“We constantly invest into our skill - and knowledge base to support Quadriga Capital’s portfolio companies in managing transformation and increasing their competitiveness. It is about industry-experts, information management and systems. But it is also about values, social responsibility, caretaking and the dedication to achieve best-in-class results.”. - Dr. Andreas Fendel, Founding Partner, Quadriga Capital
“We take pride in knowing that our management had acquired over 100 years in total real time experience in the financial industry and have helped clients to find the best funding sources at the right price that suits their needs and expectations in the past and in the future.” - Kenneth Cheung, Managing Partner & Senior Trustee, NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited
“R2G is focused on providing the very best service and support to our clients. As the markets have evolved, we have listened to their changing due diligence needs and have sought to innovate and tailor our services and support to align with this, and this award is a real vindication of those efforts.” - Hugo Williamson, Managing Director, Risk Resolution Group
“Let us return to our eagle’s nest in the Himalayas. It is waiting for us, for it is ours, eaglets of Europe, we need not renounce any part of our real nature... whence we formerly took our flight. Justified and fishing in the rivers of life.” - Kohinoor Angel Investors
sponsored by
Foreword ... WELCOME TO THE ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL 2013 M&A AWARDS 2012 was undoubtedly a difficult year for M&A. Global deal values fell for the fifth consecutive year to the lowest levels recorded both by volume and value since 2004. Weaker results in Europe and North America, together with a decline in deal-making value in the Far East and Central Asia and mixed fortunes for the BRIC countries were significant factors in these results. However, the general consensus is that activity is growing steadily and analysts believe that this trend is likely to continue in 2013. Statistics from Q1 2013 reveal that global M&A volume reached $690.3 billion, up 18% on Q1 2012 ($584.3 billion). Despite the market turbulence and difficult economic conditions around the world, the tireless efforts of M&A professionals ensure that deal-making continues. Acquisition International Magazine’s 2013 M&A Awards celebrate excellence and commemorate the achievements and hard-work of all those involved in seeing a deal through to completion. The awards recognise investors, advisers and services providers pinpointed for their expertise in their specialised field. This year’s awards are sponsored by Bureau Van Dijk, leading publishers of company information and business intelligence. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for outstanding work over the last 12 months. Our awards recognise leaders in their respective fields and, crucially, are nominated by their clients, their professional relationships and their peers. The M&A Awards 2013 are a true representation of this ever-evolving market! Read on to find out who made the cut and what it takes to be an Acquisition International award winner.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
M&A ROUND-UP
l Bureau van Dijk, leading publishers of company information and business intelligence, are the sponsors of this year’s M&A Awards. Bureau Van Dijk’s assistance and support have been vital for this year’s awards and we offer them our sincere thanks. Here, Bureau van Dijk gives us some insight into recent activity in the global M&A markets. Despite a number of high value transactions, the year so far has not quite lived up to expectations in terms of global mergers and acquisitions (M&A activity). However, a few more big ticket deals could see results pick up and near those set in previous six-monthly periods. To date, 2013 has seen 25,653 transactions worth a combined US$1,272 billion, according to data from Zephyr, the M&A database published by Bureau van Dijk. The markets ended 2012 on a positive note, with both volume and value rising in H1. In the second half of the year there were 35,529 deals worth USD 1,793 billion, representing a 2 per cent increase by volume and 22 per cent by value on the previous six months. However, taking 2012 as a whole, there were 70,472 transactions totalling USD 3,258 billion, a decline when compared with 71,155 valued at USD 3,383 million in 2011.
NUMBER AND AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS GLOBALLY: 2006 - 2013 YTD (AS AT 1 JUNE 2013) Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
35,998 36,594 40,895 38,179 36,307 33,394 35,472 38,534 36,275 35,892 35,876 35,279 34,943 35,529 25,653
2,130,155 2,253,151 3,129,906 2,488,458 2,094,089 2,118,538 1,960,054 1,762,504 1,624,361 1,754,567 1,855,994 1,526,863 1,464,703 1,793,054 1,272,292
Unfortunately, the first five months of 2013 have seen a considerable drop in volume. So far, just 25,653 deals have been recorded, meaning that to equal the previous total, 9,876 transactions would have to be announced during June. To the end of May, values also declined, albeit to a lesser extent; at present deal-making worth USD 1,272 billion has been recorded, displaying a drop of 29 per cent on H2 2012. Thus it appears unlikely that 2013 will be able to strengthen its grip on the marketplace suf-
4
Number and Aggregate Value (mil USD) of M&A Deals Globally: 2006 - 2013 YTD (as at 1 June 2013) 45,000
3,500,000
40,000
3,000,000
35,000
2,500,000 30,000
2,000,000
25,000
1,500,000
20,000 15,000
Number of deals
H1 2006 H2 2006 H1 2007 H2 2007 H1 2008 H2 2008 H1 2009 H2 2009 H1 2010 H2 2010 H1 2011 H2 2011 H1 2012 H2 2012 2013 YTD
Number of deals
Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
Period
1,000,000 10,000 500,000
5,000 0
0 H1 2006 H2 2006 H1 2007 H2 2007 H1 2008 H2 2008 H1 2009 H2 2009 H1 2010 H2 2010 H1 2011 H2 2011 H1 2012 H2 2012 2013 YTD Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
ficiently to equal or surpass this previous total, although it may yet come close to the USD 1,465 billion recorded in H1 2012. The disappointing result appears to be primarily attributable to a general lack of deals, as at present volume is at its lowest since before the first half of 2006. In spite of this, a few high value purchases have spared some blushes, with three transactions valued at more than USD 20,000 million and all of the top ten coming in at over USD 10,000 million. The year’s highest value
Number of deals
transaction so far involves Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital spending USD 28,000 million to take over US food and condiments manufacturer Heinz. Hot on its heels was the USD 24,400 million purchase of computing giant Dell by chief executive Michael Dell and Silver Lake Partners. Liberty Global also announced the USD 23,300 million acquisition of broadband and telecoms player Virgin Media in the thirdhighest value deal of the period.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS BY REGION: 2006 - 2013 YTD (AS AT 1 JUNE 2013) World region (target)
2006
2007
2008
2009
North America Western Europe Far East and Central Asia Eastern Europe South and Central America Oceania Africa Middle East
1,592,763 1,665,799 493,641 244,128 185,138 127,151 55,517 39,568
1,830,624 1,487,329 2,044,077 1,378,850 842,436 652,125 273,223 213,874 257,206 211,269 223,325 127,826 89,431 59,827 65,430 63,330
2010
1,269,280 927,164 1,025,897 784,873 808,784 771,713 159,014 207,825 219,821 378,667 175,913 123,373 29,973 44,011 29,880 24,514
2011
2012
2013 YTD
1,113,477 842,425 694,179 218,962 271,444 163,849 38,379 26,395
1,066,845 811,735 663,765 127,937 350,083 133,767 32,133 33,795
485,335 338,914 194,270 110,414 69,074 29,102 22,549 10,483
BREAKDOWN OF M&A DEALS BY REGION: 2006 - 2013 YTD (AS AT 01 JUNE 2013) Deal Yearly Value (Announced Date) World region (target)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013 YTD
North America Western Europe Far East and Central Asia Eastern Europe South and Central America Oceania Africa Middle East
36% 38% 11% 6% 4% 3% 1% 1%
33% 36% 15% 5% 5% 4% 2% 1%
35% 33% 16% 5% 5% 3% 1% 2%
34% 28% 22% 4% 6% 5% 1% 1%
28% 24% 24% 6% 12% 4% 1% 1%
33% 25% 21% 6% 8% 5% 1% 1%
33% 25% 21% 4% 11% 4% 1% 1%
39% 27% 15% 9% 5% 2% 2% 1%
Breakdown of M&A Deals by Region: 2006 - 2013 YTD (as at 1 June 2013) 100% 90% 80%
4% 6% 11%
5%
5%
6%
5%
5%
4%
15%
16%
70%
12% 6%
8%
11%
6%
4%
21%
21%
25%
25%
33%
33%
2011
2012
5% 9% 15%
22% 24%
60% 38%
33%
36%
50%
27% 28%
40%
24%
30% 20%
36%
33%
35%
34%
2006
2007
2008
2009
28%
10%
39%
0%
Middle East
Africa
Oceania
South and Central America
2010 Eastern Europe
Far East and Central Asia
Western Europe
2013 YTD North America
NUMBER AND AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS GLOBALLY BY TYPE: 2013 TO DATE (AS AT 1 JUNE 2013) Values All deal structures
Number of deals
Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
Acquisition Minority stake Institutional buy-out Management buy-out Demerger MBI / MBO Management buy-in Merger
11,037 13,754 437 153 40 6 7 247
641,713 549,040 80,259 2,348 1,385 10 3 0
These blockbusters have undoubtedly helped push their respective sectors up the table in terms of value, but they were all trumped by the banking, insurance and financial services industry, which accounted for USD 263,006 million of investment in the first five months of the year. This figure was spread across 4,099 transactions and was closely followed by the wholesaling sector, which placed second with 3,903 deals worth USD 262,794 million. Others which performed well include personal, leisure and business services (USD 217,717 million), mining and extraction (USD 157,928 million) and industrial, electric and electronic machinery (USD 142,548 million).
