Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Scunthorpe-headquartered Shift Traffic Events to Oxfordshire-based Chevron Traffic Management.

Shift Traffic Events specialises in traffic management within the events and utilities sectors, including high profile events such as the London Marathon. The company employs over 150 people and has depots in Scunthorpe and Essex.

Chevron Traffic Management provides physical and digital traffic controls for organisations working within utilities, rail, high-speed network, local authorities and events which need to disrupt normal traffic flow. It has 30 depots across the UK, including one in Scotland which operates as Class One Traffic Management. The company has been owned by Triton, an international investment firm, since 2018.

Chevron Traffic Management is part of the Chevron Group of companies, which includes Chevron Green Services, Chevron Green Consultancy, Class One Traffic Management and Highway Resource Solutions (HRS).

The acquisition is part of the company’s buy and build strategy and will help Chevron Traffic Management to expand their existing capabilities in traffic management within the events and utilities sectors, alongside other specialisms like digital services and arboriculture.

Benchmark International’s client Classic Emporium, DBA Rain Tunnel Car Spa, a New Mexico-based company providing vehicle wash, detailing and quick lube services, has sold to Champion Xpress Car Wash, a family-owned and operated business with multiple locations across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Iowa.

Perfusion.com (PDC) is the leading provider of staffing services to the U.S. perfusion industry. The company’s core perfusion staffing services include autotransfusion, blood management and biologics services, the sale of disposables, capital equipment leasing, training and education services and patient transportation. The company is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida.

Englander Enterprises, Inc. (EEI), of Clearwater, Florida, provides mission-critical electronic and electromechanical solutions for aerospace, defense, and homeland security applications. Founded in 1993, EEI’s clients include an elite list of Tier-1 defense prime contractors and government customers, with solutions integrated into a broad array of the country’s highest-priority defense platforms and programs.

Benchmark International has been named the International Mid-Market Corporate Finance Advisory of the Year by Acquisition International’s ACQ Global Awards.

Acquisition International is a growing publication, currently having a circulation of 108,000 readers in more than 170 countries.

Each year, Acquisition International highlights some of the most renowned and innovative professionals around the world through these awards. According to the publication, their “dedicated team ensures that the awards are allocated only to the individuals and firms that truly deserve them and have demonstrated excellence within their respective fields.” This includes the largest international corporations and smaller firms and individuals in the business. In addition, they select the award recipients based on achievements, endeavors, and efforts made over the previous year rather than getting votes from companies, individuals, or other third parties.

Award winners are chosen through an internal process of research, analysis, shortlisting, and selection. First, an in-house team uses publicly available sources such as local and national press, industry journals, client recommendations, press releases, and other published works to find candidates based entirely on merit. Then, each is carefully scrutinized to narrow down a shortlist that is then followed by a final list.

Throughout the process, factors taken into consideration include sector expertise, experience, industry recognition, innovation, client testimonials, reputation, firm performance, leadership, and extracurricular activities. They aim to showcase the industry’s very best and serve as a trusted guide for those seeking trusted experts.

The Benchmark team is proud of this honor and looks forward to continuing to be pioneers on the global financial advisory stage.

WHAT IS SECTION 1202?
In the United States, Section 1202 is known as the Small Business Stock Gains Exclusion. It is a section of the IRS code that allows capital gains from Qualified Small Business (QSB) stock to be exempt from federal taxes when selling. But not all small business stocks qualify:

Benchmark International was named International Gamechanger of the Year for 2018 by the Gamechangers™ACQ Global Awards.

Benchmark International was named International Advisory Experts by the Global Advisory Experts Awards. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Manchester-based CorEnergy by Kent-based Sureserve in a £7.5m deal.

CorEnergy was established in 2014 to capitalise on market growth in LED lighting and renewables. Focused on providing sustainable energy services for public and private sector organisations, the company provides cost analysis, design, supply, installation and commissioning of LED lighting and controls, solar photovoltaics, electrical vehicle charging, battery storage, and renewable heating solutions.

It is expected to achieve revenues in excess of £6m and EBITA of £1m for the year to 31 December 2021.

