Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce it has successfully facilitated the sale of UBEO Business Services to Sentinel Capital Partners. Retained as sell side advisors, Benchmark International tasked its US Major Transactions Team with professionals based both in Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida to spearhead this deal. Benchmark International’s Major Transactions Team handles company sales with enterprise values in excess of $100 million.

UBEO, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a provider of best-in-class document management equipment and related services. UBEO facilitates business technology integration by offering the newest, best, and most innovative ideas in hardware and software solutions to its customer base of approximately 6,000 mid-sized businesses, schools, and municipalities. With a team of more than 225 salespeople, technicians, and support staff, UBEO sells and services globally-recognized copier and printer equipment in major Texas metropolitan markets and operates seven sales sites serving the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston metropolitan areas.

Jim Sheffield, President and CEO of UBEO, said "We are very proud of the reputation we have built. UBEO outperforms its competition in the service categories that our customers value most – technical capability, service quality, and on-time delivery. Partnering with Sentinel well positions us for our next phase of profitable growth."
Given the size and influence of the buyer, Benchmark International knew the importance of utilizing a top-notch M and A team at the head of the transaction. Managing Director, Kendall Stafford, led the Major Transactions team to close this deal. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with Jim Sheffield and his team at UBEO Business Services. UBEO Business Services is a true Texas business. With the headquarters in San Antonio and offices throughout the great state of Texas, we could not have asked for a better company to represent," Stafford said. "This was a great deal for Benchmark International but especially for our Austin, Texas office. The acquisition of UBEO Business Services continues to show the need for professional sell-side advisory services for middle-market companies. Benchmark International is positioned to help companies such as UBEO Business Services achieve maximum deal value and structure by utilizing its knowledgeable team and proven experience. I’m confident in saying that this deal would not have been achieved without the involvement of Benchmark International.”

There were two significant factors which affected the negotiations of this deal. The deal was agreed shortly before the 2017 tax reform. The implementation of the tax reform meant negotiations needed to be adjusted to reflect the benefits to both sides. Additionally, earlier in the year, the company underwent a significant restructuring, that also complicated negotiations. bringing the whole team back to the drawing board. Benchmark International worked diligently with UBEO and Sentinel Capital Partners to drive this deal through to the end for its client. Sentinel Capital Partners is a private equity firm that targets investments in middle-market companies with strong management and attractive growth prospects. Sentinel looks to invest up to $175 million of equity in companies generating EBITDA of up to $65 million.

Scott Perry, a partner at Sentinel Capital Partners, explained "We are very excited about the acquisition of UBEO and partnering with a regional market leader with a stable, highly recurring business model, high margins and strong free cash flow characteristics. As the largest independent dealer in Texas, UBEO is a scalable platform and ideal for consolidating its highly fragmented industry. We are very pleased to partner with a highly experienced, talented, and strongly committed management team that has a proven record of profitable growth."

WE ARE READY WHEN YOU ARE.

Call Benchmark International today if you are interested in an exit or growth strategy or if you are interested in acquiring.

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

Europe: Carl Settle at +44 (0)161 359 4400 / Settle@BenchmarkCorporate.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +2721 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkCorporate.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 $5B across 30 industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from 13 offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

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