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
BREAKDOWN OF NUMBER AND AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS GLOBALLY BY TYPE: 2013 TO DATE (AS AT 1 JUNE 2013) Deal Type
Number of deals
Aggregate deal value
Acquisition Minority stake Institutional buy-out Management buy-out Demerger MBI / MBO Management buy-in
43% 54% 2% 1% 0% 0 0
50% 43% 6% 1% 0% 0% 0%
100%
Breakdown of Number and Aggregate Value (Mil USD) of M&A Deals Globally by Type: 2013 to date (as at 1 June 2013) 2%
6%
90%
Management buy-in MBI / MBO
80%
Demerger
70%
43%
54%
Management buy-out Institutional buy-out
60%
Minority stake Acquisition
50% 40% 30% 20%
50%
43%
10% 0% Number of deals
Aggregate deal value
NUMBER AND AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS BY SECTOR: 2013 YTD (AS AT 01 JUNE 2013) Values Target Sector
Number Aggregate deal of deals value (mil USD)
Banking, Insurance & Financial Services Wholesaling Personal, Leisure & Business Services Mining & Extraction Industrial, Electric & Electronic Machinery Computer, IT and Internet services Utilities Communications Food & Tobacco Manufacturing Chemicals, Petroleum, Rubber & Plastic Transport, Freight, Storage & Travel Services Retailing Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Property Services Transport Manufacturing Public Administration, Education, Health Social Services Metals & Metal Products Construction Hotels and Restaurants Printing & Publishing Leather, Stone, Clay & Glass products Agriculture, Horticulture & Livestock Wood, Furniture & Paper Manufacturing Textiles & Clothing Manufacturing Miscellaneous Manufacturing
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4,099 3,903 5,584 2,235 2,999 4,219 897 604 930 1,190 1,233 1,572 669 1,325 473 1,211 905 885 546 425 393 418 434 332 175
263,006 262,794 217,717 157,928 142,548 136,875 116,704 114,655 95,223 82,703 79,920 72,140 62,234 58,265 41,681 32,823 32,650 29,190 16,727 15,441 11,360 10,182 10,106 9,590 3,498
So far in 2013, Western Europe has been the most favoured region, having been targeted in 7,985 deals, followed by North America with 5,837. However, North America usurped it in terms of value, with USD 485,335 million compared with Western Europe’s USD 338,914 million. This is hardly surprising given that of the top ten highestvalued deals of the year to date, six have involved US targets, including all of the top five. The Far East and Central Asia placed third by value, with investment of USD 194,270 million, followed by Eastern Europe with USD 110,414 million. So, in spite of indications suggesting the first six months of 2013 will show a decline on previous periods, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, not least the spread of high value transactions already seen this year. In addition, we are just now approaching the half-way point of 2013, and the full picture will only become apparent in late December, leaving the global M&A marketplace with plenty of time to pick itself up and dust itself off with a view to reaching previous levels.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
BREAKDOWN OF NUMBER AND AGGREGATE VALUE (MIL USD) OF M&A DEALS BY SECTOR: 2013 YTD (AS AT 01 JUNE 2013) Target Sector
Number of deals
Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
Banking, Insurance & Financial Services Wholesaling Personal, Leisure & Business Services Mining & Extraction Industrial, Electric & Electronic Machinery Computer, IT and Internet services Utilities Communications Food & Tobacco Manufacturing Others
11% 10% 14% 6% 8% 11% 3% 2% 3% 32%
13% 13% 10% 8% 7% 7% 6% 6% 4% 26%
Breakdown of Number and Aggregate Value (mil USD) of M&A Deals by Sector: 2013 YTD (as at 01 June 2013) 35% 32% 30% 26% 25%
20%
15%
13% 11%
14%
13%
11%
10%
10%
10%
8%
8%
6%
7%
7%
5%
6%
6%
3%
3%
2%
4%
0% Banking, Insurance & Financial Services
Wholesaling
Personal, Leisure & Mining & Extraction Industrial, Electric & Computer, IT and Business Services Electronic Internet services Machinery Number of deals
Deal value Deal type mil USD
Deal status
Communications
Food & Tobacco Manufacturing
Others
Aggregate deal value (mil USD)
Last deal Target name Target Target business description status country date code
Acquiror name
Acquisition Completed 100% Acquisition Pending 100%
7/6/13
Hawk Acquisition Holding Corporation Denali IntermediMr Michael Dell; Southeastern Asset ate Inc. Management Inc.; T Rowe Price Group Inc.; Pzena Investment Management LLC; Mr Carl C Icahn; Shareholders; Yacktman Asset Management Company; ACR Alpine Capital Research; Schneider Capital Management Corporation Liberty Global Inc.
1.
28,000
2.
24,400
3.
23,300
Acquisition Completed 100%
7/6/13
4.
16,700
12/2/13 NBCUniver- US sal Media LLC
5.
15,800
Acquisition Announced increased from 51% to 100% Acquisition Pending 100%
6.
14,481
Acquisition Announced 73%
7.
13,748
Acquisition Completed 97%
8.
12,195
Acquisition Announced 95%
9.
10,594
Minority Announced stake Acquisition Pending 100%
10. 10,000
Utilities
5/2/13
HJ Heinz Company Dell Inc.
US
Virgin Media Inc.
US
US
15/4/13 Life Tech- US nologies Corporation 7/5/13 Rossiiskie RU Seti OAO 23/5/13 Bankia SA
ES
National GR Bank of Greece SA Barclays plc GB NV Energy US Inc.
Miscellaneous food products manufacturer and wholesaler Computer and computer peripherals manufacturer and wholesaler
Cable broadband Internet, satellite television and fixed telephone telecommunications broadcasting services Entertainment, news and information television broadcasting and production services Biological products manufacturer
Comcast Corporation
Vendor name
General Electric Company
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Electricity distribution and transmission services holding company Banking services Shareholders; Banco Financiero y de Ahorros SA Banking services Banking services holding company Electricity distribution and MidAmerican transmission services holding Energy Holdings company Company
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
And the winners are ... Afghanistan Rosenstock Legal Africa Halkon Investments Limited Albania E. I. HAJDINI Algeria Khoukhi At Qwedar Pllc Argentina Castro Sammartino & Pierini, Attorneys & Counselors at Law De la Vega, Caldani, Linares Luque & Monsegur
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Afghanistan
MH Carnegie
African M&A Adviser of the Year
Minter Ellison Piper Alderman Queensland Bar Chambers
Company Formation Expert of the Year Albania
Queensland Bar Chambers Record Point Towers Watson
Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year - Algeria Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Argentina
TressCox Truman Hoyle Truman Hoyle Unilegal Consulting Pty Ltd
FGM - Fabrizio & Giménez Mathus Abogados Kine Consulting Mitrani Caballero Ojam & Ruiz Moreno Suma Veritas Foundation Tanoira Cassagne Tanoira Cassagne
Argentinian Deal of the Year - Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires Overall Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year Argentina Cross Border Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Consultancy Firm of the Year - Argentina Energy M&A Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Social Network of the Year - Argentina TMT M&A Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Tax Law Firm of the Year - Argentina
Austria 3TS CAPITAL PARTNERS Anwaltskanzlei Thiele BLS Rechtsanwälte
Asia Gateway Law Corporation
Sustained Excellence in IP Law - Asia
Jarolim | Flitsch Rechtsanwälte GmbH MSW Rechtsanwalte | Attorneys at Law
Risk and Insurance Adviser of the Year Accolade Wines Negotiation Strategy Law Firm of the Year Australia Best Investor Supporting Boutique Asset Managers - Australia Equity Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Australia Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Australia Energy Law Firm of the Year - Brisbane Patents Law Firm of the Year - Australia Boutique Commercial Law Firm of the Year Australia Legal Due Diligence Provider of the Year Australia Client Focused Law Firm of the Year - Australia Revenue Law Firm of the Year - Australia Leading Adviser of the Year - ACI Worldwide Acquisition of Distra Leading Adviser of the Year - Plenary Group Asset Disposal Leading Adviser of the Year - Hot Rock/Energy Development Corporation joint venture M&A Firm of the Year - Australia Leading Due Diligence Adviser of the Year Primus Telecom Acquisition Safety & People Legal Practice of the Year Australia Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year - Australia Insolvency and Restructuring Firm of the Year - Australia
Platte Rechtsanwalt
Ernst & Young
Australia AON ArgyStar.com Ascalon Capital Managers Clayton Utz Clayton Utz Corrs Chambers Westgarth Davies Collison Cave Law Davis Advisory Finlaysons Finlaysons Ground Floor Wentworth Chambers Henry Davis York Herbert Geer HopgoodGanim Kain C+C Lawyers Lander & Rogers Maddocks Maddocks Maddocks
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BLS Rechtsanwälte Doralt Seist Csoklich Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte Haslinger Nagele Partner Hauser Partners Rechtsanwalte GmbH
Raiffeisen Centrobank Rechtsanwaltskanzlei LIKAR GmbH Sattler & Schanda Saxinger Chalupsky & Partners Saxinger Chalupsky & Partners Völkl. Rechtsanwälte Bahamas Lex Justis Bangladesh A.S & Associates Doulah & Doulah Advocates Doulah & Doulah Advocates Fox Mandal Associates Ishtiaque & Associates MARHK & Co Upright Textile Supports Barbados Ernst & Young STS Capital Partners
Venture Capital Advisory Firm of the Year Australia Tax Law Firm of the Year - Australia Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Australia Mining & Energy Chambers of the Year Australia Barristers Chambers of the Year - Australia Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - Australia Risk Management Advisory Firm of the Year - Australia Consumer Law Litigation Firm of the Year Australia Regulation Law Firm of the Year - Australia Competition Law Firm of the Year - Australia Boutique Mediation Firm of the Year - Australia Private Equity Firm of the Year - Austria Boutique TMT Law Firm of the Year - Austria Mid Sized Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Austria Economic Law Firm of the Year - Austria Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Austria Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Austria Client Choice Law Firm of the Year - Austria Public Procurement Firm of the Year - Austria Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year Austria Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Austria Boutique Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Austria Most Trusted Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year - Austria Austrian Investment Bank of the Year Boutique M&A Advisory Firm of the Year Austria Sustained Excellence Award - Austria Public/ Private Partnership Firm of the Year - Austria Private Foundation Law Firm of the Year Austria Business Law Firm of the Year - Austria Family Office Formation Firm of the Year Bahamas Alternative Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh IP Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh M&A Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh Overall Boutique Law Firm of the Year Bangladesh Boutique Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Bangladesh Engagement Partner of the Year - Bangladesh Manufacturing Firm of the Year - Bangladesh Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Barbados International Divestitures Investment Bank of the Year
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 Belarus Vlasova Mikhel & Partners Vlasova Mikhel & Partners Vlasova Mikhel & Partners Belgium Afschrift ALTIUS Cruyplants Eloy Wagemans & Partners Fratini Vergano-European Lawyers ING Belgium NV / SA Mattijs, Voet & Co Olswang PwC Towers Watson Belize Belize Corporate & IP Services Limited
Banking & Finance Firm of the Year - Belarus Overall Law Firm of the Year - Belarus Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Belarus
Walkers
Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Cayman Islands
Central America Consortium Centro América Abogados
Overall Central American Law Firm of the Year
Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Tax Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Leading Finance Provider of the Year - Belgium Overall Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Belgium IP Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Belgium Belgian Deals Advisor of the Year Risk & Financial Management Firm of the Year - Belgium
Chad FECMA
Boutique French Auditors of the Year - Chad
Chile Acuña & Cia Bofill Mir & Alvarez Jana Estudio Juridico Otero Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr
Sustained Excellence in Reinsurance - Chile M&A Law Firm of the Year - Chile Employment Law Firm of the Year - Chile Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year - Chile
China China Sunbow Law Firm
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Belize
Benelux AAC Capital Benelux
Ernst & Young Jingcheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm Kangxin Partners, P.C. NTD Law Office
Benelux Deal of the Year – Salad Signature
Pacific Risk Advisors
Bermuda Abbott Associates
Pension Advisory Firm of the Year - Bermuda
Bolivia Becerra de la Roca Donoso & Asociados Bufete Aguirre Soc Civ Estudio Juridico Apt
Cross Border Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Tax Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia
Brazil Aoki Advogados Associados Brazil Pharma Clasen, Caribé & casado Filho Costa, Waisberg e Tavares Paes Sociedade de Advogados Ernst & Young Karim Vakil & Cruz Vizaco Advogados KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados Levy & Salomão Advogados Pinheiro Neto Advogados Promare – Law Firm Proskauer Rose LLP SMM Advogados - Senise, Moraes & Maggi Sociedade de Advogados TozziniFreire Advogados TozziniFreire Advogados Turci Advogados Veirano Advogados Vella Pugliese Buosi e Guidoni Advogados Wald e Associados Advogados British Virgin Islands Thornton Smith Brunei Dr Colin Ong Legal Services Bulgaria BOYANOV & Co. BOYANOV & Co. Callamus Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov Kambourov & Partners Legalex Schoenherr Tomov & Tomov Trifonov Law Offices Tsvetkova Bebov and Partners Cambodia Leopard Capital Leopard Capital Leopard Capital Canada Baker & McKenzie Bennett Jones Borden Ladner Gervais Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Davis LLP Enviro-Lynx Investigations Firmex IJW Management Inc. L’honorable Marc Lalonde, P.C., O.C., Q.C. MPS Transfer Pricing Consulting Pacific Business Brokers Sangra Moller LLP Sun Life Global Investments Cayman Islands Solomon Harris
Economic Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Pharmaceutical Firm of the Year - Brazil International Trade Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Debt Restructuring Firm of the Year -Brazil Big Four Tax Team of the Year - Brazil Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Brazilian Dealmaker of the Year - General Mills Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year - Brazil International Finance Firm of the Year - Brazil Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Tax Firm of the Year - Brazil Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Strategic Asset Planning Firm the Year - Brazil Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Corporate Governance Firm of the Year - Brazil Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Offshore Real Estate Asset Management Firm of the Year
Wang Jing & Co. Colombia Archila Abogados Estudios Palacios Lleras S.A. KRESTON RM S.A. Consultores, Auditores, Asesores Metropolitan Capital BI. PARRA RODRÍGUEZ SANÍN Quiñones Cruz Raisbeck Osman & Castro S.A.S. Rodriguez, Retamoso & Asociados SAS (RR&A) Rodriguez-Azuero Abogados TH&R Consultores Auditores S.A.S. Costa Rica ACZALAW ACZALAW
Cote d’Ivoire CLK Avocats
Ivory Coast Incorporation Firm of the Year
Cyprus Beneficentia Ltd George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC InterQuality Ltd
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Accountancy Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Client Service Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Overall Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Construction Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Legal Due Diligence Provider of the Year Bulgaria
L Papaphilippou & Co
Most Trusted Insolvency Law Firm of the Year - Canada IT Law Firm of the Year - Canada Class Action Law Firm of the Year - Canada Investment Management Firm of the Year Canada Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year Canada Fraud Investigators of the Year - Canada Canadian Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year Leading Financial Adviser of the Year - Bidou Acquisition Independent Arbitrator of the Year - Canada Boutique Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year Canada Canadian Broker of the Year Mining Law Firm of the Year - Canada Investment Management Portfolio Team of the Year - Canada Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Cayman Islands
Colombian Dealmaker of the Year - UFF Movil Page 67 Private Client Tax Firm of the Year - Colombia Tax Policy Consultancy Firm of the Year Colombia Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Investment Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Colombia Accountancy Firm of the Year - Colombia
Ernst & Young
Croatia Divjak, Topic & Bahtijarevic PETOSEVIC Wolf Theiss
L.G. Zambartas LLC Nexia Poyiadjis Chartered Accountants Nexia Poyiadjis Chartered Accountants Czech Republic AK Zvolský Dvorak & Spol Glatzova & Co. Glatzova & Co. s.r.o. Patria Corporate Finance Pierstone Weinhold Legal Weinhold Legal Democratic Republic of Congo EBIC YAV & ASSOCIATES Denmark Horten KPMG Transaction Services MAQS Law Firm Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Plesner Law Firm Rønne & Lundgren Translink Schroder Partners A/S
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Competition Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Administrative and Regulatory Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Cross Border Tax Practice of the Year - Colombia
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Costa Rica Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year Costa Rica Tax Law Advisory Firm of the Year - Costa Rica
Brunei Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Private Equity Firm of the Year: Cambodia Fund of the Year - Cambodia Private Equity House of the Year - Cambodia
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year China Transfer Pricing Practice of the Year - China Manufacturing Law Firm of the Year - China Licensing Law Firm of the Year - China Domain Name Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - China Environmental Due Diligence Provider of the Year - China Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - China
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Employment Law Firm of the Year - Croatia IP Law Firm of the Year - Croatia General Civil Practice Law Firm of the Year Croatia Alternative Asset Management Firm of the Year - Cyprus Employment Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Management Consultancy Firm of the Year Cyprus HNI Private Portfolio Advisory Firm of the Year - Cyprus Shipping Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Mid Sized Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Cyprus HR Advisory Firm of the Year - Cyprus Czech Due Diligence Firm of the Year Czech Competition Law Firm of the Year Competition & Antitrust Law Firm of the Year Czech Republic Employment Law Firm of the Year - Czech Republic Energy M&A Team of the Year - Czech Republic TMT Law Firm of the Year - Czech Republic Czech Commercial Law Firm of the Year Large M&A Law Firm of the Year - Czech Republic Accountancy Firm of the Year - Democratic Republic of Congo Corporate Taxation Advisory Firm of the Year Democratic Republic of Congo Overall Law Firm of the Year - Denmark Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year Denmark Danish IP Law Firm of the Year Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Denmark Danish Dealmaker of the Year - Klokkerholm Karosseridele MBO Danish Multiple Deal Maker of the Year Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Denmark Danish Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Denmark Commitment to M&A - Denmark Danish M&A Adviser of the Year
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 Dominican Republic Leandro Corral Ecuador Bustamante & Bustamante Horowitz Paz Horowitz Robalino Garcés, Abogados Egypt Nour & Taha Law Firm SARWAT A. SHAHID LAW FIRM El Salvador Bufete Alvarenga & Miron Estonia BLS Estonia Concordia Attorneys at Law Glikman Alvin & Partnerid Law Office Nordeus Raidla Lejins & Norcous Rogin Nassau LLC Sorainen Sorainen Europe 3TS Capital Partners Houlihan Lokey Finland Alder & Sound Oy Attorneys at Law Borenius & Kemppinen Ltd JPD Capital Ltd. Oy Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy - Attorneys at Law Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy - Attorneys at Law Kotiranta & Co Attorney at Law Ltd Nordic Law Procopé & Hornborg France AEC Partners CABINET de Maître NITEREKA Déo, Avocat à la Cour DS Avocats
IP Law Firm of the Year - Dominican Republic Mining Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador Anti-Corruption Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador Leading Adviser 2013 Investment Law Firm of The Year - Egypt Conflict Resolution Law Firm of the Year - El Salvador Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Estonia TMT Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year - Estonia Insurance Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Estonian Deal of the Year - AS Tallink Group Tax Law Firm of the Year - USA Banking Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Central European Investment Manager of the Year Cross-border Dealmaker of the Year - Eurodrip Boutique Tax Valuation Firm of the Year Finland Fund Formation Firm of the Year - Finland Finnish M&A Strategy Firm of the Year - Finland Overall Law Firm of the Year - Finland Finnish M&A Law Firm Of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Finland Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Finland Most Trusted Energy Law Firm of the Year Finland
Welcome Real-time
French Healthcare Advisory Firm of the Year Boutique Cross Border Advisory Firm of the Year - France Leading Adviser of the Year - Exosun Funding Round TMT Advisory Firm of the Year - France French Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year Mid Sized Private Equity House of the Year France French SME Private Equity Firm of the Year French IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year French Placement Agent of the Year Commercial Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - France Best French M&A Advisory Firm of the Year IT Law Firm of the Year - France Data Protection Law Firm of the Year - France M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - France Commitment to French M&A French Boutique Law Firm of the Year Financial Services Leading Adviser of the Year - Groupe SAF Investment Growth Development Software of the Year - France Page 78
Georgia Georgia Venture Partners Inc
Seed Capital Fund of the Year - Georgia
Gide Loyrette Nouel - d’Ornano Iroda GSDP SARL H.I.G. Capital Initiative & Finance IXAS Conseil Jasmin Capital K&L Gates Leonardo & Co. Marks & Clerk France Nomos PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance SAS Rothschild Scemla Loizon Veverka & de Fontmichel Shan Finance
Germany Aon M&A Solutions AURELIUS AG Berlinghoff BMH Braeutigam & Partner BNP Paribas Boehret Lindstedt Sehmsdorf BridgehouseLaw BridgehouseLaw Buntscheck Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH CMS Hasche Sigle dompatent - von Kreisler Selting Werner Dr. Pannen Rechtsanwälte DTS Intellectual Property Law Firm Ehlermann Rindfleisch Gadow Fleet Hamburg Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner K&L Gates Latham & Watkins Leo Schmidt-Hollburg Witte & Frank Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft
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German Risk Management Firm of the Year German Private Equity Firm of the Year Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Germany Contract Law Firm of the Year - Germany Media Telecom Financial Adviser of the Year Germany Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany Overall Law Firm of the Year - Germany Legal Due Diligence Provider of the Year Germany German Merger Control Advisory Firm of the Year New Media Advisory Firm of the Year Germany Patent Law Firm of the Year - Germany Page 56 Results Driven Insolvency Firm of the Year Germany Patent Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Germany Ship Finance Law Firm of the Year - Germany German Arbitration Law Firm of the Year International Trade Law Firm of the Year Germany Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year - Germany Regulation Law Firm of the Year - Germany Debt Restructuring Firm of the Year - Germany Corporate Litigation Law Firm of the Year Germany Competition Law Firm of the Year - Germany Results Driven Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Germany Page 66
WilmerHale WINHELLER Attorneys at Law
M&A Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Germany Commercial Litigation Firm of the Year Germany Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Germany Labour Law Firm of the Year - Germany Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Mid Sized Business Law Firm of the Year Germany Copyright Law Firm of the Year - Germany Leading Environmental Adviser of the Year Relocation Firm of the Year - Germany Administrative Law Firm of the Year - Germany German M&A Adviser of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year - FASHION FOR HOME Funding German Cross Border Practice of the Year German Tax Law Firm of the Year
Ghana AB & David Law Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited Freann Financial Services Limited Kimathi & Partners, Corporate Attorneys Maccount Consult Ltd Sigma Strategic Business Consult Ltd
Private Sector Law Firm of the Year - Ghana Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year Financial Services Firm of the Year - Ghana M&A Law Firm of the Year - Ghana Boutique Accountancy Firm of the Year - Ghana Business Strategy Firm of the Year - Ghana
M&A International GmbH Oppenhoff & Partner PPR & Partner Pusch Wahlig Legal Quadriga Capital R E M É Rechtsanwälte Redeker Sellner Dahs RiskCom GmbH RSB Deutschland GmbH Speckin, Dembski & Partner UniCredit VoigtWunschHöller
Gibraltar Benady Cohen & Co Hassans - International Law Firm Massias & Partners Nexus Fund Administration Greece A. & K. Metaxopoulos & Partners Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners G.Mourgelas & Associates Law Firm Papapolitis & Papapolitis Tsimikalis Kalonarou Law Firm V&P Law Firm V&P Law Firm Vayanos Kostopoulos Guatemala SALAZAR-MUÑOZ
Overall Law Firm of the Year - Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau MC&A - Sociedade de Advogados, RL