AIM-listed Sureserve, currently valued at £148m and employing over 2,100 people, is a compliance and energy services group. The bolt-on deal expands Sureserve’s range of energy services, with CorEnergy providing the firm with new expertise in solar power and electric vehicles.

The maximum total consideration payable for CorEnergy by Sureserve is £7.5m, with an initial £5.9m payable on completion, including £2.9m in cash and the issue of 3,281,879 new ordinary shares of 10p each. Further deferred consideration of up to £1.6m may be payable, split equally between cash and shares, depending on CorEnergy's full-year results to December 2021.

At the 20th Annual M&A Advisor Awards, Benchmark International was awarded M&A Deal of the Year (100M-250M) for the acquisition of PBK Architects by DC Capital Partners.

As the 23rd largest US-based architecture firm, PBK, based in Houston, Texas, and its subsidiaries in California, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, employ more than 500 architects, engineers, and related professionals.

In addition to its Top 25 status, in 2019, PBK was ranked as the “#1 Education Design Firm” by Engineering News-Record (“ENR”), widely regarded as the engineering and design industry’s premier publication. Specializing in K-12 projects and, in particular, large public high schools, PBK has long been the go-to firm for sustainable design and next-gen integrations in particular. The company also focuses on two related building types—higher education and sports facilities.

This transaction followed closely on the heels of 11 other deals that Benchmark International closed in the architecture, engineering & construction (AEC) space in the first half of 2020.

At the 20th Annual M&A Advisor Awards—known as the Oscars of the M&A world— Benchmark International was awarded Investment Banking Firm of the Year. The awards are presented by The M&A Advisor, and the winners were announced at the Gala Ceremony live event held in New York City on November 17, 2021.

Benchmark International beat out the other nominees, which included Capstone Partners, Clearsight Advisors, DC Advisory, Drake Star Partners, Generational Group, Leonis Partners, and Raymond James.

These awards serve as the industry benchmark for dealmaking excellence, recognizing the leading M&A transactions, restructurings, deal financings, products/services, firms, and professionals.

Every company has its own unique circumstances and needs. As a business owner, you can choose from a number of different ways to transition out of your company in a sale or before retirement. When succession planning, you should consider your goals for both the company and your life after the transition, such as financial requirements and how much you want to remain involved in the business. Adequate succession planning ahead of time can also help to create significant value for your company.

A transition of a business can be internal or external. Under an internal transition, the company is usually passed on to the next generation of family or a management team member. In an external transition, a strategic or financial buyer purchases the company, either completely or partially. There is also the option of an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which falls somewhere in between an internal and external transition.

Full Business Transition
A complete transition occurs when 100% of company ownership is sold to an investor, such as a strategic buyer or private equity firm. Under a full sale, there is a complete change in ownership control, either as a stock deal or asset purchase. Complete transitions are most often asset purchases because it assuages certain liabilities from the buyer. The owner could be required to stay involved with the business through a transition period that can range from months to years, especially if they are a key part of management.

Business valuations in a full transition are based on competitive negotiations. In many sectors, a multiple of the company’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and factors such as size, profitability, industry, customer base, and location. In a complete sale, the seller is often given the majority of transaction proceeds upfront, with the rest paid later through an earn-out or seller note.

Middle-market private equity (PE) dealmaking in the United States didn’t lose its record momentum in the second quarter of 2021, some of which carried over into Q3, thanks to sustained economic recovery, ample debt, and plenty of available capital, according to data from Pitchbook. U.S. GDP grew at an annualized 6.5% in Q2 but slowed to 2% in Q3, mainly due to global supply chain issues. 

PE fundraising is also holding strong, with the 87 U.S. middle-market funds raised so far this year on course to set a new record. Additionally, the $68.4 billion in capital raised in 2021 is on track to be the second-highest annual total since 2010.

