There are two types of buyers: strategic buyers and financial buyers. Commercial lenders, family offices, private equity funds, mezzanine funds, independent investors, and other capital providers are all financial buyers. Strategic buyers include everything else. It can be beneficial to entertain both financial and strategic buyers when you are selling your business. Still, it is important to understand how financial buyers think and what you’re dealing with as you work through conversations and negotiations.

Metaphase Design Group, Inc. is a leader in applying the science of human factors engineering and ergonomics to product design. Metaphase incorporates various areas of specialization in their User-Centered Design Innovation Process, combining them with extensive expertise in Industrial Design and Human Factors research and support.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Vooner FloGard Corporation and Aerzen USA.

In the world of small to mid-market mergers and acquisitions, a number that is very important is a company’s adjusted EBITDA. The adjusted EBITDA is meant to find a company’s true normalized earnings by taking away any outside influences or ownership influences on the company’s bottom line. Some companies do not have to make many adjustments in order to find adjusted EBITDA, while some companies may need many adjustments to arrive at adjusted EBITDA.

Benchmark International represented A to Z Insurance in the company’s sale to Acrisure. A to Z Insurance, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, is an independent insurance agency specializing in commercial trucking policies. The agency also offers a variety of personal and commercial insurance policies and represents many of the nation’s leading insurance providers. A to Z Insurance has four locations throughout Texas.

Hexagon Electrical (Pty) Ltd (Hexagon Electrical) designs, manufactures and re-conditions a large range of flameproof and non-flameproof motors, switchgear, transformers, flameproof and non-flameproof enclosures, flameproof auxiliary equipment, and standard and flameproof motors for ventilation fans and dust control systems.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Pennsylvania-based Arora Engineers and Jacmel Growth Partners, a New York-based private investment firm. Arora is a leading professional services firm that provides infrastructure-focused planning, design, program/construction management, facilities management, asset management and technology services primarily to state, local, and federal government customers.

A family business is technically defined as an organization that is owned and operated by at least two members of the same family. Family businesses actually account for around two-thirds of all companies worldwide, and 90% of companies in the U.S. The largest 500 family-owned companies generate annual revenues of $6.5 trillion. Global research has also demonstrated that well-run family companies are more profitable and stay in business longer than other companies, even with the many challenges they face. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Middlesbrough-based Doocey North East by Swedish group Netel.

Doocey North East is a specialist utility services provider delivering contract services for telecommunications and fibre-optic networks. Works include the installation of ducts, micro-ducts, access chambers, street cabinets, fibre optic cable installation for local authorities and major private clients. Employing 15 people, in 2020/21 the company recorded net sales of approximately £6.5m.

Founded in 2000, Netel is a leading specialist in critical infrastructures in Northern Europe, carrying out projects as well as services and maintenance for the industry's largest players in power, telecommunications, heating, and water and sewage. The business has a strong local presence via 18 offices and has approximately 660 employees. In 2021, Netel had sales of more than SEK 2.4 billion.

The acquisition marks Netel’s second in the UK within two months as the group rapidly continues its expansion in the growing British fibre market.

What Is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is an immersive digital online environment that links social and commercial activities through technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality to create 3D virtual spaces that mimic reality. Its use is quite broad and can be applied to gaming, work meetings, e-commerce, socializing, or entertainment. The term “metaverse,” which was first introduced in the 1992 novel Snow Crash, is today considered a way to truly redefine the Internet. It is a concept that is still being shaped, but the vision is rapidly evolving. There is not necessarily one single defined metaverse, as various companies are working to shape the idea in their own ways. For example, blockchain tech such as cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are being used to support digital transactions in the metaverse. Video game makers are shifting their online worlds to resemble social networks with a market opportunity to expand to include live entertainment such as concerts and sporting events. With this transformation comes a battle for the share of social media ad revenue. And as the metaverse continues to evolve, it continues to represent a huge business opportunity.

M&A activity in the recruitment industry reached a 10-year high at the start of 2022 with the industry bolstered by the number of job vacancies growing to a record of 1,172,000 in November 2021, according to the ONS, as 1 in 4 workers plan a job change.

Borne from the pandemic, workers quit their jobs due to post-pandemic burnout, changing priorities and the greater number of opportunities that became available.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of a Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists clinic to MyEyeDr., managed by Capital Vision Services, LP.