Law Firm of the Year - Guinea-Bissau
Leopard Capital Hong Kong Asia Pacific Strategic Consulting Limited Cheung Tong & Rosa Solicitors Compass Management Consultants & Co. Deacons Ernst & Young Ho Yin Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited Howse Williams Bowers Minter Ellison Minter Ellison Minter Ellison Norton Rose Fulbright NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited PwC Rebecca Lo & Co Slaughter and May Hungary Gárdos, Füredi, Mosonyi, Tomori Law Office Gide Loyrette Nouel - d’Ornano Iroda Oppenheim Sándor Szegedi Szent-Ivány Komáromi Eversheds Iceland CATO Lögmenn LOGOS Legal Services Limited India ALMT Legal Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff Co C&C PARTNERS CHITALE & CHITALE Chadha & Co. Chadha & Co. Clasis Law
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Accounting and Audit Firm of the Year – Gibraltar Private Client Advisory Firm of the Year Gibraltar Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Gibraltar Fund Administrator of the Year - Gibraltar Advertising Law Firm of the Year - Greece Boutique Commercial Law Firm of the Year Greece Energy Law Firm of the Year - Greece Leading Adviser of the Year - PPC Renewables Greek IP Firm of the Year Greek Full Service Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year - Greece IP Rights Maintenance Firm of the Year - Greece
Haiti Cabinet Leblanc et Associés
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Leading Legal Adviser of the Year, Haiti - ABT Associate Boutique Private Equity House of the Year - Haiti Cross Border M&A Advisory Firm of the Year Hong Kong Leading IPO Adviser of the Year - Hong Kong Boutique Forensic Accountancy Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Tax Due Diligence Adviser of the Year - Hong Kong Management Consultancy Firm of the Year Hong Kong Medico Legal Team of the Year - Hong Kong Sustained Excellence in Construction Law - Hong Kong Leading Legal Adviser of the Year - Wasabi Energy M&A Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year Page 16 - Hong Kong Big Four Tax Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Sustained Excellence in Trademark Law - Hong Kong Securities Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Hungarian Leading Adviser of the Year - Quantis Investment Management Overall Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Competition & Antitrust Firm of the Year Hungary Labour Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Iceland Icelandic Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - India Leading Adviser of the Year - Sutherland Global Services Acquisition of Apollo Health Street Sustained Excellence in Competition Law - India Boutique Law Firm of the Year - India Overall Law Firm of the Year - India Sustained Excellence in Aviation Law - India
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
CreedCap Asia Advisors DHL Global Forwarding DRC EthosData H.S.Rustagi & Co. India Juris India juris Intelligere Khurana & Khurana, Advocates and IP Attorneys Kohinoor Angel Investment Consortium Legacy Law Offices LexCounsel MX Capital Private Limited Neeraj Associates O.P. Khaitan & Co Runtai Industry Co. Ltd. S. S. Datta & Associates Seth Associates Singhi Chugh & Kumar, Chartered Accountants SKS LAW ASSOCIATES Subramaniam & Associates Surana & Surana International Attorneys Tatva Legal Wadia Ghandy & Co. YES BANK Limited Indonesia Hutabarat Halim & Rekan Iskandarsyah & Partners KarimSyah Law Firm Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Mochtar Karuwin Komar MUC Consulting Group Soemadipradja & Taher Soewito Suhardiman Eddymurthy Kardono Tumbuan & Partners Ireland Beauchamps Beauchamps ByrneWallace Company Bureau Formations Ltd Craig Fund Consultancy Erwin Mediation Services Healy O’ Connor Holohan Solicitors LHM Casey McGrath LK Shields Solicitors Maples and Calder William Fry Isle of Man MannBenham Advocates Limited Moore Stephens Isle of Man Israel Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Caspi & Co. EITAN,MEHULAL & SADOT Gornitzky & Co Gornitzky & Co. Hamburger Evron & Co Hamburger Evron & Co. Herzog, Fox & Neeman Luthi & Co M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries N|T|K & Co. - Ne’eman, Tsipori, Keynan & Co. PwC Israel Robus Yehuda Raveh & Co. Zemah Schneider & Partners Italy Biolato Longo Ridola & Mori De Besi-Di Giacomo SpA De Simone & Partners Giambrone Limited Gianni, Origoni, Grippo, Cappelli & Partners Klecha & Co. Legance Macchi di Cellere Gangemi Nunziante Magrone Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Osborne Clarke Studio Legale Giambrone Studio Legale Giambrone Studio Legale Padovan Valente Associati GEB Partners Valente Associati GEB Partners Vitale & Partners Wise SGR SpA
Jamaica Companies Office of Jamaica Leading Adviser of the Year - SAIF Partners Duggan Consulting investment into Ammi’s Biryani Customs Law Firm of the Year - India Japan VDR Provider of the Year - India Anderson Mori & Tomotsune Accountancy & Business Consulting firm of the Jones Day Year - India Phalanx Capital Management, LLC Commitment to M&A - India Simmons & Simmons Indian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year South Toranomon Law Offices Most Trusted Due Diligence Firm of the Year Page 59 - India Jersey IP Valuation Law Firm of the Year - India EFG Securities Services In-House Investment Law Firm of the Year India & In-House Litigation Law Firm of the Jordan Year – India Zalloum & Laswi Law Firm Indian Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Zalloum & Laswi Law Firm Biotechnology Law Firm of the Year: India Client Choice Advisory Firm of the Year - India Kazakhstan Product Liability Law Firm of the Year - India GRATA Law Firm Commercial Law Firm of the Year - India Michael Wilson & Partners, Ltd. Manufacturing Firm of the Year - India IP Law Firm of the Year - India Rehabilitation Manager Boutique Cyber Law Firm of the Year - India Accountancy & Business Advisory Law Firm of Kenya the Year: India Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates Rising Star in Intellectual Property - India Full Service IP Law Firm of the Year - India Page 74 Centum Investment Company Limited KimeuMuchungu & Co Corporate Taxation Law Firm of the Year - India Walker Kontos Advocates Most Trusted Commercial Law Firm of the Year - India Korea Aviation Law Firm of the Year - India Hanol Law Offices Most Trusted Investment Bank of the Year - India
Business Registration Firm of the Year - Jamaica Actuary of the Year - Jamaica Overall Law Firm of the Year - Japan Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Japan Japan Focused Asset Manager of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year - Japan Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - Japan
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Fund Administrator of the Year - Jersey
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Overall Law Firm of the Year - Jordan Regulation Law Firm of the Year - Jordan Energy Law Firm of the Year - Kazakhstan Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Kazakhstan Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Kazakhstan Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Kenya Investment Company of the Year - Kenya Accountancy Firm of the Year - Kenya M&A Law Firm of the Year - Kenya Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Korea
Investment Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Mining Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Page 64 Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Overall Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Indonesia Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Page 76 Indonesia
Kosovo Gw Legal Llc Kosova Chamber of Commerce
Employment Law Firm of the Year - Kosovo Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Kosovo
Latin America B&R Latin America IP LLC
Latin American IP Law Firm of the Year
Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Renewable Energy Law Firm of the Year Ireland Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Corporate Service Provider of the Year - Ireland Alternative Investment Advisory Firm of the Year - Ireland Irish Employment Mediation Firm of the Year Media Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Trademarks Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Irish Accountancy Firm of the Year Energy Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Structured Finance Firm of the Year - Ireland Securities Law Firm of the Year - Ireland
Lebanon Smayra Law Office
Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Isle of Man Accountancy Firm of the Year - Isle of Man
Latvia BLS Kronbergs & Čukste Eversheds PETERSONA PATENTS, Patent and IP Law Bureau
Lithuania Motieka & Audzevičius Motieka & Audzevičius Motieka & Audzevičius TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE Vadapalas, Vaitekunas and Partners Eurolex Luxembourg Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners Loyens & Loeff Page 67
Israeli M&A Law Firm of the Year Overall MENA Law Firm of the Year Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year - Israel M&A Law Firm of the Year - Israel Sustained Legal Excellence Award - Israel Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Israel Israeli Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year International Trade Law Firm of the Year - Israel Financial Services Law Firm of the Year - Israel Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year - Israel Life Sciences IP Law Firm of the Year - Israel Commitment to Competition Law - Israel Capital Markets Firm of the Year - Israel Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Israel Legal Marketing Consultancy Firm of the Year - Israel Overall Law Firm of the Year - Israel Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Israel Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Italy Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Italy IP Law Firm of the Year - Italy Marine Law Firm of the Year - Italy Product Liability Law Firm of the Year - Italy Page 61 Italian Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year Result Oriented Law Firm of the Year - Italy Environmental Law Firm of the Year - Italy Support Services Law Firm of the Year - Italy Alternative Energy Practice of the Year - Italy Commitment to M&A - Italy Marine Law Firm of the Year - Italy Overall Law Firm of the Year: Italy Project Finance Firm of the Year - Italy Boutique Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Italy Sustained Excellence in Transfer Pricing - Italy Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Italy SME Private Equity Firm of the Year - Italy
Macau Rato, Ling, Vong, Lei & Cortes - Advogados Macedonia Cakmakova Advocates Joanidis, Law & Patent Office Malaysia Advanz Fidelis Sdn Bhd Matrix 21 Resources Sdn Bhd
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Latvia Cross Border Advisory Firm of the Year - Latvia Patent Law Firm of the Year - Latvia
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Lebanon Leading Adviser of the Year - BaltCap Acquisition of Kelprojektas Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year Lithuania Overall Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania Administrative Law Firm of the Year Luxembourg Investment Management Practice of the Year Luxembourg Overall Law Firm of the Year - Macau Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year Macedonia IP Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia
Shook Lin & Bok Thompson Associates Zaid Ibrahim & Co Zain & Co
IP Practice of the Year - Malaysia Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Malaysia Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Maldives Sustained Excellence in Real Estate Law Malaysia M&A Law Firm of the Year -Malaysia Mediation Firm of the Year - Malaysia Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia
Malta 62582 Property Letting and Sales Camilleri Galea Ltd. Fenech & Fenech Advocates Fenech & Fenech Advocates
Offshore Property Firm of the Year - Malta Accountancy Firm of the Year - Malta Overall Law Firm of the Year - Malta Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year - Malta
Mauritius Banymandhub Boolell Chambers Chambers of A.R.M.A. Peeroo SC GOSK
Sustained Legal Excellence Award - Mauritius Financial Law Firm of the Year - Mauritius
Mohamed Ridza & Co Shah, Hussain & Co. Barristers and Attorneys Shearn Delamore & Co
Mexico Arias Meurinne Orendain y Rodriguez Basham,Ringe y Correa Béndiksen Enríquez Salazar Santoyo & Yanar Berdeja y Asociados, S.C. Casares Castelazo Chévez Ruíz Zamarripa y Cía CRECE, Banca de Inversion
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Local Tax Firm of the Year - Mexico Overall Law Firm of the Year - Mexico VAT Advisory Firm of the Year - Mexico Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Mexico Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Mexico Restructuring Firm of the Year - Mexico
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Tronabogados
Competition Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Customs Brokerage of the Year - Mexico Construction Law Firm of the Year - Mexico International Trade Law Firm of the Year Mexico Cross Border Law Firm of the Year - Mexico M&A Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - Mexico Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Mexico Pacific Rim Legal Advisory Firm of the Year Mexico Mexican Commitment to M&A - Corporate Tax
Moldova ACI Partners Law Office
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Moldova
Mongolia GN & CO., LTD.