Most deal activities were put on hold for several months after March of 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 and early 2022 may be the right time to sell. The following factors are affecting the viewpoint of sellers of privately-owned companies: 

• Some owners are now more heedful of another crisis and how it could affect their businesses. 
• Many owners no longer wish to sustain efforts and risks that come with their businesses. 
• Owners who worked remotely during the pandemic got accustomed to more flexible schedules and free time. 
• Numerous owners nearing retirement are worried about the possibility of higher corporate, personal income, capital gains, and dividend taxes. 
• Because wealth built up in private companies is not easily converted to cash, some owners have focused on the fact that after-tax proceeds from a sale will last for a long period of time.

So far this year, the largest share of PE deals has taken place in the lower to middle markets, with deals of less than $1 billion making up nearly 70% of all deals. 2021 remains on pace to easily surpass the prior annual record from 2019. At the end of the year, numbers are expected to be even more impressive as investors may hurry to close deals before the year comes to a close. 

According to the Golub Middle Market Index, U.S. middle-market companies registered 21% revenue growth in the third quarter of this year. In addition, direct lending funds account for most middle-market LBO financing and reached record fundraising levels in the second quarter. 

Add-ons increased as a share of PE deals. Middle-market firms looked to add mid-sized aggregators and sought out M&A deals to expand platforms, diversify the value chain, and embrace ESG principles. 

There was also robust exit activity in the middle market, as valuations were desirable and investor confidence was high. So far this year, the market hosted an estimated 430 exits with a combined value of $87.3 billion. Soaring valuations mean that many GPs meet their investment goals earlier than expected, driving many to cash in on investments ahead of schedule. 

Smaller, strategic exits are dwindling in the hospitality and travel sectors for expected reasons after the pandemic impacts. Middle-market sponsors are holding onto investments in these pandemic-stricken sectors. In the second quarter of 2021, there were almost zero exits of hotels, in-person dining, travel providers, or other related companies. 

Secondary buyouts are also following an upward trend. So far this year, SBOs account for nearly 62% of all middle-market exits. Buyout firms are taking advantage of limited partners’ healthy appetite for private market exposure as well as the record deal activity that enabled firms to fundraise at a very fast pace. While first-time funds and emerging managers put up positive numbers in 2021, some bigger LPs put less investment into large multi-strategy firms or shifted it to new products offered by those with whom they already had a relationship. 

Even amid all this positive activity, middle-market firms in the U.S. are still facing other challenges. While unemployment rates have improved from 2020, there is still a record number of unfilled jobs, causing major labor shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. These circumstances are causing firms to focus more on deals that acquire key talent and automated technologies that help with employee management and retention. The sector of senior care has been hit particularly hard by labor shortages, which is likely to result in increased consolidation by home care platforms. Additionally, insurance brokerages, wealth management firms, and registered investment advisors (RIAs) all witnessed record M&A activity in the first half of this year. 

PE firms are also pursuing more intricate opportunities to expand lines of business, end-market exposures, and product value chains. Such game-changing add-on acquisitions can be especially effective for vertical software deals because complementary products can be woven into multi-capability platforms to create all-in-one solutions that are good for customer retention.

Deal activity is also being driven by environmental, sustainability, and governance (ESG) initiatives. ESG has moved into the forefront for businesses this year. Transactions in the renewables market represent middle-market opportunities to grow a platform into a sector leader because of the market’s highly fragmented nature. Firms in the middle market are also pursuing add-on acquisitions to better align their portfolio companies with sustainability initiatives, whether to meet changing consumer sentiment or lower capital costs by lowering carbon emissions.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Northumberland-based Coastal Retreats to Norwich-based Original Cottages.

Benchmark International has been named as one of the 50 Best Workplaces of the Year 2021 by The Silicon Review. The list is handpicked from different areas and recognizes businesses that attract both talent and clientele and stand out with regards to unique and positive company culture.  

A very important part of selling your business occurs after the business has been sold. The transition period, also known as the handover period, begins when the exiting owner remains with business for a period of time to assist the new owner with taking control of the company. The transition period should be carefully planned and thought through in order to ensure that it is well executed when the time comes. It can make a great deal of sense to begin working on these details early on in the sale process.

