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Why Knowing Your Business’s Value Is Essential

Unmatched Precision in Business Valuations

“Why Knowing Your Business’s Value Is Essential: My Perspective as an M&A Advisor at Achieve Corporation”


Introduction

When people think of business valuations, they often associate them with an immediate sale or a significant event—like when a shareholder needs to exit, or a prospective buyer approaches. Over the years at Achieve Corporation, however, I’ve seen how crucial it can be for directors and business owners to keep a firm grasp on their company’s worth, even in times of stability.

I remember one client, a manufacturing entrepreneur, who was certain he wasn’t interested in selling. But when an unexpected opportunity arose—an overseas investor offering a compelling strategic partnership—he scrambled to figure out whether the proposal was fair. Did it reflect the true value he’d built over decades? Was the investor undervaluing his intellectual property or unique market position? Because he lacked current valuation insights, making an informed decision was tough.

In this article, I’ll explore why every owner or director should periodically assess what their company is worth—whether or not a sale or merger is on the horizon. From securing financing and attracting talent to shaping effective exit strategies, understanding your value can be a game-changer. I’ll walk you through the common misconceptions, the hidden advantages, and the practical steps you can take to stay ahead of the valuation curve.


The Role of Valuation Beyond a Sale

Yes, valuations are most commonly discussed in the context of mergers and acquisitions. But a company’s market value has broader implications. Think about raising capital—if you approach a bank for a significant loan or bring in an investor to fund expansion, they’ll naturally look at how much your business is worth.

Another scenario: talent acquisition. In a competitive hiring market, offering equity or stock options is a powerful draw for high-caliber executives. But how do you set those equity percentages if you don’t have a sense of your business’s value? I recall a tech start-up I advised that lost a stellar CTO candidate partly because they couldn’t convincingly explain their equity offer. The candidate sensed a mismatch between the stated ownership share and the actual value it represented, leading them to accept a clearer, more transparent deal elsewhere.

An open-ended question: “Have you ever turned away potential collaborators or top-tier hires simply because you couldn’t confidently articulate your company’s financial worth?” If the answer is yes—or if you’re not sure—it might be time for a valuation refresh.


Strategic Decision-Making and Growth

Valuations can drive internal strategy, too. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to diversify your products, expand geographically, or invest in new technology, a valuation can offer meaningful data. Suppose your business is valued lower than you’d hoped. That might signal a need to improve profit margins or reduce operational risks. If it’s higher than expected, perhaps you can leverage that strength for strategic acquisitions or partnerships.

At Achieve Corporation, I’ve sat with directors who discovered their intangible assets—brand reputation, proprietary software, or loyal client base—were actually more valuable than their physical infrastructure. Armed with that insight, they shifted investment priorities to nurture these intangible assets, which boosted the company’s overall valuation over the next few years.

One anecdote stands out: a family-owned food distributor that believed its worth lay in warehouse capacity. But a deeper analysis revealed that its carefully curated supply-chain relationships and local brand loyalty created a significant intangible premium. Recognising this hidden value allowed them to negotiate better deals with suppliers and implement brand-building campaigns that further elevated the company’s standing.


Minimising Risk and Preparing for Uncertainties

Life can throw curveballs—unexpected health issues, divorce settlements, or sudden offers from competitors. Without a clear understanding of your business’s market value, you’re left vulnerable to reactive decisions. If a personal crisis forces a shareholder to liquidate some holdings, an out-of-date or rough-guess valuation could lead to undervaluation, especially if unscrupulous buyers sense desperation.

I once consulted for a design agency whose co-founder experienced a health crisis. They needed quick liquidity but hadn’t updated their valuation for years. Potential buyers swooped in with lowball offers, capitalising on the founders’ urgency. Fortunately, Achieve Corporation stepped in to conduct a rapid, yet thorough, valuation. We gave them the leverage to negotiate a fair partial sale, keeping the business intact while still meeting the immediate financial needs of the co-founder.

Another angle: staying prepared for surprise acquisition bids. Even if you think selling is off the table, an opportunistic buyer might see synergy with your brand or technology. Having a baseline valuation ensures you don’t shortchange yourself in the heat of a surprise negotiation.