IP Law Firm of the Year - Mongolia
Namibia Koep & Partners
Merger Control Firm of the Year - Namibia
Nepal Kto Inc.
Boutique IP Law Firm of the Year - Nepal
Creel Garcia-Cuellar Aiza Y Enriquez SC Greenberg Traurig, S.C. Intercontinental Network Services S.C. JATA - J.A. Treviño Abogados Noriega y Escobedo, A.C. Ogarrio Daguerre, S.C. PricewaterhouseCoopers Mexico Santamarina y Steta Santamarina y Steta, SC
Netherlands AKD Lawyers & Civil Law Notaries Blacktrace Mergers & Acquisitions BlueMind Corporate Finance
Simmons & Simmons
Dutch Corporate Law Firm of the Year Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Dutch Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year - Netherlands Dutch Dealmaker of the Year - Nem Energy Services B.V Dutch Valuation Firm of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year Shareholder’s Most Trusted Adviser of the Year Dutch Mid-Market M&A Law Firm of the Year Actuarial & Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Netherlands Dutch Employment Law Firm of the Year Dutch Business Law Firm of the Year Public Procurement Law Firm of the Year Netherlands Leading Adviser of the Year - BlueCielo ECM
Netherlands Antilles SMS Attorneys at Law
Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Curacao
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek De Metz Advocaten N.V. Hermes Advisory HEUSSEN ING Marree en Dijxhoorn Advocaten PwC Russell Advocaten Russell Advocaten Severijn Hulshof
New Zealand Bell Gully Buddle Findlay Create IP DLA Phillips Fox Michael Ring QC Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Russell McVeagh Simpson Grierson Nicaragua GUY JOSE BENDAÑA-GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS Nigeria George Etomi & Partners Ikeyi & Arifayan Principles Law Partnership Vetiva Capital Management Limited Norway Admincontrol Advokatfirmaet Elden Advokatfirmaet Lund & Co DA Advokatfirmaet Selmer DA BDO AS CLP Infima AS Schjødt SGB Storløkken AS Steinvender Wiersholm
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Portugal Abreu Advogados Gali Macedo & Associados - Sociedadde de advogados RL Gastão Cunha Ferreira Grant Thornton Consultores Lda Luis Miguel Amaral – Advogados / Lawyers Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados SPS – Sociedade de Advogados SRS Advogados Uzina
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Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year Norway Business Crime Law Firm of the Year - Norway Energy Law Firm of the Year - Norway Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Norway Accountancy Firm of the Year - Norway M&A Law Firm of the Year - Norway M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Norway Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Norway Franchise Law Firm of the Year - Norway SME Corporate Finance Boutique of the Year - Norway Investment Banking Advisory Firm of the Year - Norway Incorporation Firm of the Year - Pakistan
Panama Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Panama
Peru Miranda & Amado Rubio Leguía Normand
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Peru Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Peru
Puerto Rico Fortaleza Capital Partners, LLC
Overall Law Firm of the Year - Poland Business Valuation Provider of the Year - Poland Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year - Poland Energy Law Firm of the Year - Poland
Portuguese Corporate Tax Firm of the Year Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year - Portugal IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Indirect Tax Firm of the Year - Portugal Employment Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Independent Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Results Focused Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Overall Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Advertising Firm of the Year - Portugal Investment Banking Boutique of the Year Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s Professional Organizer of the year
Qatar PwC
Tax Firm of the Year - Qatar
Republic of Yemen Sahra Petroleum Consulting
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Yemen
Razvan Dinca & Associates SAI ERSTE Asset Management SA Romania Stratula Mocanu & Asociatii Transfer Pricing Services SRL Viboal FindEx Russia CapMan Private Equity Advisors FDS Law INTELLECT-S Nadmitov, Ivanov and Partners Law Firm O2 Consulting
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Romania Investment Banking Firm of the Year - Romania Accountancy Firm of the Year - Romania Competition Law Firm of the Year - Romania Page 60 Overall Law Firm of the Year - Romania Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Romania Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year Romania Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Romania Fund Administrator of the Year - Romania Public Procurement Law Firm of the Year Romania Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Romania Tax Practice of the Year - Romania
Tomorrow Business Laboratorium YUST Law Firm
Russia Focused Private Equity Manager of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year - Russia IP Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Russia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Russia Russian M&A Law Firm of the Year Page 69 Infrastructure & Capital Projects Russia Focused Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Investment Bank of the Year – Russia Best Large Private Equity House of the Year Russia Page 74 Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - Russia Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Russia
Scandinavia Advokatfirman Odebjer Fohlin
Scandinavian Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Senegal GENI & KEBE
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Senegal
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Pollyanna Capital Partners Russian Direct Investment Fund
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Leading Adviser of the Year - BDO Unibank, Inc.’s Acquisition of Rural Bank of San Juan, Inc. Page 66 Foreign Investment Firm of the Year - Philippines Page 70 Energy Law Firm of the Year - Philippines Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Philippines
Todo en Su Lugar
Romania BCLAW Cringureanu & Partners Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Capital Partners Ceausescu & Partners Ionescu Sava Miloiu Ciprian Private Practice Lawyer & Mediator Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Pachiu & Associates
Advertising Law Firm of the Year - Nicaragua
Dealmaker of the Year - Eko Electricity Distribution Company Business Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria Pan-African Investment Bank of the Year
PJS Law (Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices) Puno & Puno Law Offices SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company (Ernst & Young Philippines) Poland Biedecki Ernst & Young Corporate Finance Sp. z o.o. Ernst & Young Corporate Finance Sp. z o.o. Norton Rose Fulbright Piotr Strawa and Partners, LP.
Employment Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand M&A Tax Structuring Firm of the Year - New Zealand Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Insurance & Reinsurance QC of the Year - New Zealand TMT Regulation Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Overall Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand M&A Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand
Pakistan Travel and Culture Services
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Philippines Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano
Serbia Marić, Mališić & Dostanić o.a.d PETOSEVIC Virtu Partners Singapore Ashurst LLP Ernst & Young Francine Tan Law Corporation Harry Elias Partnership LLP Harry Elias Partnership LLP Harry Elias Partnership LLP KhattarWong Law Asia Ravindran Associates RHT Law Taylor Wessing Shook Lin & Bok LLP Stamford Law Corporation TC Capital Slovakia CLS Čavojský & Partners DEDÁK & Partners, s.r.o.
Overall Law Firm of the Year - Serbia IP Law Firm of the Year - Serbia Serbian Independent Financial Advisory Firm of the Year Franchise Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Restructuring Advisory Firm of the Year Singapore Intellectual Property Firm of the Year - Singapore Cross Border Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Financial Services Law Firm of the Year Singapore M&A Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Securities Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Boutique IP Practice of the Year - Singapore Leading Adviser of the Year - Invicta Holdings Ltd Acquisition of Kian Ann Engineering Ltd Sustained Excellence in Corporate Litigation Award - Singapore Capital Markets Firm of the Year - Singapore Pan-Asian Focused Investment Bank of Year Singapore Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
ITEM d.o.o. Item doo Odvetniki Dolžan, Vidmar & Zemljarič,
Boutique IP Law Firm of the Year - Slovenia Trademark Law Firm of the Year - Slovenia Capital Markets Firm of the Year - Slovenia
Lombard Network MMP Mück Management Partners AG Suffert Neuenschwander & Partner
Slovakia SEDLAČKO & PARTNERS, s.r.o. VÁLKY PARTNERS s.r.o.
Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia Rising Star in M&A - Slovakia
Suter Howald Attorneys at Law UBS AG Vischer
Swiss Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year Swiss Recapitalisation Advisory Firm of the Year Boutique Internet Law Firm of the Year Switzerland Construction Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Overall Swiss Private Bank of the Year Swiss Merger Control Law Firm of the Year
Syria Oussi Law Firm
Overall Law Firm of the Year - Syria
Taiwan Ernst & Young Lin & Partners PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal
Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Taiwan Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Taiwan Taiwan M&A Legal Advisory Firm of the Year
Tanzania PKF Accountants & Business Advisers
Auditors of the Year - Tanzania
South Africa Adams & Adams Angel Hub CT & A Project Management (Pty) Ltd Deloitte Forte-SA Head Up Training & Development (Pty) Ltd IBA Global Pty Ltd Knife Capital Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc Legal and Labour Law Advisory Service McPherson Kruger Attorneys McPherson Kruger Attorneys Mindset Coal Newman Lowther & Associates PricewaterhouseCoopers Trade Law Chambers Southeast Asia Mekong Capital Spain Across Legal Amat i Vidal-Quadras Advocats Bird & Bird (Spain) LLP Blas de Lezo Bojorge & Associates Boltendahl International Partners Deloitte Abogados Deloitte Abogados ECIJA Abogados Ernst & Young Gallego, Martos & Quadra Salcedo Impulsa Capital Indisys Latham & Watkins LLP Marco Legal Advocats & Economistes Ramón y Cajal Abogados Sabadell Corporate Finance Uría y Menéndez Sweden Advokatfirman Delphi AF Infrastructure AB Aon M&A Solutions Com advokatbyra Creandum Nordea Orstadius AB WSP Switzerland ABELS Avocats Alix Capital SA Argos Soditic Board Advisors AG Cabinet Mayor CarbonRe AG Carrard & Associés Chabrier Avocats CMS von Erlach Henrici Ltd. CMS von Erlach Henrici Ltd. DEALGATE Diener Advisory Dubler Rechtsanwälte E. Blum & Co. AG IndexInvestor AG Jeremy Lack Esq Kasser Schlosser avocats Laux Lawyers LHA Avocats
IP Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Angel Investor of the Year - South Africa Outsouricing Consultancy of the Year - South Africa Leading Adviser of the Year - RMB Corvest and Shalamuka Capital acquisition of stake in Respiratory Care Africa Mid-Size Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year - South Africa Training & Development Advisory Firm of the Year - South Africa Start Up Support Firm of the Year - South Africa Venture Capitalist of the Year - South Africa South African Corporate Litigation Law Firm of the Year Mediation Firm of the Year - South Africa Niche Commercial Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Dealmaker of the Year - RMB Ventures investment in Studio 88 Group Mining Consultancy Firm of the Year -South Africa South African Boutique M&A Advisory Firm of Page 68 the Year Transactional Services Advisory Firm of the Year - South Africa Competition Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Operational Improvement Firm of the Year – Southeast Asia Leading Adviser of the Year - Indisys Second Round of Funding Life Science Patent Litigation Firm of the Year - Spain Overall Energy Law Firm of the Year - Spain Spanish Shipping and Maritime Law Firm of the Year Corporate Immigration Law Firm of the Year - Spain Leading Adviser of the Year - Groupe CAT Acquisition of the Transport Division of Grupo Toquero in Spain Financial Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Spain Spanish Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year TMT Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Spain Tax Law Advisory Firm of the Year - Spain Private Client Law Firm of the Year - Spain Spanish Financial Adviser of the Year Commitment to M&A - Spain Cross Border Tax Firm of the Year - Spain Leading Adviser of the Year Capital Markets Firm of the Year - Spain M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Spain Data Protection Law Firm of the Year - Spain Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Sweden Infrastructure Consultancy of the Year - Sweden Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Sweden TMT Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Sweden Venture Capital Firm of the Year - Sweden Best M&A Bank of the Year - Sweden Page 68 Management Advisory Firm of the Year Sweden Environmental Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Sweden Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year Switzerland Alternative Investment Boutique of the Year Switzerland Swiss Private Equity Firm of the Year Swiss M&A Adviser of the Year Swiss Mid Sized Law Firm of the Year Energy Risk & Insurance Firm of the Year Switzerland Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Commodities Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Overall Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Swiss Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year Global M&A Platform of the Year Page 28 Swiss Accounting Firm of the Year Swiss Contract Law Firm of the Year Swiss Patent Law Firm of the Year ETF Asset Manager of the Year - Switzerland Swiss Mediation Firm of the Year Data Protection Law Firm of the Year Switzerland TMT IP Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Middle Market M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Switzerland
Thailand Leopard Capital Tunisia JurisMed Turkey Akugur Law Firm Akugur Law Firm AU Advisory Balkaya & Balkaya Attorneys at Law Birsel Law Offices Birsel Law Offices Celen Ltd Davutoglu Attorneys At Law Demircan Law Office Destek Patent Inc Ernst & Young Gokce Attorney Partnership Gur Law Firm KPMG Yetkin YMM AS Paksoy Turkiye Garanti Bankası A.S. TURKVEN Unlu & Co UAE Afridi & Angell Agha & Co in association with Holland & Knight Alpen Capital (ME) Limited CRI Group Diligence Management Consultants Gulf Capital Herbert Smith Freehills LLP Norton Rose Fulbright (Middle East) LLP Salloum & Partners Simmons & Simmons Sovereign Corporate Services The Rights Lawyers UK 23 Essex Street Chambers 3i Acuity Advisors Limited Adbell International Ltd Addleshaw Goddard LLP African Frontier Capital Partners LLP AHS Finance Alpha 1 Legal Services AlphaBet Capital Advisors Ltd Amadeus Capital Partners Ltd AMC Economics Andrew Bodnar Apex Insurance Ashurst LLP Aura Healthcare Barker Brettell LLP Barnett Waddingham LLP Bermans Bibby Financial Services Blue Sky Law Limited Bonaccord Brachers Bray & Krais Breeze & Wyles Solicitors LLP Burgis & Bullock Corporate Finance Burnetts Campbell Dallas Capita Carey Olsen Carlton Strategy Advisors Ltd
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Frontier Markets Investment Manager of the Year Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Tunisia Turkish Legal Due Diligence Firm of the Year Turkish Commercial Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year Sustained Excellence in Turkish Due Diligence Leading Turkish Enforcer of Foreign Judgments Turkish Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Turkish Banking & Finance Firm of the Year - Turkey Turkish Corporate Tax Firm of the Year Turkish Full Service Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year -Turkey Turkish IP Firm of the Year Page 54 Turkish Vendor Due Diligence Provider of the Page 30 Year Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Turkish Employment Dispute Law Firm of the Year Turkish Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Page 62 Leading Legal Adviser of the Year - Celebi Aviation Turkish Finance Provider of the Year Page 75 Turkish Private Equity Firm of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year - Borusan Logistics Acquisition of Balnak Lojistik Full Service Law Firm of the Year - UAE Islamic Finance Firm of the Year - UAE Equity Advisory Firm of the Year - UAE Business Due Diligence Firm of the Year - UAE UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year Late Stage Investment Firm of the Year - UAE Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year - UAE UAE Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year UAE Mediation Law Firm of the Year Best Onshore Law Firm - UAE Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - UAE UAE Boutique TMT Law Firm of the Year
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Regional Financial Crime Chambers of the Year Private Equity Investor of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Acquisition of Everything Legal Boutique Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Working Capital Advisory Firm of the Year - UK UK Alternative Asset Management Company of the Year UK Asset Finance Firm of the Year UK Investigation Firm of the Year Sustained Excellence in UK Capital Raising UK Venture Capital Firm of the Year UK Merger Control Advisory Firm of the Year UK Corporate Crime Barrister of the Year Professional Indemnity Insurance Broker of the Year - UK Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - UK UK Software and IT Services Provider of the Page 48 Year Pharmaceutical IP Law Firm of the Year - UK UK Pensions & Actuarial Advisory Firm of the Year Page 49 Northern Commercial Practice of the Year UK Asset Based Lender of the Year North West Employment Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year - UK Commitment to Healthcare M&A Niche Media Law Firm of the Year - UK UK Debt Recovery Law Firm of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year -Maven Capital Partners Backed Cat Tech MBO Law Firm of the Year - Cumbria Leading Adviser of the Year - ICR Integrity Acquisition of Chemical Injection Utilities Niche Asset Management Firm of the Year - UK Offshore Corporate Finance Group of the Year UK Rising Star in Due Diligence
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Carter Perry Bailey LLP Catalyst Corporate Finance CB Richard Ellis Citrus Relocation Services Limited Clearwater Corporate Finance Cloud Origin Colin David Russ LLP Coller IP Commercial Property Finance Consultancy Ltd Convex Capital Cordea Savills Investment Management Ltd Cottons Accountants LLP Credo Business Consulting LLP Cushman & Wakefield Dearson Winyard International Debevoise & Plimpton Deloitte Deloitte Deloitte Deloitte Dovetail Downing LLP Drummond Miller LLP Edinburgh Earth Capital Partners LLP EIRIS Elborne Mitchell LLP EMC Corporate Finance Ltd Environmental Resources Management Limited Essex Court Chambers Essex Court Chambers EthosData Fawcus Corporate FircoSoft Francis Clark Fuel Recruitment Ltd Gherson Global Investigations Ltd Globe Micro Goodwin Malatesta Legal Costs Services Ltd. GP Bullhound LLP GP Bullhound LLP Graham Walters Green Square Partners LLP Gunner Cooke Hampton Court Capital Harrison Goddard Foote LLP HCR Employee Relocation Highwire Consulting HMT LLP Horn & Co Howes Percival LLP Howes Percival LLP Hullbrook Hutton’s Hymans Robertson LLP InLaw LLP Javelin Group Jeffrey Green Russell Limited JLT Employee Benefits JLT Specialty - European Real Estate Johnston Carmichael Jonathan Elystan Rees JZ International Ltd KB Associates London Keltie LLP Kennet- Leasing Lee & Thompson LLP Lockton Companies LLP Loudouns Maddox Consulting Mark Entwistle Mark S Vickery (Costs Lawyer) Martin Kaye Solicitors Telford Matthew Wilkinson Solictors Limited