Benchmark International won three prestigious awards at the 20th Annual M&A Advisor Awards, presented by The M&A Advisor. The winners were announced at the Gala Ceremony live event held in New York City on November 17, 2021. The awards won by Benchmark International included:

 Investment Banking Firm of the Year

M&A Deal of the Year ($100MM to $250MM)

Professional Services (B2B) Deal of the Year

These awards are known as the Oscars of the M&A world, serving as the industry benchmark for dealmaking excellence, recognizing the leading M&A transactions, restructurings, deal financings, products/services, firms, and professionals. Benchmark International took top billing over other well-known firms such as Raymond James, Goldman Sachs, and KPMG.

Gregory Jackson, CEO of Benchmark International, stated, "We are immensely proud of our team for such honorable achievements. We will continue to pursue only the highest of standards for our clients and to maintain our role as a leader in the world of mergers and acquisitions."

"These awards speak volumes about how much Benchmark International has become game-changers in the middle market. Congratulations to every member of the Benchmark International family who works tirelessly to make sure we shine every day," said Steven Keane, Chairman.

Also weighing in is Dara Shareef, Managing Partner, who said, "This fantastic news is a true testament to the vision, talent, and commitment of everyone at Benchmark International who always goes above and beyond to look out for the best interests of our clients."

Clinton Johnston, Managing Director, also expressed his pride in a statement: "We are delighted with this recognition that demonstrates how highly regarded we are in the M&A space. Our team's hard work and impressive accomplishments deserve to be celebrated."

The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, and today is the leading organization that recognizes excellence and achievement among the world's leading dealmakers.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Basingstoke-based Elkay Laboratory Products to Los Angeles-based Calibre Scientific.

Elkay Laboratory Products is a premier distributor of products including liquid handling, specimen collection, storage, biobanking, test tubes, caps and vials, filtration and centrifugation, multi-well plates, and calibration services to a range of domestic and international institutions and organisations. The company’s diversified customer base spans a variety of end markets including clinical, academic, industrial and environmental applications.

Calibre Scientific is a diversified global provider of life science reagents, tools, instruments, and other consumables to the lab research, diagnostics, industrial, and biopharmaceutical communities. Calibre Scientific owns a portfolio of twenty-one life science and diagnostic companies with its global reach extending to over 175 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company continues to expand its product offering and global footprint to laboratories across a wide array of verticals and geographies.

With this acquisition, Calibre Scientific further enhances its overall product offering in the laboratory supplies market and adds a scalable distribution operation to the portfolio.

Benchmark International was awarded Company Sales Specialists of the Year in the National Finance & Banking Awards by the Global Advisory Experts.

UpSlide has named Benchmark International among the 50 Most Powerful M&A Firms in the World.

Benchmark International was given the Acquisition Excellence Award by the esteemed publication Acquisition International.

Reps and warranties insurance is a policy secured for corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. In recent years, the amount of this type of insurance sold has increased significantly. It covers the indemnification for certain breaches of the representations and warranties in transaction agreements, either partially or in full. Reps and warranties insurance usually doesn’t cover losses for breaches of covenants (other than pre-closing tax indemnification) or purchase price adjustments. 

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the sale of Doncaster-based Swedex UK to York-based Abracs Ltd.

Established in 2003, Swedex UK is a distributor of carbide tipped circular saw blades, sold to other distributors and sawmills throughout the UK. It has an exclusive supplier agreement with Swedex AB, which was founded in 1983 in Mjölby, Sweden, and is a manufacturer of circular saw blades.

Established in 1989, Abracs Ltd are one of the UK’s leading brands of abrasives and power tool accessories. The company holds the UK’s most extensive cross section of PTA products which enables it to cater for virtually all industrial markets. The acquisition of Swedex UK and its exclusive access to Swedex AB’s products will be an excellent addition to complement Abracs' existing product portfolio.

Speaking about working with Benchmark International, ex-Shareholder and Finance Director at Swedex UK, Carol Neal, commented: “Regarding the sale of our company, Benchmark were fantastic! Andrew helped us through the process, advised and assisted us through the maze of legislation and was on hand with any queries we had. Selling our company was never going to be easy, but I dread to think how much more difficult it would have been without Benchmark at our side. Benchmark kept us informed of all potential buyers and the best one with a good offer was found within a short period of time. From the first contact, through advertising and then on to completion everything went smoothly. I would definitely recommend Benchmark to assist you in the sale of your business or company.”