The financial health of the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry has rebounded significantly from the negative economic COVID-19 impacts of 2020, poising the sector for a strong M&A market in 2022. The earnings of commercial aerospace firms have recovered, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have announced a series of production rate increases for the years 2023 to 2025, raising the likelihood of supply chain acquisition activity in 2022. Additionally, the defense budgets of both the United States and Europe have remained stable, leading to high demand for defense products and services despite some production offsets due to supply chain challenges. 

PitchBook has released their Q2 2022 Global League Tables, and Benchmark International has once again received several impressive rankings. The firm remains ranked as the #1 Privately Owned Sell-Side M&A Advisors in the World and is ranked as the 10th Most Active Investment Bank in the United States. This ranking puts Benchmark International ahead of other well-known firms, including Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Woodbridge International, and Bank of America Securities.

Benchmark International is also ranked as:

• 17th Most Active Investment Bank Globally
• 11th Most Active Advisor & Accountants (PE Deals Only) in the US
• 12th Most Active M&A Advisors in the US
• 13th Most Active M&A Advisors in Europe
• 14th Most Active M&A Advisors Globally

Last month, small business sentiment in the U.S. fell to its lowest level in nearly 9-1/2 years due to concerns surrounding inflation. Yet, at the same time, demand for labor remains more substantial than expected as companies continue to pursue growth.

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

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Georgia-based Lyman Davidson Dooley, Inc. (Lyman Davidson Dooley) and Virginia-based Blueline Holding Company, LLP (Blueline). 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Carlisle-based AndiDrain by Glasgow-headquartered Denholm Energy.

Established in 1990, AndiDrain is a liquid waste management and industrial services company offering a range of services such as tankering, CCTV pipework surveys, waste segregation and recycling, sewer/culvert renovation, and relining.

Denholm is an international services provider supplying leading edge services across industry sectors including oil and gas, marine, defence, petrochemical, renewables, utilities, and distilleries. Employing over 4,500 people, the company has operations in the UK, USA, Caspian, and Middle East and has an annual turnover in excess of £190m.

The move by Denholm Energy's subsidiary, Denholm Environmental Services, further strengthens Denholm’s waste management and industrial services offering. It also expands the geographic footprint of Denholm Environmental from the Scottish Highlands down to the Midlands and adds a comprehensive and market leading range of equipment to the portfolio.

Andrew Little, managing director of AndiDrain, said this about working with Benchmark International:

“I would like to thank Roger, James, Charlotte, Nick and the rest of the team for a job well done with the sale of the company. I can highly recommend Benchmark to anyone who requires a M&A specialist to guide them through what can be difficult times when dealing with due diligence.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Keyhouse by Toronto-based Dye & Durham, one of the world’s most trusted providers of mission-critical software for legal, financial and business professionals with operations in Canada, Australia, the U.K. and Ireland.

Keyhouse is a leading software solutions company providing cloud-based software systems, training and services to solicitors and legal service providers throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Dye & Durham provides legal and business professionals with a suite of market-leading products designed for efficiency, accuracy and instant access to public records.

Brian Sweeney, managing director at Keyhouse, commented: “As part of the Dye & Durham family, Keyhouse will continue to provide leading cloud-based software systems, training and services to legal professionals across the Republic of Ireland, but now backed with the full support and resources of the multi-national Dye & Durham. This acquisition will result in greater integrations with third-party systems from within Dye & Durham, including search facilities, AML, quote conversion and on-boarding applications and compliance modules.”

eSports is a form of video-game-based competition that has seen significant revenue and viewership growth in recent years. Much of the revenue is coming from advertising dollars from brands, such as ads shown during live streams on online platforms, video-on-demand content of matches, or on eSports TV. And competitive gaming is becoming more mainstream than ever. 

Join us for the complimentary webinar: What You Need To Know About Selling Your Business To A Strategic Buyer.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Manchester-based Hargreaves Jones by London-based CCi.

Established in 2005, Hargreaves Jones is a consultancy providing commercial and project management services to clients primarily in the large-scale infrastructure sectors including nuclear decommissioning, electricity generation and distribution, oil and gas, green energy generation, transportation, and manufacturing both in the UK and internationally.