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UK Insurance & Reinsurance Firm of the Year Most Trusted Corporate Financier of the Year - UK UK Fixed Charge Receivership Firm of the Year Most Trusted Relocation Specialists of the Year - UK UK Mid Market Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year IT Due Diligence Firm of the Year - UK Results Focused Mediator of the Year - UK IP Valuation Firm of the Year - UK Property Finance Firm of the Year - UK UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Direct Optik AB UK Portfolio Management Firm of the Year Regional Auditors of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - ECI Acquisition of Citation Pan-European Valuation Firm of the Year Corporate Immigration Firm of the Year - UK Privacy & Data Security Firm of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Blue Gem Capital Partners Acquisition of Enotria Group Leading Adviser of the Year - Cinven Ltd Acquisition of Amdipharm Leading Adviser of the Year - Essence Digital Acquisition of Black Bag Advertising Leading Adviser of the Year - APN News & Media Acquisition of 82% stake in Brands Exclusive Results Driven Relocation Specialists of the Year - UK Tax Investment Products Manager of the Year - UK Scottish Solicitors of the Year Operational Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Corporate Environmental Research Provider of the Year - UK Maritime Arbitration Law Firm of the Year – UK UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Seico Acquisition Leading Adviser of the Year - Albéa Acquisition of Rexam Personal Care Cosmetic division International Law Barrister of the Year - UK Public Law Chambers of the Year - UK VDR Rising Star - UK Corporate Finance Lead Adviser of the Year FoundOcean Limited Private Equity Investment UK Watch List Filtering Solutions Provider of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year - Yorkshire Bank financing for Pasta King Group IT Recruitment Consultants of the Year - UK Most Trusted Immigration Law Firm of the Year - UK UK Tracing Firm of the Year UK Technology Solution Provider of the Year Legal Costs Specialists of the Year - UK Boutique Investment Bank of the Year - UK Leading Advisers of the Year - Essence Digital Acquisition of Black Bag Advertising UK Public Law Barrister of the Year M&A Marketing Practice of the Year - UK UK Dealmaker of the Year - Napier Turbochargers / Impetus Automotive TMT Corporate Financier of the Year - UK UK Strategic Portfolio Development Firm of the Year Overall Relocation Management Firm of the Year - UK Management Team Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Shipping & Maritime Arbitration Firm of the Year - UK UK Dealmaker of the Year -Hoste Arms Limited UK Dealmaker of the Year -Auto logic Sustained Excellence Award - UK Welsh Law Firm of the Year UK Auto-enrolment Adviser of the Year UK Private Client Estate Protection Law Firm of the Year Sustained Excellence in Due Diligence Award - UK Anglo German M&A Law Firm of the Year Employee Benefit Specialist of the Year Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Dealmaker of the Year - Acquisition of Scott Trawlers Limited UK Money Laundering Barrister of the Year UK Long Term Value Investor of the Year Operational Consulting Firm of the Year - UK IP Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Commitment to Asset Finance Award - UK Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year UK Rising Star in Shipping & Maritime Arbitration Sustained Excellence in Corporate Strategy - UK Sustained Dispute Resolution Excellence Award Result Driven Cost Law Firm of the Year - UK Most Trusted M&A Law Firm of the Year - UK Northern Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Maven Capital Partners UK LLP McAlister & Co McDermott Will & Emery Mediation in Scotland Mediation in Scotland Mega Consulting Limited Metis Partners Page 52
MLP Solicitors LLP Page 52 Monckton Chambers Morrisons Solicitors LLP Page 25 Nicholas Cooksey Nick Overton (Costs Lawyer) - Overtons Costs Consultants Osborne Clarke Outer Temple Chambers Palmer Capital Partners Ltd Parker Andrews Parker Bullen LLP Penna Penta Consulting Ltd Perfecta Partners Ltd Pett Franklin & Co Prelude Consulting Limited Premier Price Bailey LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Quinn Partnership Rawlinson Hunter Regent Partners LLP Richard Todd QC Risk Resolution Group (“R2G”) Riverhill Partners LLP Page 57 Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP RP Advisory Rupert Pardoe Salutaris Legal Secondcap Select Business Finance Seraphus SGH Martineau Shan Warnock Smith QC Simmons & Simmons Slaughter and May Smith Partnership Solomon Taylor & Shaw Souleiman G A Solicitors Spectrum Corporate Finance LLP Spectrum Corporate Finance LLP Page 34 Sterling X-AG Strategic Corporate Finance Transactions Limited Strategic Corporate Finance Transactions Limited Sturgeon Capital Ltd Sturgeon Ventures LLP Tollers Solicitors Tooks Chambers Towers Watson Transfer Pricing Solutions Ltd Travers Smith Tucker Turner Kingsley Wood LLP Page 61 Tyler Mangan URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited VB/Research Walkers Wilson Gunn Wilson Partners Corporate Finance Page 36 Wilson Partners Corporate Finance Winckworth Sherwood LLP Xafinity Consulting Zolfo Cooper Ukraine Asters Avellum Partners ENGARDE Jurimex Legal Solutions
Scottish Investor of the Year Welsh Insolvency Practitioner of the Year Leading Dealmaker of the Year - Intersnack Acquisition of KP Workplace Mediation Firm of the Year - UK Scottish Mediation Firm of the Year Organisational Development Consultancy of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Clydesdale Bank funding for Lab21 North West Commercial Law Firm of the Year Merger Control Chambers of the Year - UK UK M&A Law Firm of the Year - South UK Employment Law Barrister of the Year Costs Lawyer of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - MITIE Group PLC Acquisition of Enara Group Limited Medical Law Barrister of the Year - UK UK Real Estate Fund Manager of the Year - UK UK Insvolvency Firm of the Year - Norfolk Mid Sized IP Law Firm of the Year - UK Recruitment Firm of the Year - UK Telecommunications Recruitment Firm of the Year Banking Strategy Consulting Firm of the Year - UK 2nd City Based Corporate Governance Firm of the Year - UK Management Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Client Focused Pension Consultancy of the Year - UK Private Client Tax Firm of the Year - UK Run-off Strategy Planning Firm of the Year -UK UK Human Capital Optimisation Firm of the Year Results Driven Valuation Firm of the Year - UK TMT Boutique Advisory Firm - UK Family Law Silk of the Year - UK UK Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year UK Debt Advisory Firm of the Year Results Driven Commercial Law Firm of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - NBGI Private Equity backed McCambridge Group Holdings Cake Division MBO Criminal Litigation Barrister of the Year - UK UK Product Liability Law Firm of the Year - UK Secondary’s Platform of the Year Boutique Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Niche Immigration Law Firm of the Year - UK Dealmaker of the Year - Maven Capital Partners Backed Cat Tech MBO Private Wealth Barrister of the Year - UK Energy and Infrastructure Project Finance Firm of the Year - UK Commitment to M&A Award - UK UK Exit Strategy Law Firm of the Year Results Driven Employment Law Firm of the Year - UK Rising Star in Corporate Immigration - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - James Grant Group Acquisition of Industry Media UK Leveraged Finance Corporate Financier of the Year Technology Focused VDR of the Year - UK Share Valuation Corporate Financier of the Year UK Boutique Dealmaker of the Year - Anglian Meat Products MBO Frontier Market Focused Alternative Investment Manager of the Year - UK Venture Catalyst of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Catapult Venture Managers investment for Echo MBO UK Immigration Barrister of the Year Risk & Financial Management Firm of the Year - UK Results Driven Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - UK Leading Adviser of the Year - L’Oreal Acquisition of Cadum Leading Adviser of the Year - InMobi’s Acquisition of Metaflow Solutions Leading Adviser of the Year - Growth Capital Partners backs Excelsior Technologies MBO M&A Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Private Equity Research Partner of the Year - UK UK Asset Finance Law Firm of the Year Global IP Portfolio Manager of the Year UK Leading Adviser of the Year UK Growth Finance Advisory Firm of the Year UK Property Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Scottish Actuary Consultancy of the Year - UK UK Leading Adviser of the Year - LGV Capital and Hutton Collins Acquisition of Novus Leisure Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine Legal Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Ukraine Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Schoenherr Ukraine LLC
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine
Uruguay DGR Consultores Ferrere Abogados Galante & Martins
Law Office of Sonny Im Leeds Equity Partners LLC
Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Uruguay Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Uruguay M&A Firm of the Year - Uruguay
Lincoln International Lisiten Associates Business Brokers Macquarie Capital Inc
USA A + Legal Services Acquisition Advisors Alcentra Altus Economics Ambulatory Alliances Avance International Capital Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP Barger & Wolen Bluestem Resources Group Booz & Company Bridge Ventures, LLC Business Development Asia LLC Cantor & Webb Capital Alliance Corporation Capital Gold Group Inc. Cerian Technology Ventures, LLC CLARK+ELBING LLP Clearview Capital LLC Clements Worldwide Coldstream Coldwell Banker Mergers & Acquistions Advisors Conover Feek Cooling & Herbers, P.C. Corsis LLC Cousins Chipman & Brown, LLP Cross Border Strategies LLC d2 Business Performance Group Desert Sky Communications Dhar Law, LLP Digital Capital Advisors, LLC DLA Piper Dorsey & Whitney Eberhart Financial Services Group, Inc Economists Incorporated EDG Partners Edwards Financial Services Eisen Fox & Company Emory & Co., LLC Empire Business Brokers International Ethan E. Kra Actuarial Services LLC Evercore Partners EXL Service First Boca Associates, Inc. Frankfurt Kurnit Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Fund Tax Services,LLC Fundology GableGotwals Gerald Duty, P.L. Goldberg Segalla LLP Grant Thornton GreerWalker Corporate Finance GulfStar Group Habif, Arogeti & Wynne LLP Hughes Klaiber LLC Hunt & Associates, PC Infinity Energy Capital, LLC Intralinks ITG Worldwide International Insurance Specialists J. P. Katz & Associates, LLC James A. Stubenberg Attorney-At-Law Jennings Strouss & Salman, PLC Judith S. Lambert Kalandavis, LLC Kasraie & Fodor, LLC Kasraie & Fodor, LLC Kemp & Ruge Law Group Klueger & Stein, LLP Law Office of David Steinfeld, P.L.