Benchmark International is delighted to exclusively reveal the location of its new European office and introduce Managing Director, Martin Franz.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Hemel-Hempstead-based H4 Aerospace (UK) (H4A) and Shannon-based Eirtech Aviation Services (Eirtech).

H4A is a UK CAA DOA, enabling it to undertake the engineering design and certification of modifications to commercial aircrafts, which range from main cabin reconfigurations with new seats and monuments, to cockpit avionic system upgrades. With its head office and main design office based in Hemel Hempstead, the company is within easy reach of all the main airports in and around the M25 area.

Since 2009, Eirtech has been providing a range of cost-effective professional aviation services and bespoke solution packages to airlines and airline leasing companies such as tailor-made engineering services, advanced composite repair services, and asset management solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance. Headquartered in Shannon, Ireland, the company also has engineering facilities in Dublin, Belfast, Great Britain, and Singapore.

The acquisition of H4A is in line with the continued global expansion plans of Eirtech and brings to the company both CAA P21 J approval and EASA P 21 J approval capability under one roof.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Nortech Solutions Group (Nortech) and Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI).

Nortech is a multidiscipline engineering, design, and project management organisation, operating across multiple sectors including upstream and downstream oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, energy, nuclear, water, and iron & steel.

NSI delivers solid and adaptive solutions for sustainable water use, energy, and resource recovery. With its headquarters in the Netherlands, NSI operates in 130 countries globally, employing over 350 specialists in Dubai, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Germany, Poland, Russia & CIS, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA.

The deal will enable NSI to expand its engineering capabilities in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, paving the way for further investment and growth.

Menno M. Holterman, President and CEO of NSI, commented: "Nortech adds a wealth of engineering and industry knowledge to the NSI group, which will support the group’s mission to ‘Stand For Water’. Nortech also has a specialist staffing recruitment division, which will help NSI to scale up its global workforce quickly to execute major projects like some of the recently won mega projects in the biofuel and refinery upgrading market in Europe and the Middle East.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between East Kilbride-based Sixth Sense and Watford-based MCG.

Established in 2009, Sixth Sense is a national training provider of IT and digital apprenticeships, providing SVQ accredited courses to 140 learners through a direct contract with Skills Development Scotland.

MCG is a recruitment, consultancy and project-based solutions company within aerospace & aviation, construction, education, healthcare, and technology. The company works with, supplies and employs people both in the UK and internationally.

The acquisition is the third by MCG in 12 months, as part of a five-year growth strategy.

Grant Henderson, COO of MCG, said: “The acquisition of Sixth Sense fulfils both a business and personal ambition in increasing our training capability for our internal staff, as well as externally to our valued customers.”

Benchmark International was awarded Corporate Strategy of the Year in the M&A Advisor’s M&A Awards for our proprietary Fingerprint process.

The U.S. Senate recently passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, titled the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), to improve the country’s roads, bridges, and utilities. The bill does face an uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where its support is more limited. Still, the Democratic Party could use the reconciliation process to get the bill passed into law. 

The bill includes:

• $73 billion for electric grid and power infrastructure
• $66 billion for passenger and freight rail
• $65 billion for broadband investments
• $55 billion for water systems and infrastructure
• $50 billion for Western water storage 
• $39 billion for public transit 
• $25 billion for airports
• $21 billion for environmental remediation projects 
• $17 billion for ports and waterways
• $15 billion for electric vehicles
• $11 billion for road safety

So, what might this all mean for M&A? 

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between Cambridgeshire-based KeCo and Brussels-based Sabert Europe.

KeCo is a fast-growing UK manufacturer and provider of sustainable foodservice packaging made from paperboard and bagasse. The company has its own trademarked StrEAT® range, as well as owning Karrott, a unique AR app offering customers the opportunity to integrate digital and active marketing within packaging.