Encouraging Stakeholder Confidence

A well-supported valuation can reassure stakeholders—employees, investors, lenders, and even your board of directors—that the company is on solid ground. If you’re planning a strategic pivot or seeking to open a new branch, a credible valuation can underscore why such a move makes sense. It also fosters confidence among employees who might otherwise be rattled by major changes.

Consider the scenario of a long-serving CFO who’s on the verge of retirement, leaving behind an operational vacuum in the finance department. Presenting a strong valuation to your staff can instill faith that the business remains robust, even as leadership transitions occur. This, in turn, helps retain talent who might be concerned about future uncertainty.

Open-ended question: “How might a transparent valuation strategy enhance trust among your current stakeholders—employees, suppliers, partners—who might be nervous about the company’s direction?” If you can answer that convincingly, you’re on track to leveraging valuation knowledge as a trust-building tool.


Methods of Valuation: A Brief Overview

Although valuations can get technical, the basics are worth noting. Some owners rely on EBITDA multiples, comparing earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation to industry benchmarks. Others use discounted cash flow (DCF) models, projecting future earnings and discounting them to present value. Asset-based approaches look at the worth of tangible and intangible assets. Then there’s the possibility of a hybrid method, blending multiple approaches for a comprehensive picture.

Which method suits you? It depends on your business model, growth stage, and industry norms. At Achieve Corporation, we’ve worked with everything from manufacturing plants that rely heavily on equipment (making asset-based valuations more relevant) to digital service providers whose real value lies in brand equity or client relationships. The key is tailoring the valuation method to your unique circumstances.

For example, a subscription-based SaaS firm might emphasise recurring revenue streams, evaluating churn rates and customer lifetime value. Meanwhile, a creative agency might highlight intangible brand value and top-tier client accounts. In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a strategic choice that aligns with your operational realities.


Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

Some directors assume they only need a valuation once every few years, usually when there’s a sale on the horizon. In my experience, that’s like saying you only need financial statements once in a while. A business’s worth can fluctuate based on market shifts, competitor activity, and internal developments. If you don’t keep a finger on the pulse, you might miss signals that your competitive advantage is waning—or, conversely, that you could be capitalising on hidden strengths.

Another pitfall is relying on a superficial guess or “rule of thumb.” While broad market multiples can offer a starting point, they often ignore nuances like your brand’s local loyalty, proprietary technology, or exceptional leadership team. I once met an owner who insisted their business was worth a certain multiple of revenue simply because they heard about a competitor’s sale. Yet that competitor had established IP and global distribution channels, which warranted a higher multiple. Had we not dug deeper, they might have anchored to a misguided figure.


Practical Steps for an Ongoing Valuation Mindset

How do you keep track of your company’s value without becoming obsessive? One approach is scheduling annual or biannual check-ins with a valuation specialist, akin to a doctor’s appointment. This doesn’t always require a full-blown analysis—it can be a high-level health check, reaffirming whether your EBITDA remains competitive, or if your risk factors (like customer concentration) have improved or worsened.

Another tip: maintain accurate, transparent financial records. If you ever need a fast valuation, you don’t want to lose weeks sifting through disorganised ledgers or clarifying contradictory statements. Being audit-ready not only simplifies valuations but also inspires trust among potential buyers or investors.

Additionally, gather data on your competitors and industry benchmarks regularly. If a rival sells for an impressive multiple, dig into why. Were they in a niche with rising consumer demand? Did they hold key patents? Understanding these triggers can inform your own business strategies, possibly raising your valuation in the long run.


When an External Valuation Might Be Necessary

Sometimes, a quick internal calculation isn’t enough. If you’re exploring serious financing, attracting private equity, or even negotiating a buyout with an external party, a professional valuation provides an objective reference point. At Achieve Corporation, we bring in specialists who can apply rigorous methods, factoring in everything from your share of the market to the resilience of your supply chain. This external perspective also carries weight in negotiations, preventing you from anchoring too low or too high.

