Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have come a long way since the days of tedious paperwork and manual processes. The evolution of technology has revolutionised the M&A landscape, making the once paper-intensive process more cost-effective, streamlined, and efficient. 

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the Integrity Arts & Technology, Inc. (IDEAS) acquisition by Swagger Agency (20MM LLC).

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Stria, LLC, to Bitwise Industries. Stria, LLC. The company works with key third-party platforms to provide classification-as-a-service (CaaS), content service platform support, workflow automation, document scanning, records management, and reprographics services.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between Metro-Tech Electrical Contractors, Inc. and Michael Bowman.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Yorkshire-headquartered Shift Left by Sydney-headquartered Planit, for an undisclosed sum.

Shift Left provides specialist business and technology consultancy services, improving quality and reducing risk for clients by providing the strategies, solutions and advice needed to move quality earlier and throughout IT lifecycles of change. Working with clients throughout the UK and Europe, the company has a strong reputation in a niche industry with renowned blue-chip clients.

Planit is the leading provider of quality engineering solutions, consultancy, services, and training in the Asia Pacific region. The company enables businesses to deliver better software by providing the skills and solutions needed to improve the quality of their software and the way they deliver it.

Under the acquisition, Shift Left will continue to operate under its brand, with its co-founders David Rigler and Alan Upton leading Shift Left operations.

According to Managing Director, Mr. Rigler, the company’s partnership with Planit will enable Shift Left to continue its focus on providing a quality service to its customers by leveraging the scale and capability that Planit has within its existing operations.

The seller, Impact Communications, is a Cleveland, OH-based full-service production company specializing in in-person and virtual event experiences, video production, museum and exhibits, and interactive applications. With over 40 years of providing services to some of the largest brands in the country, Impact Communications has established a stellar reputation for delivering quality projects.

The digital advertising sector is also often referred to as online marketing, Internet advertising, and web advertising. The market includes revenues gained by advertising activities conducted by organizations targeting consumers via Internet-enabled mobile devices and personal computers.

Global Big Data Security Market

The global big data security market was valued at $24 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $115 billion by 2030. That is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% over the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. North America led the global market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.5%.

The global business analytics market was valued at $76.5 billion in 2021 and is forecast to reach $122.5 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%.

Industrial robotics is now critical across many sectors for the automation and manufacturing of many tasks, including loading, packaging, labeling, and inspection. They are commonly used in the automobile and heavy engineering sectors and are becoming more common in many other sectors. In the past, robots were mostly only used in the automotive and manufacturing industries, but more sectors are adopting them today. These sectors include defense, healthcare, aerospace, food & beverage, education, and electronics. There is also an increase in demand for telesurgery and elder care, as well as bomb dispersal, monitoring, and mine detection. There are currently around 2.7 million industrial robots in use worldwide, a number that is quickly rising. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Fastway Couriers’ National Master (Fastway South Africa), Fastway Johannesburg, and Fastpost businesses by City Logistics (Pty) Ltd in partnership with Clearwater Capital (Pty) Ltd.

In 2021, the global space market was valued at $388.50 billion and is expected to reach $540.75 billion by 2026. The sector has expanded by an impressive 70% between 2010 and 2020. The space economy is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.84% between 2022 and 2026. Analysts also predict that the space industry will reach $1 trillion in annual revenue by the year 2040, with launch costs lowered by 95%. As the cost of accessing space falls, opportunities for expansion and innovation will increase. The fastest growth is predicted to stem from new space applications and industries.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and other entrepreneurial software. In 2020, many companies accelerated their plans to begin using these systems, and the market for them remains hot, particularly for Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. COVID forced most businesses to digitize their offerings in real-time as consumers began turning to online shopping and employees started working remotely—both trends that are expected to continue into the future.

The seller, Warnock Tanner & Associates, has been operating a successful IT services/management company for over 25 years.  WTA Consulting’s customers range in size from small local businesses to Fortune 500 businesses.  WTA specialized in Complete Consulting, Development & Implementation Services for Oracle Primavera.

Total Nutrition Technology of Leesburg, Florida, is a full-service nutritional supplement source providing services ranging from product development through fulfillment. Founded in 2003, TNT has been included on the INC 5,000 list of fastest-growing companies and is the leader in its markets served, with products shipped throughout the United States and internationally.

