Guiding Principles
Serving Your Objectives
We will meet with your board and/or shareholders corporately (and individually as necessary) to ensure that we thoroughly understand what shareholders want from the transaction. Whilst it is not always possible to meet all needs in every respect (particularly where there are different or conflicting shareholder objectives) we will attempt to serve the interest of the majority of shareholders.
Acting in Your Best Interests
We will not advise you to enter into a transaction that does not serve your interests. We never forget that this is your business.
Sound Representation
We are your advocate and will work with you to analyse your business and present it in the best possible light. This requires careful consideration of its strategic potential; financial and business analysis; projection of potential future performance; appraisal of value and preparation of information for dissemination to potential purchasers. We will work with you to produce high quality outputs.
Anticipation and Preparation
We want you to be as well prepared as possible for each successive phase of the transaction. We will draw on our experience and expertise to keep you well informed and help you anticipate and navigate the key issues.
Outcomes Focused
Our focus in negotiations is on outcomes, not issues or positions. Whilst we will seek to maximise results for your benefit (e.g. by creating competitive tension between bidders) we do not resort to hostile or unprofessional behaviour. We are mindful that we are representing you at all times and will take care to protect the reputation and confidential information of your business. We will agree parameters with you in advance and focus in on the key commercial terms to ensure that these are captured in both the Memorandum of Understanding (non-binding, ‘heads of agreement’) and the Definitive Agreements (final, binding contracts).
Accountability
We will act on your behalf to engage and coordinate the inputs of specialised experts (e.g. tax and legal professionals). We will brief these organisations on your needs and control the scope of work and cost of these valuable resources, ensuring that only pre-approved costs for essential services are incurred. We do not take referral payments (commissions) from any providers for these services.
Independence
We act as an independent advisor to the board, providing an objective and professional point of view.