Moreover, an external valuation can reveal aspects of your company that are undervalued or overlooked. Maybe you’ve underplayed the significance of certain trademarks, or you haven’t factored in how robust your data collection processes are. Independent experts can highlight these strengths, boosting your overall worth in a transaction or investment scenario.


Handling Emotional Attachments

For many owners, a business represents years of sweat, personal sacrifice, and passion. That emotional attachment can skew perceptions of value. You might feel your company should command a premium simply because you’ve poured your life into it. While your devotion is admirable, the market might view certain assets differently. An objective valuation helps you separate personal sentiment from genuine market indicators, reducing the risk of stalling or derailing deals over unrealistic figures.

An open-ended question you might pose is: “Am I willing to let go of some emotional biases for the sake of a clear-eyed understanding of my business’s real-world worth?” If you can embrace that perspective, you’ll find it easier to navigate negotiations or strategic planning.


Conclusion

Knowing what your business is worth isn’t a luxury reserved for those on the verge of a sale—it’s a strategic necessity at virtually every stage of ownership. Whether you’re courting top talent, seeking finance, or simply want peace of mind about your life’s work, an up-to-date valuation can steer your decisions more wisely.

At Achieve Corporation, I’ve witnessed how a solid grasp of company value can transform everything from exit negotiations to day-to-day management. Have you considered the doors that open when you’re equipped with credible numbers? Or the pitfalls you can dodge by not leaving valuation considerations until the last minute?

If you’re ready to take a proactive stance on understanding your company’s worth—or if you suspect your business might be undervalued—reach out to me at Achieve Corporation. Let’s explore how regular, strategic valuations can shape your company’s growth trajectory, safeguard your legacy, and set you up for success in a fast-changing market. You’ve poured your energy into building something remarkable—doesn’t it make sense to know precisely what you’ve created?

Email: mark@achieve-corporation.com
Achieve Corporation: Your Partner in High-Value Business Sales.

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For a valuation of a company with a sub £2 Million turnover – Click this link –   Value My Business by Mark Ross Now

For a valuation of a company with a plus £2 Million turnover – Click this link – Business Valuation in 3 Easy Steps

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Don’t Buy a Business Until You Watch This…

Don’t Buy A Business

In this must-watch video, on Don’t Buy A Business, we dive into the critical mistake many aspiring business owners make: purchasing a business without truly understanding its worth.

“Don’t Buy a Business” isn’t just a cautionary statement—it’s a gateway to unlocking the secrets of successful business acquisitions, all condensed into a lightning-fast 60 seconds video.

Prepare to navigate away from the nightmares of funding failures and deal disasters that plague the unprepared.

Why Watching This Video is a Game-Changer:

Unlock the Secret to Success: Discover the pivotal knowledge that separates successful acquisitions from costly mistakes.

Understand True Business Value: Learn why knowing the exact value of a business is not just important—it’s essential for planning your funding strategy and deal structure. Avoid losing time, energy, effort, and potentially millions in value by understanding one crucial fact.

Precision Over Guesswork: We debunk the myths of estimated values and EBITDA guesses, guiding you towards a clear, precise, and accurate business valuation. Our method is rooted in recognized valuation metrics, offering you a document that tells the unvarnished truth about what a business is genuinely worth.

Strategic Offer Structuring: With a solid understanding of a business’s worth, you’re equipped to structure your offer confidently. Learn how to approach your acquisition strategy with the assurance that it’s the right step for you.

Exclusive Insight: Follow the link below to access our in-depth valuation model, which reveals exactly what you need to know. From specific valuation metrics to key funding ratios, we lay bare the true value of a business—now and in the future. Embark on your acquisition journey with the right knowledge at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or stepping into the world of business ownership for the first time, this video is your first step towards a successful, informed purchase.

Don’t risk months of negotiations and potential deal-breaking disappointments with funders. Get the groundwork done first, and move onwards and upwards with confidence. Don’t delay your success story. Click the link below to unlock the secrets to successful business acquisitions and ensure your next move is not just a step but a leap in the right direction.