Brandless of San Francisco provides a wide range of premium quality lifestyle products in the wellness, beauty, and home categories. With a focus on clean certifications and better living, the Brandless family of products is closely aligned to the superior offerings and reputation gained through the addition of Total Nutrition Technology.

Of the combination, Total Nutrition Technology Founder and CEO Lourdes McAgy commented, “We are exceedingly happy to be joining the Brandless family. Their focus on quality and delivery aligns perfectly with the way that we have built TNT, and we strongly believe that this combination will power both companies to an increased position of leadership in this space.”

The acquisition is backed by Clarke Capital Partners of Provo, Utah. Clarke is a family office focusing on founder-led businesses and multiple investments in the consumer products space.

Benchmark International Transaction Director William Sullivan stated regarding the transaction, “We were able to source a strong number of highly qualified buyers very quickly for Lourdes’s great company, providing her with the options that she deserved. Brandless was the most strategic choice, with perfect synergies to set them up for immediate expansion from day one. We could not be happier about this fantastic partnership.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce our attendance at the ACG New York Annual Technology M&A Conference on December 16, 2020.

The conference is devoted to deal making in the middle-market technology sector.

Key elements include:

• Multi billions in dry powder represented
• Attendees include premier technology investors and intermediaries
• 100+ senior capital providers and technology sector insiders
• Private one-on-one meetings scheduled with top decision makers
• Speakers include high profile founders that have sold to Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google

Link to Conference Registration: https://www.acg.org/nyc/events/acg-ny-annual-technology-ma-conference 

ACG New York Annual Technology M&A Conference 

Key topics include the latest trends and investment opportunities:

• Identifying how Private Equity using technology for competitive advantage and to enhance portfolio company value
• Finding tech innovations and ideas that will boom beyond CV-19
• Naming where are Capital Providers are placing their technology sub sector bet

Benchmark International is pleased to announce our attendance at Kayo’s Healthcare Investment Forum on December 2, 2020.

The conference will explore why private equity finance has become such an attractive option for healthcare companies, with a focus on healthcare service, practice management, and healthcare tech.

Attendees include:

• C-Suite executives at public and private healthcare service and healthcare technology companies
• Venture capital, private equity, healthcare and private equity industry advisors, and lenders

Link to Forum Registration: https://kayoconferenceseries.com/summits/ 
Link to Agenda: https://kayoconferenceseries.com/healthcare/healthcare-investment-summit-agenda/ 

Kayo’s Healthcare Investment Forum

The conference will cover new technologies, new entrants, a shift to outpatient and home-based services, and the move towards value-based care continue to create new financial pressures for healthcare organizations. As healthcare leaders reimagine their services and transform operations, private equity is stepping up to help.

Kayo believes women should have a community that supports, elevates, and champions them. That’s why they create industry events where professional women can connect with leaders, advance themselves, and champion other women. They want women to know they’re stronger when they Trailblaze Together.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of education technology specialists, RivaNET™, by business technology company, inTec.

RivaNET™ is a provider of innovative enterprise grade IT solutions to independent schools and colleges in London and the South East. Delivering optimised technology and infrastructure, in addition to cyber security and managed support services, the company’s offering promotes an exceptional learning environment whilst safeguarding pupils, staff, and institutions.

inTec is a technology telecoms and IT support company offering 'Work Smarter' solutions, such as streamlining processes, improving workforce productivity, and reducing operating costs.

RivaNET™ will play a leading role in inTec’s strategy to build a dynamic technology group, allowing inTec to expand its geographic reach and move into the education sector.

Going forward, RivaNET™ will continue to trade as such and will be led by current Managing Director, Nick Donoghue.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between HireVergence LLC and Job.com.

HireVergence, based in Tampa, Florida, is a highly specialized staffing firm providing experienced cybersecurity and IT resources to clients of all sizes nationwide. The founders of HireVergence, Mark Tuszynski, Dave Gilden, and Julio Sanchez, bring more than 50 years of combined experience in information technology.

Job.com is a digital recruitment company with a unique perspective: delivering technology and capabilities that shake up the market by bringing together a data-driven approach based in AI and machine learning with high-level human capital delivered solutions, designed to efficiently attract and retain the right talent and provide consumer-level user experiences throughout the hiring process.