A subsidiary of US-based Sabert Corporation, Sabert Europe offers high-quality and sustainable solutions for delivery, takeaway and catering. The acquisition enables Sabert to enter the UK market and increase renewable material manufacturing.

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.

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.

Benchmark International was named Leading Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor of the Year by Acquisition International’s ACQ Awards.

A topic common to the mergers and acquisitions market is the measure known as the business valuation multiple. This method determines a company’s value by its potential to earn in the future. It calculates a business’s highest value by assigning a multiplier figure to its current revenue. Multipliers differ based on the industry, economic climate, and other factors. There are a few ways in which multiples can be applied. Common multiple methods include:

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sheffield-based Systems Assurance by Warrington-based CloudCoCo.

Systems Assurance is a Microsoft Gold B2B reseller of IT hardware, software, and solutions, working with SME and public sector clients through its portfolio of cloud subscriptions and migration services. In the year ending 31 December 2020 the company generated revenue of £6.09m and an adjusted EBITDA of £209k.

CloudCoco is an AIM-listed provider of IT and communications services to businesses and public sector organisations. The acquisition of Systems Assurance marks part of CloudCoco’s buy and build strategy.

Chris Wheater, director at Systems Assurance, said this about working with Benchmark International: “There are many companies out there offering to find a buyer and help sell your company. So it's a big step to finally pick one, sign up and pay your money. I’m happy to report that Benchmark provided a great service and did what they said they would. We recently completed our sale and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. James Robinson and Roger Forshaw were supportive every step of the way and their experience and calm heads are just what is needed especially in the latter stages. A great service all round.”

We love to hear positive feedback from our clients, and we often share past client experiences with other parties. We showcase how Benchmark went above and beyond for sellers to get a deal across the line, or how value was added to a specific transaction. However, if you are considering hiring an M&A firm to represent you in a sale, isn’t it just as important to hear how buyers perceive the firm?

Benchmark International prides itself on a strong reputation within the lower middle market. Our company’s reputation spans vendors, clients, prospective clients, and buyers. Our team recently attended a conference where we had the opportunity to mingle with some of the most active investors within the lower middle market. The feedback we received from the buyers was highly encouraging and continues to reinforce our position as the best M&A sell-side representative in the industry. 

So, what are buyers saying about Benchmark International?

• Benchmark International has the best deal flow within the market. This means that buyers recognize the quality opportunities that our firm represents. They also recognize us for having the most sectors and diversified listings in the space. When a buyer is looking for a unique opportunity or a quality business, they know to call Benchmark International.
• The Benchmark International team does a great job of following up. Our deal team always strives to close the loop on the buyer’s level of interest, gather market feedback, or push the buyer forward with the process. There is no other firm in the industry that provides clients with the deal expertise and team size that Benchmark International offers. This allows our team to pick up the phone and discuss your deal with a potential buyer. Buyers have often shared that, in other cases, once they receive a Confidential Information Memorandum, they rarely hear back from the sell-side representative. But our team chases buyers during every part of the process, including trying to get a decision on a buyer’s level of interest on a Teaser, trying to gather a buyer profile and Non-Disclosure Agreement, gathering feedback from the Confidential Information Memorandum, feedback after conference calls and meetings, and so on.
• The quality of the information in your Confidential Information Memorandum exceeds other firms. When our clients go through our Benchmark 360 process, our team puts on their buyer hats and asks the tough questions. We want to ensure that the business for sale is presented in the best light, that our team fully understands the offering, and that the seller has the opportunity to think through how their company is positioned for market. Putting on our buyer hats allows us to anticipate the questions and information a buyer will find important for their decision-making process.
• The Benchmark International team is always professional. We understand that emotions can sometimes get the best of people. It does not matter which side of the table you are on, when you want a deal to go forward and the deal has hit a hurdle, we know it can be frustrating. The good news is that our deal team has seen a lot of hurdles and usually has the tools and options to overcome any issues if all parties want to work through them. One thing the Benchmark International team prides itself on is always being professional, even during hard conversations. Oftentimes, we all want the same outcome—a successful deal completion—and Benchmark International needs to take the emotions out of the conversation and ensure that everyone keeps their eye on the ball in order to move the deal forward.