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Project Skyline

Acquisition Opportunity

Privately owned Company recognised nationally as a leading roofing contractor. With an established reputation based on trust, quality, professionalism, and skill, it delivers high-quality roofing services to clients in both residential and commercial sectors, including:

  • Universities and schools
  • Power stations
  • Defence infrastructure
  • Social housing
  • Churches and listed buildings
  • Commercial and industrial
  • New build residential and refurbishments
  • Healthcare

Incorporated in 2008, the privately-owned Company has over fifty staff members with over twenty five years of experience. Whilst the business is small enough to remain flexible and adaptable, it can act as Principal Contractor, managing and coordinating other trades within its supply chain to meet the client’s needs to exacting safety and quality standards.

The Company have extensive experience in undertaking all roofing works collaboratively, working alongside all stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of each project. In addition, they proactively identify, assess, plan, and manage all risks and provide clear communication paths with as many of the wider stakeholder community as possible to foster good relationships.

The Company specialises in flat and pitched roofing systems, offering a wide range of roofing solutions, including:

  • Green roofs
  • Cold applied waterproofing
  • Single ply roofing
  • Built-up felt roofing

The last four years have seen total sales of £45,902,517 with a total combined non-adjusted EBITDA of £3,983,076.

The next four years’ total sales are forecast at £71,137,628 with a non-adjusted EBITDA of £5,551,344.

Sales for 2023 are forecasted at £16,504,772, which is a 26% growth from 2022 this has been forecast using partial management accounts to December 2022 and taking into account the following:

  • Strong order value and running projects valued at £6.5M
  • CIF funding education projects valued at £3.5-4M
  • Private sector projects valued at £2-3M
  • New build projects valued at £2-3M
  • Small works valued at £500k-£1M

If a competitor were to acquire Project Skyline, there could be several benefits and opportunities for the future, including:

  • Increased Market Share: The acquisition would allow a competitor to increase its market share by incorporating the existing customer base and brand reputation of Project Skyline
  • Diversification of Service Offerings: Project Skyline has a strong reputation for providing high-quality roofing services. By acquiring this Company, a competitor could diversify its service offerings and add a new area of expertise to its business
  • Geographic Expansion: Project Skyline is based in Cambridge, UK, which could provide a strategic entry point into the regional roofing market for a competitor who is looking to expand geographically
  • Access to Skilled Professionals: The acquisition would also provide access to the skilled professionals at Project Skyline, who have years of experience in the industry. This could strengthen the workforce of the acquiring Company and improve its overall capabilities
  • Synergy and Cost Savings: By acquiring Project Skyline, a competitor could achieve synergies and cost savings by consolidating operations, sharing resources, and reducing redundancies. This could lead to increased efficiency and profitability for the combined Company.
  • The Company has a strong forward order book, which would make a significant asset contribution to any buyer

Please email Olivia at olivia@achieve-corporation.com to received a full Information Memorandum on this opportunity

Or view our other current instructions here:https://achieve-corporation.com/current-instructions

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Project Deneb

Acquisition Targets in Multi-Sector Platforms – Setting Benchmarks Aligned with KPIs

Acquisition Targets – Completion End April 2024

In the expansive terrain of mergers and acquisitions, agility and precision in identifying acquisition targets are not just advantageous but essential. The strategic expansion of business portfolios through acquisitions is a rigorous endeavour that requires a discerning eye for potential, a solid framework for integration, and an unparalleled expertise in execution. With a rich heritage of curating and consolidating groups that exemplify synergy and value, our client stands at the forefront of this sophisticated market activity.

Forging Paths for Growth and Synergy

Our mandate is clear: to scout for and secure promising companies to enhance the dynamic constellation of the twelve entities that currently compose our client’s Group. As we actively benchmark prospective acquisition targets, we are setting sights on firms that can seamlessly align with our client’s objectives for their next phase of growth. Our goal is to spearhead the development of a formidable conglomerate poised for unrivalled market leadership.

Efficiency in Transaction: A Testament to Expertise

Our track record boasts the consummation of deals from the nascent point of initial contact to the final handshake in as quickly as four weeks. While such speed is not the norm, our average four-month turnaround time is a testament to our efficiency and mastery of the process. The target completion date for the ongoing acquisitions is firmly set before the end of April 2024.