According to the company’s announcement, “We're delighted with the acquisition of HireVergence, their fantastic team, and to work with their loyal customer base. This is a major step towards Job.com's vision of a digitized staffing industry, delivering a hiring experience to the jobseeker that moves away from transactions and focuses on career journeys," says Arran Stewart, co-founder, and Chief Visionary Officer.

"We are excited to be joining forces with Job.com. Our shared vision of leveraging technology to reshape the recruitment industry will provide immense value for our customers and exciting opportunities for our team. The three of us are looking forward to continuing on the journey we started nine years ago with Job.com," says HireVergence founders Mark, Dave, and Julio.

Regarding the transaction process, Dave Gilden commented, “As founders, we were very pleased with the pipeline of qualified buyers that Benchmark was able to produce. We had multiple options to choose from, each with a unique upside to consider. Ultimately, it is highly unlikely we would have found any of these opportunities on our own.”

Senior Transaction Associate Sunny Yang Garten at Benchmark International commented, “It was a pleasure to represent HireVergence in this strategic transaction. Dave, Mark, and Julio are engaging and always responsive to diligence requests. We’re excited to see that their legacy will be preserved and enhanced through this transaction with Job.com. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between DevelopScripts LLC and Awection Inc, a SaaS company in the Dallas, Texas market. Awection Inc is the most recent business endeavor undertaken by entrepreneur, Alex Guiva.

DevelopScripts is a Texas-based company that offers a white-label, subscription-based digital platform allowing users to organize, manage, and conduct auctions through a centralized medium facilitating business transactions as well as fundraising efforts. The company also provides peer-to-peer marketplaces for e-commerce platforms. The Company serves customers in the automotive, equipment, pet, liquidation services, collectibles, event planning, and other industries. DevelopScripts’ founder, Rajesh Rajaram, has built a unique platform in the auction software category and successfully expanded his customer base and offerings year after year.

Mr. Rajaram commented regarding the deal, “Benchmark International really pulled their weight in getting this deal done.  I was very impressed by every team member’s tenacity to get this deal across the finish line.  Most importantly, the Benchmark team always took the time to listen to my concerns and feedback and were open to working on this deal with my best interests in mind.  Benchmark International ultimately found the perfect partner to escalate the Company’s growth and take DevelopScripts to the next level.”

Alex Guiva, President of Awection Inc, has been growing businesses for over 20 years and is experienced in a wide array of industries. He said in relation to the deal, “Having closed over 30 transactions, I can attest that it is rare to find an intermediary as knowledgeable as Benchmark International. They truly focused on the important aspects of deal making and consistently made an effort to get to the finish line without creating disruptions for the organization during the process.”

Benchmark International’s Transaction Director Luis Vinals stated, “Working with a client like Rajesh is like working with the American Dream. Rajesh has such a rich and interesting story, which was a joy to learn about. Throughout the entire process, Rajesh was communicative and collaborative. With the Benchmark International team by his side, Rajesh was able to procure the deal he desired that would allow him to meet his personal and business objectives. Open communication allowed us to have strategic conversations that ultimately led to our team finding the ideal cultural fit for our client.”

Benchmark International facilitated the transaction between Vertex Software Corporation and Level 5 Lab.

Vertex Software Corporation is a web-based solutions business specializing in building online, browser-based software applications. Vertex brings traditional software engineering methodology and discipline to web development, delivering robust solutions to its clients quickly and efficiently.

Benchmark International proved its value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies.  In addition, Benchmark International incorporated several campaigns with local, regional, and national associations.

President of Vertex Software Corporation David MacDonald commented, “Benchmark International’s team delivered on finding a buyer for my business that would take care of my team as well as would carry on the high level of service after the sale that our customers have come to expect.”

Deal Associate, Amy Alonso commented, “Benchmark International added value by negotiating this deal.  We saw throughout the entire process that the buyer, Level 5 Lab, was a perfect fit who stood to benefit greatly from the experience, industry knowledge and high-quality service that they would gain from the existing owner. With this knowledge, the team was able to negotiate a deal that would allow for the existing owner to successfully transition the business to a capable buyer.  We wish Vertex Software Corporation and Level 5 Lab the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Ridgeline Advisors (“Ridgeline”), a Dallas-based private equity firm, is pleased to announce it has completed the recapitalization of insurance and annuity software developer Management Data, Inc. (“MDI”).

