March 2015 Newsletter
March 2015
2014 was just maybe the year of the “comeback” for Chinese public issuers in North America as investors saw 15 Chinese companies listed on North American stock exchanges.
When is the Right Time to Sell Your Business?
April 7, 2014
Many factors enter into the decision as to when is the best time to sell your business including: market conditions, expected valuation, competitive environment, health, succession options, owner(s) outlook for growth and profitability..
Why Private Firms Should do Annual Business Valuations
April 7, 2014
Business owners spend considerable time and other resources maintaining their financial statements, legal matters, budgeting and other vital business support systems. However, business valuations are often seen as a one-time as needed exercise. This should not be the case. An annual business valuation exercise can render many benefits to the owner of a private business which we will touch on as follows:
Going Public … Is it Right for You?
September 28th, 2012
When funding is required to expand a product line, invest in research and development, target a new market or buy a competitor, companies often consider public markets to access capital beyond banks lines, internal cash flow and access to friends and families or other investors. However, the decision to go public needs to take into consideration more than just “can we access the money” and the following are some important questions:
Bridging the Price Gap
September 28th, 2012
When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, the non-valuation business terms (shares versus assets, who stays as the management team, and so on) are often relatively straight forward to determine and negotiate, but rarely is this the case with price negotiation. Buyers are often focused on past performance, paying sellers for what they have done. Sellers want to focus on the future and getting recognized for what they have done but also getting paid for what the business is going to do. Business milestones such as a new product line that is about to be launched or a new agreement that could significantly affect future results are examples of issues that may impact price negotiations.
Look Before You Leap
September 28th, 2012
Emerging markets traditionally offer investors the greatest opportunities, and the sheer size of markets like Asia are a lure that many companies cannot and should not resist. However, these markets have different social, economic and political drivers that can result in substantial financial losses before any gains are generated, particularly if you don’t gather enough information before you enter.
Choosing the Right Financial Advisor
March 27th, 2012
Directors rely on fairness opinions for a variety of corporate transactions. In non-arms’ length or affiliated party transactions, these advisors become even more important. Choosing the right Financial Advisor is a critical step in formulating a recommendation to the shareholders.
The Best Offense is a Good Defense in M&A Transactions
March 27th, 2012
When dealing with a company looking to sell, due diligence on the seller in advance of papering the transaction can result in a higher price, a shorter negotiation period and less negotiation of the terms contained in the definitive agreement.
Going, Going Private…
March 27th, 2012
In turbulent financial markets, the cost of being a public company begins to make less sense for some junior public companies. A business that generates a reasonable return before the costs of being public can become orphaned on a stock exchange when its results are barely break-even each year.
Chinese Acquisitions of North American Businesses are Increasing – How do You Access these Buyers?
October 26th, 2011
Chinese investment in North America is on the rise. Entrepreneurs and CEOs have become aware of this in the past number of years in the residential real estate market for the most part but are starting to see more and more corporate transactions.
Selling Your Company – Letting Go Can be Hard to Do
October 26th, 2011
The successful entrepreneur built his company from the ground up. In many cases, he guided it through stormy economic times and took decisive action when necessary. Thirty years later, his modest lifestyle business has evolved into a multi-million dollar operation with a significant payroll.
5 Pitfalls in PowerPoint Presentations for Investors
October 26th, 2011
A professional-looking PowerPoint Presentation is a key document in your financing package. So why do so many companies get the PowerPoint wrong?