friends and family—something that social media makes it easy to do in just a click or two.

Social selling also comes with a few other added benefits. It increases your brand visibility by actively engaging with people online, and it also keeps your brand top of mind. This means you get higher-quality leads. And with high-quality leads, you can expect to see higher sales numbers.

Value-Based Selling
Customers are savvier than ever. They can see through gimmicks. Simply shoving deals in their faces doesn’t work so well anymore, especially in the B2B sector. This is where value-based selling comes in.

Data shows that 87% of high-growth companies use the value-based approach, and with good reason. By focusing more effort on showing customers the direct benefits or personal value they can enjoy from using their products or services, you’re more likely to close more deals.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI adoption for sales teams is projected to be at 139% for the next three years. This is because business leaders are realizing how it can make a massive impact on sales numbers by helping with processes and tasks. Did you know that AI is capable of performing 40% of sales tasks?

AI can help you gather valuable data on customers that you can use to craft marketing strategies to increase your sales. It can also provide value by offering suggestions to customers based on their recent transactions. But that’s not all. AI can also predict trends in your sector to help you stay ahead of the game, boost productivity by automating menial tasks, identify leads with a higher chance of conversion, and improve customer satisfaction.


Ready to explore your exit and growth options?
Personalized Customer Experience
When you give your customers a more personalized experience, they are more likely to do business with you. Research shows that nearly half of all buyers will make an impulse purchase after getting a personalized shopping experience. Because most customers appreciate a level of personalization, they are willing to give you their personal information or create online profiles. And this is really half the battle when it comes to building a solid customer base. Additionally, when customers feel more engaged on your website or app, they are more likely to do business with you. As long as you can offer them convenience, speed, helpfulness, and friendly service, getting personal can take you a long way.

Outsource Sales
80% of logistics leaders have reported that the matter of outsourcing is no longer a yes or no question—it’s just a question of how much needs to be outsourced. The global outsourcing market is projected to grow to $82.2 billion by 2022.

By outsourcing, you will have a dedicated sales team that is laser-focused on identifying leads, reaches different segments through different platforms, and converts potential customers. Meanwhile, your company saves money and gets the sales expertise needed for the job while you focus more on your business. Outsourcing can also help small businesses with scalability issues. If your company experiences rapid growth, an outsourced sales team is ready to handle it.

Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM)
91% of companies in North America have a functional CRM solution integrated into their system. And guess what else? 65% of sales reps using mobile CRM have a higher chance of meeting their quotas. CRM makes it easy for reps to see all the data they need in a centralized system. Because it also stores customer data, CRM can suggest products depending on their past purchases. It can also improve your relationships with your customers by giving you a complete understanding of their needs and preferences.

Omnichannel Sales
Selling today is all about unifying your sales channels and creating a single commerce experience. This gives customers the freedom to choose how they want to buy your product while expecting the same level of service no matter which they choose. 73% of shoppers look at different channels when searching for a product, such as websites, social media, and physical stores. By being visible across channels, your company has a better chance of being chosen by a customer. Omnichannel sales also make the buying experience more convenient. In fact, businesses using omnichannel sales retain 89% of their customers. Yet, 55% of companies do not have an omnichannel strategy in place. It’s simple. Get ahead of the competition by nailing down your omnichannel sales structure.

Target Millennials
Millennials live through technology. In the U.S. alone, 82.2 million Millennials use the Internet, spending about $600 billion every year. They are the most likely customer segment to try new technological features that you offer. And 68% of Millennials prefer a more integrated shopping experience. This is why having that omnichannel sales strategy is so important. Offer them a seamless shopping experience that focuses on technology.

Don’t Forget Generation Z
Generation Z now makes up 32% of the global population, and they have a collective $45 billion in spending power. They represent a huge chunk of the consumer population, and they are spending more and more. Gen Z-ers are digitally entrenched, with an affinity for content from sites like YouTube and Instagram. You should use these preferences to your advantage. And the best part of securing their brand loyalty is that they are poised to be customers for the coming decades because they have just recently come of age. That’s a massive sales opportunity you don’t want to overlook.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Acquisition Of M.C. Communication, Inc. To ModOp LLC.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of M.C. Communications to ModOp LLC. MC Communications, is a creative services marketing firm established in 1986 in Dallas, Texas. The buyer, ModOp, LLC., is a digital marketing firm with locations in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

For Three decades, M.C. Communications has provided full service, integrated advertising, public relations and social media marketing. M.C. Communication’s portfolio includes a variety of clients in industries like manufacturing, energy, insurance, government, finance, retail, health, security and entertainment.