Founded in 1982, MDI has operated as a software developer and ASP provider to insurance and annuity companies. MDI serves its customers by customizing software needs and providing best in class service.

“We are pleased to partner with Pat and the MDI team, they have built an impressive organization that is well positioned to continue to serve its clients during this challenging operating environment. We are impressed with the MDI’s emphasis on technical expertise, product leadership and customer service,” said Worth Snyder, a Managing Director of Ridgeline. “MDI has developed a unique platform that creates a compelling customer value proposition, evidenced by its roster of blue-chip clients in the insurance category. We look forward to helping MDI continue to grow and enhance its product offering and value proposition,” commented Awais Shaikh, a Managing Director of Ridgeline.

“After an intensive three-year search for the right successor, we have finally found an organization that shares our vision and commitment to total customer service and support for our employees. After 23 years of running MDI, I can transition control with the assurance that the legacy of our unique attitude of customer support and value for our clients will be carried on with the same commitment that I have had over these many years,” commented Pat Michael, President and CEO of MDI.

Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Partner with Benchmark International, added “We would like to congratulate Management Data and Pat Michael, as well as, Ridgeline Advisors on a successful deal. Everyone at Benchmark International was impressed by the professionalism of both parties throughout the entire process. Additionally, it’s fantastic to see continued deal activity despite everything taking place in the broader economy. We wish everyone involved nothing but the best moving forward and believe it’s the beginning of a great partnership for Ridgeline and Management Data.”

About Management Data, Inc.
Based in Pelham, Alabama, Management Data, Inc. (“MDI”), provides policy administration software and services and has supported insurance companies and banks offering insurance products since 1982. MDI is exclusively focused on the insurance segment, serving carriers who sell individual or group life, annuity, and health policies. MDI’s core system FIMMAS supports all product lines in a single implementation utilizing the synergy of cross product and client support for both Individual and Group products. FIMMAS supports complete end-to-end insurance functionality from a pre-sale quote through claims payments. FIMMAS is a robust and flexible policy administration system that helps insurers accelerate underwriting and claims to enhance the customer experience and support profitable growth. For additional information visit www.mgtdata.com.

About Ridgeline
Ridgeline is a Dallas-based investment firm that partners with seasoned management teams to invest in growing, profitable, privately-held companies across North America with a focus on four core industry sectors: technology, consumer, healthcare, and business solutions. The firm takes a selective approach to investing in high-potential businesses whose owners and management teams want an investment partner with the capital, experience, and record of successful collaboration required to achieve their liquidity and value-creation objectives.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Aventura Magazine, asset of Stern Bloom Media, Inc. (“Stern Bloom”) and Palm Beach Media Group (“Palm Beach Media”).

Stern Bloom is an integrated print publishing company in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Its flagship lifestyle magazine, Aventura has established itself within South Florida as the source for entertaining editorial, exciting layouts, and high visibility for advertisers.

The Palm Beach Media Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hour Media. Hour Media Group headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is recognized as an influential publisher of city, regional, and custom publications. The marquee titles include: Hour Detroit, Minnesota Monthly, and Sacramento Magazine. The company has offices in Michigan, California, Florida, and Alabama. This acquisition fits well with Hour Media’s strategic growth plan.

David Bloom, Partner of Stern Bloom Media, stated, “We feel that Palm Beach Media Group is the perfect organization to honor our brand and elevate our legacy far into the future.” He also commented, “Choosing to partner with Benchmark International was a great decision.”

“Aventura magazine is a 20-year success story,” said John Balardo, President of Palm Beach Media Group and its parent, Hour Media. “This acquisition represents an ideal opportunity to extend our current roster of lifestyle, design, and custom publications into the greater Miami market.”

Regarding the deal, Transaction Director Leo VanderSchuur at Benchmark International commented, “It was a pleasure to represent Stern Bloom Media in this strategic transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both parties continued success.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Euro Business Solutions and Cloudstream Technology.