Holistic Approach to Acquisitions

Our client is not just looking for addition but multiplication in value, with a keen eye on companies that can rebound from the financial impact of Covid-19, with lost income and trading profits considered restorative additives to the financial accounts. The blueprint for expansion is clear – to construct a league of enterprises that offer a competitive edge, forecast future profitability as a valuation cornerstone, and ensure a flexible deal structure that encompasses a tailored handover period. This strategy ensures that the essence of each acquisition – the skills, goodwill, and operational framework – is not only protected but nurtured for exponential growth.

Expert Navigation through Acquisition Seas

Our role as seasoned navigators in the M&A realm is multifaceted – we ascertain the alignment of potential targets with our client’s rigorous brief, safeguard the confidentiality of all parties involved, spearhead preliminary negotiations, and bolster the internal acquisitions team towards a successful transaction conclusion.

Invitation to Discuss Potential Synergies

If your company’s trajectory aligns with our client’s strategic ambitions and you envision a future where your growth is accelerated through acquisition, we extend an invitation for a conversation.

By contacting Olivia at Olivia@achieve-corporation.com, you initiate a dialogue that could unveil potential synergies and set the stage for a successful merger or acquisition that is beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

Summary

In summary, we are in search of acquisition targets with the resilience to turn adversities into advantages, the potential for robust growth, and the synergy to integrate into a larger, competitive framework. With a proven track record, a client with demonstrable expertise, and a dedication to a fair and efficient acquisition process, we are poised to facilitate deals that are not merely transactions but transformations. We invite potential targets to reach out, explore possibilities, and join a visionary group of companies setting the pace for industry leadership and innovation.

 

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Project Arcturus

Civil Engineering Companies Wanted for Acquisition: A Strategic Call by Company A

In the dynamic sphere of civil engineering, progress is not just about the construction of structures but also about building robust businesses and partnerships. Company A stands at the forefront of this advancement, with an assertive call for acquisitions that will fortify its market position and catalyse its expansion trajectory. With an impressive revenue of £725 million last year and a successful track record of four acquisitions, Company A is poised to enhance its portfolio with the strategic integration of three more civil engineering companies by the end of April 2024.

Ambition Meets Precision in Acquisition

Company A’s robust financial foothold and strategic investment initiatives are epitomised in the budget allocation of £21 million for upcoming acquisitions. The commitment to industry growth and excellence is further evidenced by the standard deal structure offered: 80% of the total consideration paid on day one, with the balance spread over two years. This approach ensures a smooth transition and steadfast integration, all the while retaining the invaluable expertise of the original business owners, who are encouraged to continue with the company until the full consideration is realised.

Civil Engineering Companies Wanted for Acquisition – Strategic Growth through Synergistic Acquisitions

The impetus behind this acquisition drive is Company A’s meticulously crafted growth strategy, as decreed by its Senior Board. The goal is clear: to consummate three acquisitions that not only contribute to the company’s size but also enhance its capability, reach, and operational efficiency. This strategic vision seeks to propel Company A beyond its current successes, harnessing the potential of acquired companies to create a conglomerate that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Civil Engineering Companies Wanted for Acquisition – The Criteria for Prospective Partnerships

Civil Engineering Companies that can exhibit stability, growth potential, and a turnover that would synergise with Company A’s existing operations are sought for these acquisitions. Company A is looking for partners that possess not only a formidable presence in the market but also the agility to adapt and thrive within the larger corporate structure that Company A represents.

An Invitation to Forge a Common Future

If you helm a civil engineering firm that is looking to take the next step in its evolutionary journey, Company A extends a formal invitation for dialogue. Potential acquisition targets are encouraged to engage with Simon Ashcroft, a Senior Partner at Achieve Corporation, by contacting simon@achieve-corporation.com or by engaging with us through our contact page. This is a unique opportunity to align with a company that is not only investing in the civil engineering sector but is actively shaping its future.

