Liquidity: Sell-Side M&A and Fundraising Advisory Services

Core M&A Advisory Services
GLC represents companies for sale as their retained investment banker. We can also work with clients with much of the preparation for a sale if a client is solely focused on a self-advised transaction. In either case, we can assist with all of the important components of a transaction including refining messaging to convey a differentiated value proposition, modeling, creating a selling presentation,  prepping for due diligence, defining a target list of prospective acquirers, approaching acquirers, negotiating a transaction, and moving to a timely closing. Clients often think the deal is nearly "done" when they receive a term sheet or a letter of intent with a reasonable offer. We make sure the deal gets to completion because we maintain an appropriate level of urgency and we focus on the critical issues that can derail a transaction in the diligence process and the negotiation of the definitive agreement.

Raising Capital
We advise clients on the timing, structure and process of bringing in new investors. We approach these discussions with an institutional framework that helps our clients stay focused so the fundraising discussions are not a significant distraction from the operation of the business. Many CEOs waste a considerable amount of time talking with the wrong prospective investors which brings a higher level of risk to the achievement of their short-term operating goals.

Growth Consulting

Valuation
We offer a unique perspective regarding valuation. It goes beyond M&A comps and multiples of revenue and EBITDA. We help clients consider their value in the context of the talent of their team, and the significance of their customers and their strategic partners. Moreover, we assist our clients to optimize their valuation by considering what aspects of their business, markets, product lines, and distributions channels are important to grow and which parts of the business could be viewed as less valuable by potential acquirers.

Financial Modeling
At GLC, we help clients to review and implement a number of key operating metrics to manage their business more effectively and to portray a better image to potential investors and acquirers. It is important to think beyond revenue and earnings growth and profitability. Many times a company can convey a different and more exciting opportunity by identifying the appropriate highlights on which to focus.

Investor Presentations and Messaging
GLC has refined the art of creating a marketing message for investors and acquirers that is concise and aligned with clients' unique differentiation. Having spent years honing presentations for companies embarking on IPO roadshows, we bring an acquirers perspective to all of our discussions. We keep things simple and emphasize the idea that investors/acquirers decide almost immediately if a second meeting is warranted.

Strategic Planning and Business Plan Creation and Review
We help our clients to construct or refine strategic plans and business plans. We are not proponents of half day/ full day strategic off-site meetings or voluminous business plans that will merely gather dust on a shelf.

Sales Optimization and Business Development
Growing revenue may be a CEO's primary concern but often the sales effort gathers a life of its own and moves in a direction which is less optimal. GLC helps clients consider their pricing strategy and how their solutions are sold. We can help refine or create a sales structure, productivity metrics, and business development and strategic partner strategies.

General Coaching and Counsel
Our clients often wear many hats and are trying to accomplish too much, with too little time, and too few resources. We help our clients to define an "end-game" goal and a decision making framework that will help them reach that goal. Decisions about adding employees and expanding product solutions and markets are more easily prioritized and made in this context.  We help clients to answer the ever-challenging question of when to prioritize growth versus profitability.

Keeping the "House in Order"
Some clients are focused solely on revenue and business operations and they lose focus on the importance of maintaining proper governance habits with regard to articles of incorporation, board minutes, tax filings, employment agreements, assignments of IP, strategic alliance agreements, etc. It can also be a challenge to determine when to migrate to a more advanced financial accounting system, under what circumstances financials should be prepared in accordance with GAAP, or when it is important to prepare audited financials vs "reviewed " financials. We work closely with our clients and their legal, audit and tax counsel to confirm that our clients do not pay a significant price for neglecting these issues. In addition, we compel clients to consider the structure of their company in the context of the tax and estate planning ramifications of selling their company.