Euro Business Solutions is an IT support specialist established in 1997. It provides consultancy services and hardware and software sales to corporate clients. Services include various external managed services, consultancy work, written recommendations, data recovery and recycling.

Cloudstream, a division of the TechStream Group, is an innovative and diverse talent solutions provider, dedicated to providing advanced technology and transformation skills across consulting, start-up or enterprise environments. This represents a strategic acquisition for Cloudstream, as it allows the company to bolt-on Euro Business Solutions’ services to its own.

Benchmark International has advised on the transaction between bespoke software provider, Richlyn Systems, and Sheffield-based Pennine Holdings.

Established in 1983, Richlyn Systems is a specialist software and web developer, providing industry tailored software development, standalone software packages and contractual software maintenance to a diverse range of niche B2B clients in industries such as commercial property, health, manufacturing and distribution.

Pennine Holdings focuses on acquiring and developing IT related businesses with a view to creating synergies and improving performance.

Benchmark International has facilitated the transaction of BobCAD CAM, Inc. to Harris Computer Corporation.

BobCAD-CAM, Inc. based in Clearwater, FL, is a leader in CNC programming software for milling, turning, routing, and wire EDM. It combines CAD (computer-aided-design) and CAM (computer-aided-manufacture) functionality into a single interface. Through its proprietary software, the company provides manufacturers a powerful and easy to use CNC (computer numerical control) programming software.

Larry Pendleton, CEO of BobCAD Cam, Inc. commented regarding the transaction, “We are excited to enter this new phase of our company’s growth. We’re especially thankful to the entire Benchmark International team that supported us in the process. As our M&A advisors, they were extremely knowledgeable, thorough and professional during the entire transaction. The Benchmark International team helped us secure multiple offers from strategic, financial, domestic and international buyers, and we couldn’t have gotten this transaction done without them."

Harris Computer Corporation provides mission critical software solutions for utilities, healthcare, local governments, public safety, and schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. Harris has offices throughout North America. Harris is a wholly owned subsidiary of Constellation Software, Inc. CSI is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Trading symbol CSU.

This acquisition represents a tremendous opportunity for both businesses and their teams to strategically accelerate the rate of profitable growth.

Benchmark International's Transaction Director, Leo Vanderschuur commented, "It was a pleasure to represent BobCAD CAM in this transaction. Throughout the process, Larry and his team were exceptionally responsive, diligent, and professional. This acquisition represents a tremendous opportunity for both businesses and their teams to strategically accelerate the rate of profitable growth. On behalf of the numerous Benchmark International personnel that worked on this opportunity, we congratulate both teams on reaching this goal."

Through the year 2023, the global higher education market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12%. There are several factors driving positive growth in this sector, from the high demand for technological innovations to the surge of internationalization. 

While ongoing geopolitical uncertainties could present challenges in 2019, the overall outlook for the global retail industry remains optimistic. In the world’s top retail market, the United States, retail sales are predicted to grow more than 3 percent to exceed $5.5 trillion. But for the first time ever, China is expected to outperform the U.S. in retail sales. China is forecasted to see a 7.5 percent growth in retail sales this year, reaching $5.6 trillion.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Dublin-based managed print services company, Office Technology, and leading certified technology company, Intuity.

Established in 1988, Office Technology oversees all aspects of clients’ print infrastructure, supplying and servicing Canon multi-functional devices as a gold member, as well as providing the software to manage the cohesion of machinery, predominantly for SME and corporate clients.

Value-based Care

Quality, affordable healthcare remains an important issue for people all over the world, from Europe and the United States to Asia and Africa. As global healthcare spending continues to skyrocket, people are demanding more bipartisan policies from their political leaders to address the problem. This is why value-based care solutions are starting to play a major role. The industry is undergoing a shift in focus from treating illness to achieving and maintaining wellness. These solutions are more productive and less wasteful, as they aim to avoid unnecessary testing and interventions. Up until now, this role has been typically driven by health plans, but physicians and health systems are getting more involved in the full spectrum of care. All of these elements of value-based care represent huge growth opportunities in the digital healthcare coming-of-age, with various forms of technology as the major impetus.  

Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Data

Technologies that automate nonclinical duties such as paperwork are being developed to save physicians time and allow them to focus on patients. The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and artificial intelligence tools is expected to better connect patients, physicians, health systems, and health plans. Physicians will be able to utilize EHR data to manage illnesses with fewer scheduled in-person appointments.

Virtual care is also an emerging market factor in the changing healthcare landscape. Many people put off doctor visits until their condition worsens, which increases costs such as emergency room expenses. New virtual care technologies are enabling patients to see a physician from the comfort of home. It also means that physicians are able to see more patients. TeleHealth Services is an ideal example of this trend. It uses digital information, computers and mobile devices to access and manage health care services remotely. In the last few years, nearly three quarters of major employer health plans had incorporated TeleHealth software services into their benefit packages.

Tech-enabled medical devices and services are another growing trend. This includes wearable devices, digital therapeutics, and applications that collect and communicate data. Last year, FitBit acquired Twine Health, a health-coaching platform that helps people improve health outcomes while helping health systems, plans, and providers reduce healthcare costs. Last summer, Amazon acquired the online pharmacy PillPack for almost $1 billion, and drug giant GlaxoSmithKline entered into a four-year agreement with the online platform 23andme, the world’s leading DNA-testing-kit resource for consumers. Also in 2018, Roche acquired Flatiron, which uses oncology EHRs to connect oncologists, academics, hospitals, researchers and regulators on a shared technology platform. 

Cloud technology also brings new benefits to the table, such as easy integration of immense datasets, and AI capabilities that analyze data and provide insights remotely. Cloud technology is expected to continue to gain momentum, as data—both big and small—are finally being used in ways that may make a meaningful difference for the healthcare industry.

Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in 2019

The industry saw ample M&A activity last year, and this activity has already carried over into 2019, with several major deals already closing in January. There are also some big moves in the works that everyone is watching. A proposed merger between retail pharmacy CVS and insurance giant Aetna has drawn much speculation and scrutiny as it still awaits regulatory approval as of this month. Walmart has been in talks to merge with insurance provider Humana, another sign of major retailers attempting to take a stake in the healthcare industry. 

With the growing digital health market and continued pharmaceutical innovations, M&A strategies remain a preferred growth plan for executives and it is expected that there will be lively M&A activity throughout 2019. Southeast Asia has drawn abundant attention, with a 92 percent increase in healthcare IPO volume last year. Plus, the stock exchange in Hong Kong introduced new rules allowing biotech companies to issue shares even before recording revenue or profits. Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia all have ripe environments for new opportunities. And even despite trade tensions, rising interest rates, and volatile markets, deal-making activity in the region remains forecasted to grow. 

What it Means for You

Whether you are seeking a new investment, looking to grow your company, or considering selling your business, a great deal of financial opportunity lies in the global healthcare industry. 2019 may very well be the right year for you to make a move. If you contact our specialists at Benchmark International, we will use our global connections and mergers and acquisitions expertise to help you carefully craft the ideal opportunity for you and your next venture. 

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of its client, MC2, Inc. ("MC2 ") to Stark Holdings America, Inc. ("Stark"), formerly known as Stark Technologies Group, Inc., a New York corporation. 

Based in Sanford, Florida, MC2 is recognized as Florida's automated control and security systems leader, with more than 20 years of on-site experience. MC2 has successfully evolved into a premier provider of engineered, state-of-the-art direct digital control, energy management systems, security access control, and closed circuit television systems, and lighting control for customers in both public and private sectors. 

Under President Roy G. Hoffman Jr.'s leadership, the company has successfully expanded and continues to increase its service footprint throughout the state of Florida. With a team of more than 50 knowledgeable engineers and technicians trained in a variety of automation and security systems, the company is prepared to deploy professionally designed systems to meet customers' specific needs. MC2' s flexibility allows the company to offer proprietary and non-proprietary systems, including integration services to third party systems, offering complete low voltage building solutions. 

Mr Hoffman stated, "While Benchmark was involved throughout the process, their assistance on getting extra value built into the deal after the acquirer's initial valuation was received really demonstrated their unique expertise and command of the process." 

With more than 29 years in business, Stark is a North American provider of comprehensive intelligent building and energy management solutions. The company boasts over 250 employees and has been involved in projects across all 50 states, as well as 1 0 Canadian Provinces. While Stark continues to experience year-over-year revenue growth, the acquisition of MC2 provides Stark with an expanded geographic presence in the Florida market. 

