The communications industry has witnessed rapid changes and advancements in recent years, driven by technological innovations and changing consumer demands.

Electrical contractors are a vital component of the construction industry and support broader economies. These businesses employ many workers and generate billions of dollars annually by providing essential services that power societal infrastructure, including

Leveraged Buyout (LBO)

A leveraged buyout occurs when a company is acquired using a significant amount of borrowed money to cover the purchase cost. This is done so they can avoid committing large amounts of capital to an important acquisition.

An acquisition is a transaction in which one company purchases another or a portion of its assets. The acquiring company, also known as the buyer, assumes control of the target company, the seller, by purchasing its stock or specific investments.

The global online event ticketing market was valued at $27.6 billion in 2022 and projects to reach $40.4 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. 

The seller, American Engineers, Inc (AEI), is an engineering firm comprised of several offices. Their focus is primarily on transportation, industrial, utility, and municipality space.

With decades of experience across multiple markets and geographies, they have risen to the top of their respective field. Their motto “Designing Your Future”, paired with investments in innovative technology and the most proficient people, allow them to continually deliver excellence.

If you are considering selling your business, there are many reasons why you are better off with the guidance of a professional M&A team. There are many reasons why partnering with Benchmark International to sell your company can make a significant difference in both the process and the result. 

When selling a business, most owners focus on the bottom line, typically represented by EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). However, while EBITDA is an essential metric for valuing a business, it is not the only one that matters. There are other factors that potential buyers consider when evaluating a business, and as a seller, it is crucial to understand these factors to get the best possible value for your company.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce Vogl Venture's acquisition of eLogger. eLogger is an innovative software developer focused on providing electronic logbook solutions for electric utilities, water utilities, oil & gas companies, and other industrial operations. Founder Ron Vogl has decades of experience wearing many hats in his industry. He has been a forerunner in business-to-business enterprise software and a leader, manager, and operator of his product. Sally-Anne Hughes (Hughes Klaiber) represented Vogl Ventures during the transaction.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of James Hamilton Group by Zeus Group.

Established in 1923 in Northern Ireland, James Hamilton Group is a multidisciplinary B2B distributor of packaging, label production, office supplies, and personal protective equipment services across multiple sectors including retail, food and beverage production, logistics, and distribution. The company has annual sales of €18m (£15.4m) and 120 employees.

Irish-owned Zeus Group is one of the largest packaging companies in Ireland and the UK. It supplies packaging solutions for both individuals and small businesses. It now has 51 locations worldwide, having embarked on a series of acquisitions since 2019.

By joining forces with James Hamilton Group, Zeus will expand its current offering in the food and retail packaging sector. It will leverage the combined purchasing power and unlock operational efficiencies across its combined operations in Northern Ireland. 

The purchase forms part of Zeus Group's 2023 growth strategy to propel group revenues beyond €500m.

Following the transaction, James Hamilton Group will continue to operate under its established brand, leveraging its existing manufacturing expertise and management team.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Essex-based ILS Holdings and Burnley-based EFS Global.

ILS Holdings is the parent company of subsidiaries Sussex Pallet Services and Independent Logistic Solutions, an East Sussex-based freight transport collection and delivery service firm that operates throughout Europe.

EFS Global provides warehousing, haulage, customs clearances, vehicle maintenance and logistics services across the UK and worldwide. It has over 32 depots, 600 vehicles and 1,000+ staff across its 25 companies in the group.

EFS Global's 23rd acquisition since 2015, the transaction further consolidates the group’s position in the South East after it purchased sister companies Eminence Transport Ltd and Floryn Ltd last year.

EFS Global has acquired the company's entire issued share capital, bringing on board a workforce of more than 40 people. It plans to implement a ‘business as usual’ approach with a strategy of building on what has already been achieved by ILS’ management team over the past few years.

The global wine industry is enjoying a ripe comeback following a few challenging years due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong comeback is expected to sustain into the future. In 2023, the global wine market is valued at $333 billion and is expected to grow annually at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% between now and 2027. By 2027, a little over half of all spending, and 26% of volume consumption, will be for out-of-home consumption (e.g., in bars and restaurants).

The staffing industry has experienced steady growth over the past decade, which expects to continue in the foreseeable future. The lower middle market is an ideal space for mergers and acquisitions in the staffing sector, as this industry segment typically comprises small and medium-sized businesses. For staffing companies in this market, selling to a more prominent firm can offer a range of benefits.

The seller, Brookshire Learning Center, is an early childhood development institution that prepares children for learning in an engaging and secure atmosphere. Their numerous premier award-winning facilities stretching across Indiana, support the needs of families in local communities by superseding conventional daycare options. 

The architectural services industry comprises various companies that design and plan buildings and structures spanning residential, institutional, leisure, commercial, and industrial spaces. Key areas of expertise include knowledge of design, construction, zoning, building codes, and building materials.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Macro Works by environmental consultancy APEM.

Macro Works is a landscape consultancy firm specialising in the landscape & visual impact assessment (LVIA) of proposed developments, particularly in large scale infrastructure projects such as wind farms, solar farms, road schemes, and water/electrical transmission. The company also produces photomontages, 3D visual simulations, glint & glare reports, and landscape design.

APEM provides independent environmental consultancy and expert advice to a wide range of industries including water, renewables, power & utilities, marine & ports, transport, construction, and development. The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology, and geospatial services to organisations across the world.

APEM has offices in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, and the USA. Since receiving private equity investment from WestBridge in 2019, APEM has seen its revenue grow from £10m to a forecast c.£60m in the current financial year, employing 540 people across five divisions.

Earlier this week, APEM announced it had secured a +£50m debt package and additional accordion from Tikehau Investment Management UK, with an additional £7.5m working capital facility from Virgin Money to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.

Benchmark is pleased to announce the transaction between Electromagnetic Industries LLP and Olympic Controls Corporation. The reason for targeting was strategic expansion.

The value of the global packaging market forecasts to increase from $917 billion in 2019 to $1.05 trillion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%. The market has seen consistent growth over the past ten years thanks to the expansion of new areas, changes in substrate choices, and shifting ownership dynamics. Also, many vendors in the packaging sector are working to grow their market share by building new production facilities for paper packaging. 

Vertical Integration

Vertical integration is a strategy that involves a company expanding its operations into other stages of its supply chain. This means that a company takes control of its suppliers, distributors, or both. Vertical integration can be achieved in two ways, either through backward integration or forward integration.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of electrical infrastructure specialists, Poise Group, by the BRUSH Group.

Rajic Agrawal, director at Poise Group, said this about working with Benchmark International: “What an amazing and professional group of people Benchmark have. This was my first time selling a company and without Benchmark we couldn't have done what we did. I have no words to describe their excellence in this field. Strongly recommend them to anyone.”

Poise Group is a design consultancy specialising in major infrastructure projects across a diverse range of sectors including rail, civil engineering, and electric vehicle charging.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of rc - research & consulting by management consult. 

Founded in 2002, rc - research & consulting, based in Bielefeld, Germany, is a well-known full-service market research institute. The company provides qualitative and quantitative research services to national and international companies.