ModOp, LLC., is a creative strategic design agency that shapes brands through powerful storytelling, stunning design and insightful problem solving.

Benchmark International’s Transaction Director, Luis Vinals, commented “We are beyond thrilled for Mike and his team at M.C. Communications. Having an excellent cultural fit is the key to all successful partnerships and we believe that many doors will open for the team at M.C. Communications and for ModOp LLC., as they move forward.

 

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Acquisition of Columinate (Pty) Ltd. to InSites Consulting (Pty) Ltd.

Benchmark International is pleased to have successfully facilitated the acquisition of Columinate (Pty) Ltd to InSites Consulting (Pty) Ltd.

Columinate (Pty) Ltd (“Columinate”) is a highly awarded marketing research agency that provides quantifiable information to businesses in order to improve decision-making. The brand conducts its work exclusively through digital means – a methodology pioneered by Columinate in South Africa and where the business continues to be a proven leader in the space. The company employs a highly skilled team of over 40 research professionals and boasts a loyal and well-curated client base consisting of a diverse collection of both local and multinational customers.

InSites Consulting (Pty) Ltd (InSites) is recognised among the top 100 largest and top 10 most innovative market research agencies in the world. The agency helps global brands to make better and faster marketing decisions, combining smart digital technology with contemporary marketing methodology. InSites is now present on four continents with eight client service offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Germany, Romania, Australia and South Africa.

 

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

 

The transaction sets the groundwork for both businesses to leverage off each other’s mutually advantageous basket of services while instantly expanding InSites footprint and reach into South Africa and the broader African market.

Commenting on this, Andre Bresler of Benchmark International said: “This transaction evidences a defined trend whereby market leading businesses in all sectors have recognised the opportunities the African Market represents in the context of their own global clients and ability to service them internationally. Aside from the powerful synergies, the cultures of the two businesses are wholly aligned and we are equally delighted for Insites and Columinate both”.

On behalf of everyone at Benchmark International, we would like to wish both parties every success for the future.

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Benchmark International's Team to Blanket ACG Capital Connection

On November 12th, 2018, capital providers from across the country will be attending the Association for Corporate Growth Capital Connection in St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition to manning its exhibit table, the Benchmark International team in attendance will be holding one-on-one meetings with over sixty different strategic and financial acquirers.

“Our energetic participation in these conferences benefits our clients not only because of the occasional new acquirer that we meet but also, and probably more importantly, because it keeps our clients in the front of these active buyers’ minds. It’s one of the main reasons they come to Benchmark International first when they have a new investment plan. It’s also one of the ways we ensure these busy professionals will take our calls every time we have a new opportunity to put in front of them,” mused Benchmark’ Managing Director Clinton Johnston

The St. Petersburg Conference will be Benchmark International's fifth US Capital Connection exhibition of the year. If you’ve been unable to schedule a one-on-one with our team, Benchmark International’s booth will be in the exhibitors hall and manned from three hours before the conference starts until three hours after it ends. You can also call +1 813 898 2350 to schedule an appointment.

With 2018 soon drawing to a close, you may have begun considering your exit or growth plans for your business for the year ahead. Would you like to be showcased to leading dealmakers with strong, acquisitive appetites? Naturally, we present only a select number of companies for each event, so we would encourage you to contact us now to ensure your business is included.

Schedule a call to speak to an Analyst

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Benchmark International’s client, Command Partners merged with Enventys

In July 2016, Benchmark International’s client, Command Partners (a digital Marketing Firm) merged with Enventys (a Product Development Firm). These companies cater to helping entrepreneurs and startups locally and globally. Command Partners focuses on digital marketing for burgeoning companies using crowd funding and Enventys; expertise is in product design, engineering, manufacturing and fulfillment. The joint company will provide the following services, among others: marketing research, industrial design, engineering, prototyping, commercialization strategy, software and app development, branding, video production, digital marketing, public relations, search engine marketing, web development, lead generation and more.

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Benchmark International Facilitates the Transaction Between NISSCO and Excell Marketing

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a common ownership transaction amidst NISSCO Restaurant Dealer Group and Excell Marketing and Procurement Group.

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