"MC2 is a compelling addition to Stark's platform, and we are truly honored to have worked alongside the MC2 team toward this successful outcome", said Trevor Talkie, Senior Associate at Benchmark International. 

Leo VanderSchuur, Director at Benchmark International added, "Allowing both the seller and acquirer to prosper and benefit is always an ideal end result. On behalf of Benchmark International, I'd like to wish both parties the best of luck moving forward." 

Benchmark International M&A specialist, Benchmark International, has facilitated the sale of Integrated Legacy Solutions, LLC (“ILS”) to NXTsoft, LLC (“NXTsoft”).

Based in Trussville, Alabama, ILS offers image and data conversion migration technology for the financial services industry. The company specializes in data management through one of three methods: full data conversion into a new system, data migration into its flagship OmniView Browser™ or a blended approach that combines the two.

NXTsoft, located in Birmingham, AL, is concentrated in risk management, including solutions in cybersecurity, compliance, and data analytics. Like ILS, several of NXTsoft’s portfolio companies also provide high quality software solutions serving financial institutions. NXTsoft is backed by a team with a 25-year track record of successful technology start-ups.

ILS founder, Kris Bishop commented, “I would like to thank the Benchmark International team for their dedication and persistence. Their team and hands on approach provided excellent marketing documents, broad coverage across various types of prospective buyers, and resulted in multiple offers over the term of our engagement”

Leo VanderSchuur, Director at Benchmark International, stated, “It was a pleasure to represent ILS, Kris Bishop and Jason Alfano in this transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we are extremely pleased with the outcome. Allowing both the seller and acquirer to prosper and benefit is always an ideal end result.”

Due diligence, the start of the end whereby a business is scrutinised by a prospective buyer to establish its assets and liabilities and evaluate its commercial potential before purchase. Unfortunately, it is very time intensive and can make or break an M&A deal.

Thankfully, due diligence has evolved and improved, largely due to advances in technology and digitisation, helping those undertaking due diligence avoid physical data rooms and huge volumes of paper documents, instead using sophisticated, intelligent virtual data rooms, complete with digital content libraries and access to automated analytic reporting.

This has led to greater speed, simplicity and security across the entire process, enabling practitioners to close deals faster.

However, it is still a frustrating process, so is it possible that due diligence could become more efficient than it has in the past? Could technology transform due diligence? And what other factors could impact the process in the next five years?

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the completion of a transaction between Logicalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd and the Clarotech group of companies including Clarotech Holdings (Pty) Ltd & Clarotech Consulting (Pty) Ltd. The deal was concluded by the transaction team based at the mid-market M&A corporate advisory’s African headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa in August of 2018.

The Clarotech group of companies specialise in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) providing consulting, physical product and support services to businesses throughout Southern Africa. Operating since 2001, the company satisfies the need for advice, solutions and ongoing service. Clarotech’s aim is to simplify ICT by supplying relevant solutions of value through proven end-to-end methodology.

Logicalis is an international multi-skilled solution provider supplying digital enablement services. The business boasts a well-curated customer base where it advocates for some of the world’s leading technology companies including Cisco, HPE, IBM, CA Technologies, NetApp, Microsoft, Oracle, VMware and ServiceNow. The Logicalis Group has annualised revenues of over $1.5 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $4 billion.

The similarities in business strategy, culture and ethos between the two companies have made this acquisition a “natural fit”, says Colin Fair, Managing Director and owner of Clarotech. “For the past few years, the management team has been looking for a company who could be a partner for us, one that would allow us to create something special from the marriage. We have been seeking a 1+1=4 scenario that would benefit our customers and our staff. This is what Clarotech has found in Logicalis.”

Commenting on this, Andre Bresler of Benchmark Corporate South Africa said: “This transaction affirms many analysts’ predictions of a positive climate for M&A in the TMT sector for 2018. Whilst there was defined interest from both up and down the supply chain in this acquisition, the strong cultural fit and clear synergies offered by the ultimate acquirer were evident from the outset. It has been a real privilege to have a hand in such an outstanding result for such outstanding clients.”

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