The lower middle market is a tough market. Our deal experts not only have the experience to hold the seller’s hand throughout the process, but also stand up to the largest buyers within the market. Our reputation provides our clients the opportunity to have their Teaser reviewed by buyers that many cannot get in front of, let alone have long-term relationships with that allows our phone calls to be answered. This is critically important because having an M&A firm with a strong buyer reputation will help a seller maximize results once they go to market.

Benchmark International facilitated the Transaction between North Country Family Practice, P.A., located in Southlake, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas market, and an undisclosed buyer.

Endevis operates three divisions, including professional contract staffing, direct professional placement, and recruitment process outsourcing across the United States. The leadership team alone now has over 150 years of combined experience in the recruiting business. Endevis’ industry reputation, experienced leadership, and passion for helping clients made them a prime target for acquirers.

Job.com is becoming an industry force in the staffing space.  They are reinventing the way employers attract, hire, and retain the right teams. Job.com uses advanced data science to put people back in control of their own success and unifying the staffing supply chain so companies can reduce the time and cost to hire the appropriate candidates and uphold great retain rates.  By joining Job.com, endevis will grow rapidly, reaching more clients and candidates and continuing to revolutionize the recruitment industry. 

Transaction Director Matthew Kekelis commented regarding the deal completion, “I truly believe that there was no better match for endevis than Job.com.  Their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the acquisition process were outstanding.  We wish the best for all moving forward in this exciting new chapter.”

Benchmark International’s client X Caliber Container, LLC, a Texas-based steel shipping and cargo containers provider, has successfully sold to LongWater Opportunities in Dallas, Texas.

X Caliber Container provides steel storage containers for a large and well-diversified customer base on a national scale with various products that overlap into several varied markets within the steel container industry. X Caliber Container then provides custom fabrication at both of its Texas-based facilities, including Firework Stands, Workshops, Mobile Chemical Labs, and Emergency Response units.

X Caliber Container co-owner Brent Isom commented, “I have been extremely pleased with each phase of the process, and the people are what has made it a great experience. The Benchmark [International] Team are at the tip of the top of the best companies that ever existed.”

LongWater Opportunities is an operationally-focused private investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an office in Fargo, ND, that targets control buyout equity investments in lower middle market US-based manufacturing and specialty distribution companies. LongWater Opportunities believes in mutually aligned interests and investing patient capital in building successful American manufacturing businesses with long-term, sustainable competitive advantages.

Benchmark International proved value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies. The market uncovered several interested buyers, but the ultimate buyer provided the right cultural fit for the sellers.

Transaction Director Amy Alonso commented, “We are thrilled to see that our client’s legacy and vision will remain and grow through this transaction. We understood that our client sought an acquirer who would take the company to the next level while also providing a great work environment for their employees. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies all the best in the future.”

Our Benchmark International team is proud to have released our latest exclusive publication of The Mark, Vol. XX.

This new version titled “RANKED #1,” features a slew of helpful information to enlighten you as a business owner, answer important questions you might have, and apprise you of the latest and greatest updates in M&A and the busy Benchmark world.

In this volume, some of the insightful topics you will find covered include:

• The Current State of Commercial Real Estate
• Can It Be “Too Early” to Put My Business on the Market?
• Be Wary of EBITDAC
• Why Lower Middle Market Companies are Attractive to Buyers
• Should I Sell to an SBIC?
• The Myth Behind Multiples
• Understanding Financial Due Diligence to Prepare for a Successful Close
• What is an Employee Ownership Trust?
• The Critical Focus of Cybersecurity in M&A Deals
  
  

And there’s a reason the volume is titled, “RANKED #1.” It highlights our prestigious recognition by Pitchbook as 2020’s #1 Sell-Side Exclusive, Privately-Owned M&A Advisors in the world, as well as the remarkable award-winning accomplishments of our team leadership.

This is just some of the unique content you can enjoy in this new edition. You will also find reports updating you on Benchmark’s European expansion and new headquarters, our latest featured opportunities, and some of our completed transactions.

We hope you will find it helpful and continue coming back for more.