Summary

Company A’s search for acquisitions is not merely a business proposition; it is a strategic partnership offer that presents a unique opportunity for civil engineering companies to scale, innovate, and lead. With a generous budget, a clear transaction structure, and the support of a strong parent company, the selected civil engineering firms will be positioned to not only continue their legacy but also expand it within a larger framework.

As Company A stands ready to embark on this ambitious journey of growth and integration, the call for acquisitions rings out. Civil Engineering Companies with the vision to be part of this enterprise are urged to step forward. The future beckons with the promise of shared success and a partnership that holds the potential to redefine industry standards.

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Project Mercury

Acquisitions in the Specialist and General Engineering Sector: A Strategic Imperative for Growth

Acquisitions in the Specialist and General Engineering Sector – Contact Us Now

In an era where globalisation is not just a buzzword but a strategic imperative, acquisitions become the cornerstone of rapid expansion and market penetration. As industry experts, we witness a significant uptick in activity within the specialist and general engineering sector, especially concerning acquisitions. Herein lies an unparalleled opportunity for businesses in the UK market.

An esteemed overseas company with a remarkable billion-dollar turnover has set its sights on securing a robust presence in the UK market, specifically within the specialist and general engineering sectors. This ambitious expansion is driven by a strategic plan to integrate four bolt-on additions to its substantial portfolio before the end of March 20243. Such a determined approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to establishing a significant foothold in the UK market swiftly and decisively.

This organisation stands out not only due to its impressive financial standing, being both asset and cash-rich, but also owing to its proven methodology that has repeatedly demonstrated efficiency in executing acquisitions. Its capacity to fast-track deals and expedite due diligence processes minimises disruptions, ensuring a seamless transition and integration of new acquisitions.

The target for these acquisitions is particularly niche, focusing on smaller-sized businesses with a turnover in the region of £5 million. Such businesses are prime candidates for grouping under the parent company’s umbrella, thereby unlocking synergies and scaling operations to meet an array of projects and contracts that the parent company is poised to fulfil.

Adaptability and flexibility in approach signify the company’s ethos in handling acquisitions. Whether it’s supporting straightforward cash sales or navigating the complexities of Management Buy-Outs (MBOs) and Management Buy-Ins (MBIs), the company’s strategy is tailored to accommodate various transaction types. This flexible approach underscores a commitment to fostering relationships and transactions that are conducive to mutual growth and success.

The current landscape presents a compelling case for businesses within the specialist and general engineering sector to align with a powerful industry player. The company’s readiness to support and integrate smaller businesses could serve as a catalyst for these entities to elevate their operations, engage in larger projects, and attain a level of growth that might otherwise remain out of reach.

For businesses that see the value in such a partnership and the myriad of opportunities it could unveil, it is an opportune moment to initiate a dialogue. We invite interested parties to reach out directly to our Senior Partner, Mark Roberts, via mark@achieve-corporation.com. By engaging with our expertise, businesses can gain insights into the intricacies of this acquisition process and explore how their operations could align with the strategic objectives of our client.

In conclusion, as the deadline for this ambitious acquisition drive draws near, we extend a professional invitation to suitable candidates within the specialist and general engineering sector. This is more than a mere transaction; it’s a partnership designed for growth, innovation, and collective success. If your business possesses the agility and the ambition to be part of a larger consortium that is setting the pace in the engineering domain, now is the time to act.

To summarise, acqusitions in the specialist and general engineering sector represent growth opportunities and a critical evolution in a company’s lifecycle. Our client’s initiative to enhance their portfolio with strategic UK-based acquisitions demonstrates their commitment to being a market leader. This is an invitation to businesses that are positioned to leverage this unique prospect—businesses ready to transition into a broader, more dynamic future with a global partner at their side.

With a strategic and flexible approach, this acquisition initiative is set to redefine the capabilities and scale of the specialist and general engineering sector in the UK. Businesses with the vision to be part of this transformative journey are encouraged to take the first step towards a collective prosperous future. Contact Mark Roberts to discuss the potential that awaits.