CCi, a Rimkus company, is an independent consultancy with an international reputation for expertise in the insurance and construction industries. Operating from over 17 locations worldwide, CCi has a dedicated team of 115 experts helping to resolve some of the world’s largest and most complex insurance claims and construction disputes.

Rimkus has been established for over 40 years and now operates from more than 110 offices worldwide. It is a provider of engineering and technical consulting services to corporations, insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies. Rimkus also provides architecture, engineering, and construction services for the built environment, including restoration design, facilities risk assessments, and due diligence property condition assessments.

The acquisition will support the advancement of CCi’s expertise to deliver commercial and project management services to clients engaged in capital construction and engineering activities on both large and small infrastructure projects.

Several elements play into a successful merger or acquisition, from finance to sales and from operations to HR. Leading up to a transaction, it’s not uncommon for business owners to focus more on these elements and not the area of marketing as an essential part of their M&A strategy.

Marketing is an incredibly important part of ensuring the success of a deal and the integration of companies in the agreement. In addition, effective marketing strategies can help the company create value and growth in several capacities.

The Retail Industry
Now that we seem to finally be closing in on the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 is likely to continue to see overall growth in the retail sector, but not without its share of challenges.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Swindon-based Tops Security by London-based Banham.

Tops Security is a provider of electronic security systems for domestic and commercial customers, offering a comprehensive product range including intruder and fire alarm systems, CCTV, and access control systems. The company provides a turnkey solution, providing customers with design, installation, and on-going technical support.

Founded in 1926, Banham has grown to become the largest provider of security systems to properties in London and the South East of England. The family-run business, currently in its fourth generation of the Banham family, has seen significant year-on-year growth.

Actively acquiring over the last few years, Banham has expanded its reach into the West Country, therefore making the acquisition of Tops Security a natural fit.

The companies also share several core values as industry experts with a strong family ethos.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of London-based Zencom to Wynard-based Communicate.

Zencom supplies inbound and outbound call services to SMEs and blue-chip companies including call routing, invoicing and online real-time management call statistics.

Since 2011, Communicate has been a specialist in IT, telecoms and cyber-security, keeping over 500 businesses and 50,000 users connected and secure across the UK.

The acquisition will add specialist SME-centred services to Communicate’s offering and unlock new service lines. It is the company’s third buy as part of its buy and build strategy and has been facilitated by a £1.5m investment from BOOST&Co.

As a business owner, you may have noticed an increase in conversations regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies in the workplace and B Corp status. Even though these policies are being implemented more frequently with larger companies, many small and mid-size business owners are not fully aware of what these policies are, what they mean, and how they are affecting investor behavior and M&A transactions. Let’s start by breaking down exactly what ESG is. 

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between CoreAxis, LLC, and eLearning Brothers.

When raising money to fund mergers and acquisitions, there are several ways that capital can be sourced. First, the financing needs to be raised with consideration of the company's operating cash flows. For example, if the business uses debt financing, it should have sufficient funds to cover the interest and repay the debt.

An IPO is an initial public offering (IPO), which is the first limited public stock sale by a private company. IPOs are a strategy often used by smaller businesses to raise capital from public investors in order to facilitate expansion and growth. Once public, the company can be traded on the open market. There are both upsides and downsides to taking a company public. 

What is an M&A Strategy?
A strategy for a merger or acquisition is the rationale behind the transaction. Your objective should determine the type of deal that is right for your company. Maybe there is even more than one objective. Commonly, these goals are focused on boosting financial performance and mitigating risk.

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, it is common for a seller to struggle to see the transaction from a buyer’s point of view. This is quite understandable because a business owner spends years, and even decades, building their company into a successful venture. It makes it more difficult to see the transaction from a potential buyer’s perspective. Many M&A transactions fall through because the seller and buyer simply cannot get on the same page. As a seller, you can work with an experienced M&A advisor to help you manage your expectations for the value of your company so that you can not only get the most out of your deal but also make sure the deal goes through. If you’re selling a business, you should understand how the valuation of a company works, what it is based on, and what is important to a buyer.

As a business owner, it is important to have a solid understanding of what a sustainable growth rate (SGR) is, and why it matters to the valuation of your company. 

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us quite a few lessons for keeping a business surviving and thriving in unchartered territories. Now is the time to be forward-thinking. There are ways that you, as a business owner, can utilize mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an effective strategy to accelerate your company’s recovery from the lingering impacts of the pandemic from both a defensive and offensive perspective.

