Transformation: The Onrushing Digital Age Will Change Everything
The modern era has witnessed two great periods of transformation ...
2017 Market Outlook: Calls Heads or Tailwinds as Markets Swing on Policy Shifts*
The Economy Resuscitates, Stocks Gain, Rates Rise, Inflation Grows -- Heightened Volatility and Potential for Big Market Swings Likely
In 2017, there is cautious optimism for accelerating U.S. and global economic growth, improving corporate fundamentals, modest stock gains, and higher yields on expectations of fiscal stimulus and regulatory policy easing. Full-on optimism is tempered by the rippling effects of rising inflation, a stronger dollar, weak credit markets, uncertain commodity pricing, and game-changing political events that raise the potential for big market swings.
Four Keys to US M&A Success in 2017*
Following a slow start at the beginning of 2016, the ...
Investors Point to Exit Strategies for Startups
Based on an interview of George M. Shea, Partner and IT Team Leader, and Manan K. Shah, Managing Partner, FOCUS Investment Banking LLC
You’ve scaled and done all the hard work. Should you prepare your startup for exit? How do you know if your business is ready for a sale or acquisition? As a CEO, it’s important to have your affairs in order before putting it up to the highest bidder. From financial to operational preparation, it’s important to take your time and not take the first offer on the table.An International Collaboration: FOCUS and Aeternus Succeed Together
FOCUS Investment Banking is part of M&A Worldwide (MAWW), an established international association of 37 M&A boutiques working together to facilitate cross-border activities such as mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance projects, and consulting. FOCUS has been a part of this network since 2005 and has completed 31 cross-border projects with its partners in this network. One of the partners with which FOCUS has worked closely is Aeternus Corporate Finance. Headquartered right outside of Amsterdam in Venlo, the Netherlands, Aeternus is an independent investment bank, like FOCUS, that provides M&A and corporate finance advisory services to mid-sized companies in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.
The Market for ASC Sales – Four Key Traits Buyers Look For
With the economy on the rise again, an unlikely sector is reaping the benefits: Outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASC).
PREPPING THE PRINCESS: Criteria for Preparing to Sell
Selling a business comes with a lot of uncertainties. While a would-be seller can’t always control which parties are interested in buying, the seller does control the way the business is managed and scaled leading up to the sale—and the way they use their leverage in negotiations. FOCUS Partners George Shea and Manan Shah discuss the current selling climate, typical exit process, and the importance of a strong management team.
A Walk on the Buy-Side: How FOCUS Is Perfecting the Process
Worldwide, the art of dealmaking is evolving. There are substantial modifications in the way deals are being done today. Every detail from due diligence and integration to strategic planning and channels of communication is being refined and improved. Careful coordination is ever more critical. Risk management tools are being reshaped and perfected—plus, there’s a razor-sharp focus on ensuring the acquirer is achieving maximum value.
Full Speed Ahead for Middle Market M&A
A variety of new research reports conclude the fundamentals for healthy dealmaking remain firmly in place, and most believe the worst of the year is over. In fact, it appears U.S. M&A is normalizing and positive results for Q4 may be expected. Although the numbers for the first half of 2016 were the lowest since 2013, they actually are higher than any first half from 2008 through 2013. Why? Perhaps this is a signal the M&A boom of recent years remains alive and well, if a bit diminished.
The Verdict at Six Months: “Slow but Steady Sets the Pace”
For the balance of 2016, three broad factors are likely ...