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Thomas Cook’s Nordic business lives on after private equity deal

A trio of investors—including two private equity firms—has teamed up to save Thomas Cook’s Nordic business a month after the British travel company suddenly declared bankruptcy, delisted its shares, ceased operations and stranded more than 150,000 customers.

European buyout firms Altor Equity Partners and TDR Capital, along with Norwegian real estate tycoon Petter Stordalen’s Strawberry Group, are slated to assume ownership of the Ving Group, as the Northern Europe unit is called. The group employs 2,300 people across charter businesses in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, along with Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia.

Strawberry Group and Altor will each buy 40 percent of Ving, while TDR Capital will purchase the remaining 20 percent, though no price was revealed. Following the acquisition, the investors will work to secure approximately 6 billion Swedish kronor (about $618 million) in liquidity and guarantees for the business.

Unlike the larger Thomas Cook Group, which was founded in the 1840s to serve the burgeoning British middle class, Ving has recently proved itself profitable. Some of the Ving units will declare bankruptcy in order to facilitate the redirection of all businesses to a freshly established company created by its new owners, but the company’s sale will ensure 400,000 people who have booked upcoming trips will be able to travel without issue.

“[The deal] secures the business and creates a stable foundation for future development,” Harald Mix, a partner at Altor, said in a statement.

Altor, based in Stockholm, has raised five funds since its creation in 2003. It has invested in more than 60 middle-market Northern European companies, worth a total of €8.3 billion (about $9.25 billion).

TDR Capital, founded in 2002, manages €8 billion in assets and is headquartered in London. It also focuses on mid-market companies, with a preference for growth-oriented investments.

Strawberry Group maintains 11 companies and invests primarily across the real estate, finance, hospitality and art industries. Stordalen is a Norwegian billionaire who, along with his three children, also owns the region’s largest resort chain, Nordic Choice Hotels. The brand operates 180 luxury hotels across five countries.

The buyout of Thomas Cook’s Nordic unit may be one of the more dramatic deals in recent memory, but it fits cleanly into the bigger picture of the region’s PE landscape. Nordic dealmakers such as Altor have maintained a relatively consistent slice of the European private equity pie over the past decade. As of September 30, Nordic PE deal value this year totaled about €26 billion, about 11% of overall European deal value, per PitchBook’s 3Q 2019 European PE Breakdown. Through the past decade, the Nordic region’s deals have largely hovered around that same share of the total.

 

Read More – www.pitchbook.com

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WeWork has acquired more than 20 companies in the run-up to its IPO

In their endeavors to scale operations and improve their brands, VC-backed companies have turned to robust M&A activity in recent years. Taking notes from consumer-facing platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, who led the way to establish how private companies can grow from strategic acquisitions before their historic rides to the public markets, WeWork has acquired 21 startups to date, with a bulk of those investments sealed in the last three years.

The co-working giant raised nearly $1 billion in VC funding before it made its first acquisition in 2015 with Case, which provides building design and information-modeling services. And in a bid to either grow the current business or explore opportunities in other industries, WeWork is currently one of the most active VC-backed acquirers in the space.

How many of those investments were directly related to the company’s space-as-a-service offering? According to a recent PitchBook analyst note, the split of acquisitions made by WeWork related to the core business versus noncore is an estimated 60-40. Notable acquisitions that currently have little to do with WeWork’s office rental focus include Flatiron School, which offers a coding education platform and Islands Media, the developer of a messaging app for college students.

The co-working giant revealed mounting losses in its S-1 filing last month. However, its appetite to acquire startups that range from the developer an office sign-in system to a behavior-analytics platform, indicates that buying tech or venturing beyond its core business via an acquisition seems to be the preferred route for WeWork, instead of building the same thing in-house.

While mega-deals from deep-pocketed investors such as SoftBank or eye-popping valuation step-ups may have favored WeWork’s acquisition strategies so far, it’s difficult to say whether the business will continue to pick up startups at the same rate in the future, especially as it plans to seek a valuation of between $20 billion and $30 billion in its upcoming IPO, slashing its last private market valuation, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Read More – www.pitchbook.com

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Why Domino’s Pizza sell-off was overcooked

Hungry bargain hunters gobbled up shares in Domino’s, correctly betting than an early slump was unfair.