OFFENSE:

Accelerate Your Business Model

Inorganic Growth
Emerging from a pandemic is not the time for organic growth strategies for most businesses. This is especially true for sectors that have experienced irreparable impacts, such as retail, hospitality, tourism, and live entertainment. However, M&A can accelerate growth within a business model is otherwise not feasible or accessible ways. Whether it’s accessing new supply chains or acquiring a competitor’s talent, M&A is an effective tool that can open up several possibilities for growth and success.

Disruptive M&A
Technology and innovation have become more imperative than ever because of the need for rapid digitalization during the pandemic. When remote working and online conferencing became the norm, disruptive tech was put on an epic fast track. Everyone wants what is hot, and they want it ASAP. Otherwise, they risk falling behind the competition. As a result, these technologies offer significant M&A opportunities for companies in many sectors, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

Boosting Supply Chains
Supply chains have taken a significant hit due to the pandemic, with some sectors experiencing worse disruptions than others (such as automotive, energy, and manufacturing). As a result, these sectors are being forced to reboot and find ways to alter their supply chains to get what they need. This is where M&A can be a real game-changer, helping companies gain access to alternative supply chains and keeping operations on track.

Alliances and Joint Ventures
Because of the pandemic, consumer behaviors and spending patterns have changed. Welcome to the new normal. This means that businesses will need to look to new strategic alliances to be more agile in catering to new customer habits, and M&A can help make these joint ventures a reality.

DEFENSE:

Protect Your Future

Integration and Value Creation
Now more than ever, many companies need to cut costs, free up working capital, and do it quickly. M&A is one of the more timely ways to make this happen. Also, planning on ways to create value today can protect your business in the future. By turning to M&A, you can both integrate and develop.

Divestitures and Separations
As economic pressures persist, many businesses need to divest non-essential assets. At the same time, they may also need to unload any highly sought-after assets for financial reasons. There are also opportunities due to sustainable investing becoming much more popular. In addition, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives lead to rebalancing portfolios, which could mean actionable assets for divestiture. In any case, sellers should enlist professional M&A advisement to ensure that they avoid getting into asset fire sales. Learn more about the value of hiring an M&A advisor here.

End-to-End Distressed M&A
2021 was a record year for M&A, and a great deal of opportunity still exists. Many types of investors, including private equity, activist, and corporate investors, have strong balance sheets. They are sitting on plenty of cash and are in the position to move quickly on acquisitions of distressed businesses.

Let’s Get Started
If you think M&A strategies could benefit your company, our experts at Benchmark International would love to hear from you so that we can discuss your options and help you make the most of your success.

When you are about to sell a business, you have a few options regarding how to do it, and whose expertise to enlist. Many people confuse M&A advisors with business brokers. While there are some similarities, they are not one and the same. There is actually more than one significant difference between an M&A advisor and a business broker. It is important for any business owner to understand these differences, so that it can be determined which is the best way to go about the sale of a company.

Gregory Jackson, Benchmark International’s CEO, was named International CEO of the Year (Corporate Finance) by the Gamechangers™ 2022 Global Awards, adding to his growing and impressive list of accolades.

In the first quarter of 2022, global middle-market M&A activity maintained the momentum that we saw in 2021. Last year, lower and middle-market companies played major roles in deal-making activity. Companies of all sizes enjoyed significant buyer interest in sectors ranging from tech, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

 A notable imbalance in supply and demand in the lower and middle markets has been driving up the valuations of healthy companies in hot sectors. This trend is expected to continue through 2022 for strong companies in the lower and middle markets, especially in sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and niche manufacturing.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Liverpool-based Notus by Warrington-based British Engineering Services.

Notus is an engineering consultancy specialising in the delivery of heavy lift and transport consultancy services, lifting assurance, and the planning and execution of lifting operations. Services are delivered across the energy, rail, defence, and construction sectors throughout the UK and Europe.

For over 160 years British Engineering Services has been engaged in the testing, inspection, and certification of industrial machinery via its highly skilled engineer surveyors and engineering consultants. The British Engineering Services Group team has grown considerably due to ongoing recruitment activity and acquisitions and now consists of almost 1,000 people.

The acquisition is British Engineering Services' seventh since 2019 and the second conducted via Benchmark International in the last two months.