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How to Recruit an M&A Advisor for Confident Investments

2 Min Read

The Investment Project

In a tightening deal environment, becoming a preferred buyer with the ability to execute smart deals is the key to continued growth. To develop more targeted investment strategies, PE firms can partner with knowledgeable private equity advisors. These seasoned experts, including experienced M and A advisors, provide in-depth information across industries, including niche or new markets.

They approached Apex Leaders for private equity due diligence services to validate market opportunities and assess the scalability of the target. 

The Scope

During the consultative project intake meeting, it was found that the target was of high interest to CIVC Partners. The business was founder-owned and looking for a strategic and capital partner to build-out the company’s infrastructure and work alongside management to execute on M&A opportunities, which is well-aligned with CIVC’s experience and approach. Before pursuing the investment, the CIVC team needed to validate:

  • Market trends and key drivers
  • Competitive landscape
  • Opportunities and challenges to scaling

In addition to SMEs that could speak to these topics, they were looking for a long-term M and A advisor. At Apex, we refer to advisors who engage with clients throughout the investment lifecycle as a “River Guide.” CIVC was looking for a River Guide with deep industry knowledge that could review the CIM, attend site visits, and engage post-close.

Discovery

With the goals of CIVC identified, our research team mapped the industry’s key participants and identified and custom recruited SMEs that could provide the needed insights. And they delivered in spades. They also found the perfect River Guide for the project.

Advisor Partnership

The Apex Leaders team facilitated the introduction between the advisors and CIVC.  Including:

  • The Managing Director of a leading cybersecurity firm helped CIVC get more familiar with the “Big 4” firms in the space and assess their service offerings.
  • A current CEO of a top cybersecurity firm helped CIVC understand market trends, competitive landscape, and market demand drivers.
  • A former COO at a company CIVC specifically requested provided insight on the “customer angle” for CIVC, including client needs and procurement processes.

Client Success

The River Guide that Apex recruited was formerly the Chairman of a large, private equity backed cybersecurity company.  He also had significant experience in the IT services sector with business models similar to CIVC’s target company.

The M and A advisor engaged throughout the investment cycle, from sector thesis development to post-close value-creation development.  With the advisor’s help, alongside insights provided by the SMEs, CIVC confidently invested in the target company. They now sit on the Board and serve as a long-term advisor.

Looking to strengthen your PE due diligence process with expert insights? Partner with Apex Leaders to connect with precisely matched advisors who guide you through every stage of the investment lifecycle.

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