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The best investment bankers have a solid business background. They not only understand the client’s business, but also future opportunities and strategic value for prospective buyers.
Our investment bankers have owned businesses, accomplished turnarounds and managed growth. We have hands-on business experience in a broad range of industries. This experience allows us to quickly and thoroughly understand the potential within any company. We delve into operations, people, competition, marketing, manufacturing, distribution and technology to find the transferable, intangible “magic” that will make a company exponentially valuable to prospective buyers. |
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All investment bankers prepare a descriptive book to present a company to prospective buyers. The book should be a marketing instrument, not a securities offering. There is only one opportunity to make a favorable first impression: the book must compellingly make the case to generate prospective buyer interest.
Each of our books focuses on our client company’s unique strengths and competencies. Prospective buyers are shown the potential of the company under their ownership based on their capital and strategic resources. We shift the focus from history (financial value) to future (strategic value). Our books are so effective that we have had buyers make attractive offers without ever visiting our client. |
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One quality the best investment bankers bring to the table is the ability to identify prospective buyers beyond the obvious candidates. We excel in identifying buyers who need your company and then initiate a competitive process. Our experience is that obvious buyers are seldom the ideal buyers. Many of our clients’ buyers were not looking for an acquisition when we first contacted them.
Shoreline begins each assignment with a blank slate. After we truly understand a company, we identify multiple categories of prospective buyers with different reasons to want that company. It is not unusual for us to identify 80 to 100 or more prospective buyers.
We target strategic buyers and private equity groups that need the unique competencies – the "magic"– that our client offers. Our creative research is driven by the belief that buyers seldom buy what sellers think they're selling. |
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The true market value of a company is the highest price a buyer will pay a seller. Competition – when more than one prospective buyer wants a company – is the only way to know that the highest value was obtained.
Our investment bankers are skilled at both attracting multiple buyers and generating multiple letters of intent. For us, the art of representation is attracting buyers, while the art of negotiation is managing multiple offers. We begin with a clear understanding of our client's potential value to each buyer, and we use our skills to elicit the best offers. Throughout the process, the credibility we establish enables us to communicate effectively and to generate improvements in buyer offers.
We understand that financial terms are not our client’s only consideration. Concerns about future prospects for the company and its people, the cultural fit, and post-transaction obligations of our client often distinguish one offer from another. Our negotiations encompass all client concerns and considerations. In the end, we pride ourselves on getting the highest and best value for our clients.
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Every sale assignment is focused on obtaining an offer that is accepted by the seller. However, the reality is that more than half of all potential deals fail to close even after a letter of intent has been signed by both parties. Deals fail to close primarily because of issues that surface during due diligence.
Shoreline's practice is to identify potential due diligence issues at the beginning of an assignment. By doing so up front, we make sure there is time for our client to solve the problems or, with our assistance, to develop solutions that minimize buyer concerns. In an industry littered with failed deals, our creative problem solving assures our clients the greatest likelihood of success. |
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| A fundamental philosophy is that our interests are aligned with our client’s interests. We are primarily compensated when we get a deal done, not through large, up-front fees. We are paid more for the hardest part of a deal – obtaining an offer above pre-agreed-upon levels. And, if our client is paid in the future, we are paid in the future. Our personal involvement, motivation and interest continue until, and even after, all payments have been received. |
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| Shoreline is proud to be the recommended choice of professionals who are familiar with our services. Accounting, legal, financial planning and other professionals routinely refer their clients to us. They have confidence in our high standards, professional representation and results. We work closely with our client’s other trusted advisors throughout the process with everyone focused on obtaining the optimal outcome for the client. |
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The process of selling all or part of a company can be pleasant and rewarding, or it can be a serious disruption of the business causing high stress for both owners and employees.
Our job is to make our client’s life easier and, ultimately, better. We manage the sale process so that our client is free to continue to successfully operate the business. We move the process along expeditiously, keep our client informed and minimize disruptions.
We solve problems as they arise, manage the due diligence process, and work closely with both parties’ attorneys in the preparation and review of documents. When it comes to negotiating prowess, our keen insight, attention to detail and time-tested instincts provide each client with the assurance that no money has been left on the table. Whether getting a deal done with multiple offers, or between one buyer and one seller, Shoreline achieves the best possible value and outcome for our client. |
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