After selling 12 pizzas every second on New Year’s Day, the rest of 2019 certainly hasn’t panned out in the same emphatic fashion for Domino’s Pizzaor its investors.

Shares slumped as much as 12 per cent in early deals, undoing all the rally of the past six weeks, as the company warned that its international operation would no longer break even this year. Its UK business of more than 1,100 stores also underwhelmed the City with like-for-like sales growth of 3.1 per cent in the quarter to March 31.

The fall-out from the first quarter update continues the poor run of form for the FTSE 250 stock, which had been testing the 400p barrier as recently as last summer.

Last week’s UK figures were distorted by tough comparatives from a year earlier after a £1.99 promotion helped to boost like-for-like sales by 7 per cent in Q1 2018. Volumes were down 2.7 per cent in the most recent period, despite that bumper New Year’s Day when 516,500 pizzas were sold.

Analysts at Numis are relaxed about the first quarter performance in the UK, particularly as like-for-like sales on a two-year basis continue the 10 per cent growth rate seen in Q4.

Numis left its forecast unchanged for UK trading this year, although it is cutting group pre-tax profits by 5 per cent to £95 million due to the weaker guidance for the international division following its £4.1 million loss last year.

Domino’s reported “persistently weak” system sales in all its international markets, with trading visibility also limited. New management teams in Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are attempting to improve the performance, but in the meantime the company is tightening its focus on costs and capital deployment.

Numis said the continued poor performance of a business accounting for 10% of trade will leave some investors to ask if Domino’s should be deploying capital into loss-making markets.

However, the broker still remains supportive of Domino’s and its highly cash generative business model. Trading on 15 times 2019 earnings, Numis said the shares were attractively valued and expected them to re-rate back towards 340p over time.

Canaccord Genuity has a price target of 310p, while UBS thinks the shares are worth 245p. UBS analyst Heidi Richardson said the lack of an update on discussions with UK franchisees was also disappointing given the limited visibility on future store openings.

Seven new UK stores were added in the year to date, compared with the 58 added in the previous financial year. Domino’s admitted in full-year results that there were likely to be fewer new stores this year given the ongoing discussions with franchisees on commercial terms.

 

The shares have ebbed away since then, even though Domino’s deserves credit for continuing to show resilience in the face of competition from the likes of Just Eat (LSE:JE.) and Deliveroo. It’s also had the distraction of an ongoing dispute with franchisees, some of whom are fighting for a bigger slice of profits.

 

Read More – www.cityam.com

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Liberty London department store could be sold for £350m

The department store Liberty London has been put on the market with a potential £350m price tag.

The retail landmark, which was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 with a £2,000 loan from his future father-in-law, has grown to become an international brand that sells its tana lawn fabrics and luxury leather goods around the world.

The private equity firm BlueGem bought Liberty for £32m in 2010 and refinanced it in 2014, reducing its stake to about 40% and allowing some investors to take cash out but nearly all to reinvest in buying the department store for £165m.

It is understood BlueGem is looking to offload its stake. It is unclear if other investors are willing to sell.

Group sales reached £133m in the year to February 2018, up 8% year on year, while pretax profits more than tripled to nearly £7m. About 60% of the store’s profits come from selling own-label merchandise.

The Tudor-revival store on Great Marlborough Street in central London opened in 1924 and has been extensively renovated by its current owners as a home for designer fashion as well as beauty, accessories, homewares and haberdashery.

The company was once listed on the London Stock Exchange but controlled by property company MWB Group. It lost money for years, making sales of about £70m and losses of £4.5m in 2009.

BlueGem had hoped to bring Liberty back to the stock market last year, but has now hired UBS to seek a private buyer, according to Sky News, which first reported the potential sale.

The retailer is on the market during a period of great upheaval for department stores, which face competition from online shopping and a squeeze on consumer spending.

House of Fraser went into administration last summer and was bought out by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct group. He also has his eye on Debenhams, which is struggling for survival after several years of poor trading and rising costs.

Read More – www.theguardian.com