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A fascinating report has been published by Intralinks who, in conjunction with Cass Business School in London examined 23 years of data from almost 34,000 companies worldwide to identify the factors that make companies attractive M&A targets. Whilst worth reading the full report, it concludes with a summary of six vital signs business owners should be aware of to make their company attractive to buyers. The study found that in any year… Read More
Benchmark International is pleased to announce that after an exciting year of growth, we are expanding our international reach to Ireland. The news comes after our recent announcement that Benchmark International will have a presence in South Africa, with the opening of our new Cape Town offices. Ireland has witnessed a staggering economic turnaround as of late, with unemployment being dramatically slashed and the Bank of Ireland forecasting GDP growth of 4.8%… Read More
Disclosure schedules are an integral part of any merger or acquisition (M&A) transaction. They contain information required by the acquisition agreement—typically a listing of important contracts, intellectual property, employee information, and other materials as well as exceptions or qualifications to the detailed representations and warranties of the selling company contained in the acquisition agreement. An incorrect or incomplete disclosure schedule could result in a breach of the acquisition agreement and possible significant… Read More
Timing is, without doubt, one of the most critical factors in mergers and acquisitions; a recent report found that it is, in fact, the single most reliable predictor in terms of creating real shareholder value. But why is timing so crucial? Think Macro! Acquiring a company is a risk that’s ultimately taken based on the health or otherwise of economies – and we’re talking about macro-economies here, looking way beyond the company… Read More
Benchmark International has recently opened a new office in Cape Town, South Africa (see 3rd July blog post), headed up by Andre Bresler and Dustin Graham. This is an exciting development for Benchmark International, in a dynamic evolving market. South Africa is a core strategic market for any global M&A team, as the country is the conduit for more than half of M&A activity across the African continent. In South Africa itself,… Read More
Benchmark International is proud to announce that it has, once again, been named ‘International Mid-Market Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year’ at the annual ACQ Global Awards. This is an especially proud moment for Benchmark International as it marks the third time that it has secured this prestigious award, having previously won in 2014 and 2015. Since 2006, the ACQ Global Awards have celebrated the achievements, innovation and brilliance of industry leaders,… Read More
Benchmark International is proud to announce that it has placed top of the North West Financial Adviser table for the second consecutive year in Experian’s annual North West and Manchester Corporate Finance Review. Having advised on 34 transactions during 2016, Benchmark International dominated the table for the most active individuals in the North West, with the top three spots being filled by Peter Kelly, Nick Hulme and James Robinson. “I would like… Read More
Benchmark International is pleased to announce that a deal has been agreed for the sale of Clady Plumbing Supplies Limited to Bassetts N.I. Limited. C.P.S. are one of Mid-Ulster’s oldest established Plumbers Merchants. The company take great pride in being known as the ‘one stop’ plumbers merchant by virtue of the fact that they stock, or can source, almost any item you require to satisfy your plumbing & heating requirements. C.P.S’s goods… Read More
Chinese Olympians managed to scoop a total of 26 gold medals at the Rio Olympic Games. Although the country’s medal haul was not enough to match its astonishing tally in Beijing in 2008, China finished a commendable third place behind the US and the UK in the medal table. While being usurped by teams USA and GB may have been disappointing for China, when it comes to M&A the country has its… Read More
A month is a long time in business and nothing has demonstrated this as much as games giant, Nintendo. Just a few weeks ago we discussed the £11.1bn that gaming phenomenon Pokémon Go had added to the value of Nintendo, with shares soaring by more than 86 per cent. Now, we are looking at quite a different story. “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” Overnight, the whole world was talking about the augmented reality… Read More
Benchmark International are pleased to announce that we have been named as the ‘International Corporate Finance Advisor of the Year’ by the 2016 Worldwide Financial Advisor Awards Magazine. The magazine is a globally recognised publication due to the comprehensive awards program which they run, gathering votes from countries all over the world to recognise the most prestigious professionals within their specialised areas of practice. They are set-up to identify a select number… Read More
Love it or hate it, sport is everywhere, not only featuring on the back pages of our newspapers, but also dominating the front pages too. The business of sport generates massive revenue – it is estimated the global sports industry is worth almost $600bn, so it is no wonder it has sparked interest from investors over recent years. So, what makes a sporting deal different from a traditional acquisition? Sport is huge… Read More
2015 was recording breaking year for M&A healthcare, with over 1,400 transactions taking place and amounting to roughly £389 billion globally. We take a look at the recent surge in healthcare acquisitions and whether they are set to last. With the recent report that Abbott Laboratories acquired St Jude Medical for £17.28 billion, the Illinois-based healthcare company was following a trend of healthcare acquisitions, reversing the recent downturn within the healthcare M&A… Read More
Benchmark International is pleased to announce that a deal has been agreed between Spokemead Maintenance Ltd and Bilby PLC. Based in St. Albans, Spokemead are a principal contractor for London’s largest borough for electrical installation, repairs and maintenance with 25 years’ experience in the industry, winning three successive 5-year contracts along the way. Through their experience and proven track record of delivery, along with their uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction and care,… Read More
Benchmark International is pleased to announce a £2.5 million deal between Manchester-based 1st Class Holidays, a leading provider of tailor-made luxury holidays, and PHD Private Equity. As part of the deal, current shareholders Paul Ainsworth and Sharon Mason, who originally founded the business in 1996, will retain an active role in the company post-completion. With a turnover of £16m, 1st Class Holidays employs 36 people from its base in Trafford Park, Manchester… Read More
International M&A expert, Benchmark International, has successfully assisted with the sale of G.B. Access Limited (G.B. Access) to Ashtead Plant Hire Company Limited (A-Plant). Formed in 1989, Peterborough based G.B. Access provides hoist equipment sales, rental, installation and training services, as well as boasting one of the largest rental fleets of Alimak rack and pinion hoists in Europe. Warrington based A-Plant is a leading equipment rental company in the UK and has… Read More