IP Law Firm of the Year - Washington DC US Mid Sized M&A Advisory Firm of the Year Structured Credit Asset Management Firm of the Year - USA US Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - California Middle-Market Investment Brokerage of the Year - Texas US Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Agriculture Securities Law Firm of the Year - Illinois US Insurance Law Firm of the Year - California Business Brokers of the Year - USA Industrial M&A Conultancy Firm of the Year - Ohio USA M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - SME Cross-border Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - USA HNI Law Firm of the Year - Florida Capital Alliance Closing Firm of the Year - USA Precious Metals Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Technology Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Patent Law Firm of the Year - Massachusetts Recapitalization Private Investment Firm of the Year - Connecticut Property Liability Advisory Firm of the Year - USA US Merger of the Year - Ascent Capital/ Coldstream US Commercial Real Estate Brokerage of the Year Estate and Business Planning Consultancy of the Year - Washington State US Aviation Insurance Firm of the Year US Systems & IT Due Diligence Provider of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Firm of the Year - USA Leading Adviser of the Year - Klein Partners Capital Corp Acquisition of Hypercom Business Performance Evaluation Firm of the Year - USA USA Marketing Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Massachusetts TMT Cross Border Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - California Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Minnesota Employee Benefits Tax Firm of the Year - USA Communications Regulation Firm of the Year Washington DC Middle Market Healthcare Investor of the Year - USA Trade and Investment Firm of the Year - Florida M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Wisconsin US Leading Adviser of the Year Rising Star in Franchising - USA Actuarial Advisory Firm of the Year - New York Transport Corporate Advisory of the Year - USA Outsourcing Services Provider of the Year - USA Middle Market Oil & Gas Advisory Firm of the Year - Florida Advertising Law Firm of the Year - USA US Private M&A Client Solutions Group of the Year Alternative Investment Tax Firm of the Year - USA US Investment Network of the Year Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Oklahoma Incorporation Law Firm of the Year - Florida Cyber Risk Law Firm of the Year - USA Commitment to Auditing - USA Corporate Financier of the Year - North Carolina Industrial Investment Bank of the Year - USA Share Valuation Firm of the Year - Georgia Overall Small Cap M&A Advisory Firm of the Year Entity Selection Law Firm of the Year - USA Alternative Energy M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Global Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year Medical Insurance Adviser of the Year - USA Share Valuation Advisory Firm of the Year Massachusetts Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Hawaii Securities and Finance Law Firm of the Year - USA Business Law Firm of the Year - Florida US Management Team Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Healthcare Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year - USA International Trade Law Firm of the Year - USA Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year - USA Tax Law Firm of the Year - California Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Florida
Mason Wells Inc McAndrews Held & Malloy McLeod, Moscarino, Witham & Flynn LLP Melinda G. Jayson, P.C. Metronome Partners Monroe Moxness Berg PA National Compliance Services Navigant Newport Consulting Group, LLC NorthStar Wealth Partners LLC Page 50 Paragon Ventures Page 50 Pepper Hamilton Peters Advisors Pinnacle Strategies PricewaterhouseCoopers Proskauer Rose LLP Page 41 Queen B Organizing Richard Tyler International, Inc. Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP Robert M. Haas Associates Inc Rosewood Private Investments Rua Associates Seiler Epstein Ziegler & Applegate LLP Sett & Lucas Page 54 Simanor LLC Societe Generale Southwest M&A;, LLC SRP Advisors Strategic Management Partners, Inc. Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Page 55 Taylor-DeJongh Tegris Advisors Tensegrity Law Group LLP The D-Clutter Company The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. The Kantner Law Firm, PL The McLean Group Page 57 The Mediation Offices of Lee Jay Berman Trent Cotney P A Triangle Performance, LLC Tsao-Wu, Chow & Yee LLP UHY Advisors FLVS Inc Venable LLP Vercor Vinson & Elkins LLP V-Rooms Virtual Data Rooms Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz
Defence Law Firm of the Year - Florida Education Focused Private Equity Firm of the Year - USA M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Illinois Boutique Business Broker of the Year - USA US Dealmaker of the Year - Acquisition of Carmichael International Service Buy Out Private Equity Investment Firm of the Year - USA Intellectual Property Procurement Firm of the Year - USA Business Litigation Law Firm of the Year California Commitment to Mediation Award - USA Leading Adviser of the Year - Westlake Hardware, Inc., Franchise Law Firm of the Year - Minnesota Compliance Consultancy of the Year - Florida Renewable Energy Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Results Driven Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year - USA Mid Sized Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - USA US Dealmaker of the Year - Healthcare / Life Sciences Securities Law Firm of the Year - Pennsylvania Sustained Excellence in Transfer Pricing Award - USA Operational Management Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Overall Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - USA Strategic Corporate Planning Group of the Year - Massachusetts Real Estate Staging Firm of the Year - USA Management Consultancy Firm of the Year Texas Private Equity Funds Advisory Firm of the Year - USA US Leading Adviser of the Year - Alfa Laval Disposal Dealmaker of the Year - CaseFileXpress and File & Serve Business Broker of the Year - Michigan LLC Law Formation Firm of the Year - USA Emerging Market Financial Institution of the Year - USA Market Entry Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Overall Project Finance Firm of the Year - USA Most Trusted Business Broker of the Year - Texas Middle Market M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - California Turnaround Management Firm of the Year Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - USA US Project Finance Investment Banking Firm of the Year - Oil & Gas Dealmaker of the Year - Burger King Merger Patent Litigation Law Firm of the Year California Most Trusted Professional Organizer of the Year - California Business Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in US Estate Planning Dealmaker of the Year - GlobalTrak division Sustained Excellence in Mediation - USA Construction Law Firm of the Year - Florida US Leadership Improvement Consultancy Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year - California Private Client Accountancy Firm of the Year - US Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Maryland Tax Strategy Advisory Firm of the Year - Georgia Environmental Litigation Law Firm of the Year - USA Security Focused VDR of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in US Corporate Governance
Venezuela ERNST & YOUNG Raffalli de Lemos Halvorssen Ortega y Ortiz Tinoco Travieso Planchart & Núñez
Venezuelan Business Advisory Firm of the Year Sustained Tax Excellence - Venezuela Competition Law Firm of the Year - Venezuela
Vietnam PwC Phuoc & Partners Law Firm Indochine Counsel
Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Vietnam Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam Mid Sized M&A Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam
Zambia Page 60 Corpus Legal Practitioners Shamwana & Company
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Zambia Sustained Legal Excellence Awards - Zambia
Zimbabwe Manica Zimbabwe Limited Mawere & Sibanda
Customs & Borders Firm of the Year - Zimbabwe Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Zimbabwe
Global Fragomen H&P Trust Group Henley Estates JPA Holdings Ltd Oxford Consulting Associates LLP SS&C GlobeOp
Global Corporate Immigration Firm of the Year Tax Restructuring Advisory Firm of the Year Switzerland Offshore Real Estate Advisory Firm of the Year Global Recruitment Firm of the Year Niche Chemical Consulting Firm of the Year Hedge Fund Administrator of the Year
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year - Hong Kong
Acquisition International is delighted to announce that for the second consecutive year, the winner of this year’s Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year in Hong Kong is NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited. AI speaks to Kenneth Cheung, Managing Partner & Senior Trustee to find out a bit more about the firm and what it takes to win two years in a row! “NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited are thrilled to win the award for a second year and feel that the achievement reinforces their dedication to providing corporate finance products that provide quality service and funds with value pricing. Kenneth Cheung remarked “we have established what we consider to be an excellent management team and consultant force in the market; further we are considered to be a top-notch medium-sized corporate finance consultancy firm in the arena”. The readers of Acquisition International certainly seem to agree. “NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited provides syndication loan, IPO and debentures consultancy, personal financial services, strategy consultancy within the Pacific Rim area. The firm has firmly differentiated itself from its competitors and as Kenneth pointed out, they “take pride in knowing that our management had acquired over 100 years in total real time experience in the financial industry and have helped clients to find the best funding sources at the right price that suits their needs and expectations in the past and in the future”.
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“NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited acknowledge that the company’s strength lies in the quality and depth of their services and staffs and this dedicated support means that they are able to service their clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for most of the time in the year. Kenneth praised the company’s hardworking staff, “specialist in syndication and IPO consultancy” who can properly service and advise clients. “In addition, NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited has also recognized the following strengths within the organization: •
• •
•
A corporate culture that is focused on creating value for all parties involved and on effective adoption of international practices; Sound corporate governance and effective internal controls; An experienced and strong management team that combines international expertise with extensive experience in the core business; Strong multi-channel network;
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
gary yim / Shutterstock.com
• •
Leading and innovative customer service; A multiple financial services platform with other sibling companies to capture new business opportunities.
“Not a company to rest on their laurels, NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited is still fiercely ambitious; Kenneth commented that their main objective is to become one of the leading multiple financial services providers in the Pacific with a core syndication and IPO business that consistently delivers stable profit growth and shareholders return. “Our strategy is to offer our customers a broad range of financial products and services under one brand, with a focus on syndication and IPO through our multi-channel network. Our ability to execute this strategy is enhanced by sound corporate governance and internal control, strong management team with international experience, and prudent risk management. Our multiple financial services platform enables us to leverage our resources to promote cross selling and to increase cost efficiency.” “Geographically the company is extremely well positioned; Hong Kong has the second largest securities market in Asia after Tokyo and its efficiency and risk management systems are among the best in the world. Hong Kong has also one of the world’s most liberal, active and liquid securities markets. “There is neither control over capital movements nor capital gains or dividend income tax. Being the most liquid overseas market for Mainland enterprises, Hong Kong’s capital market will play a key role in funding China’s state-owned enterprises reform and private enterprises’ expansion, as well as its massive infrastructure development program.
plemented to ensure that the above risks are being limited to the lowest level. “So how will they measure success? Kenneth suggests that this is purely down to the number of clients “choosing us because of their belief in our ability to meet or exceed their expectations of price, service, and expertise”. Looking ahead to the future, NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited will continue to focus on developing the following tools: • •
• •
Knowledgeable, friendly staff that can empathize with our clients’ needs and circumstances Provision of funds that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients, and that are affordable, available, and understandable Commitments and contracts delivered on time without errors A commitment to keep the clients informed. A phone call is more than any direct mass marketer offers.
We believe personal contact and service is the cornerstone of our success. “The strategy of NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited is to expand the core syndication loan and IPO services businesses and to deliver value to all stakeholders, whilst maintaining its prudent approach to financial discipline and risk.
Firm: NYGT (Hong Kong) Ltd Name: Kenneth Cheung Address: P.O. Box 792, General Post Office, Hong Kong W: www.nygtgroup.org Email: kenneth.cheung@nygt.org kenneth.mak@nygt.org T: 00852 25119056
“We at AI are confident that NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited will continue along their successful path and we look forward to announcing the results in 2014!
“Due to the fact that the majority of the company’s business comes from PRC, NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited recognizes that general risks relating to doing business in the PRC need to be addressed, these include: • •
•
• •
The PRC’s economic, political and social conditions and government policies could affect our business; Government control of currency conversion and future movements in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results; An economic slowdown in the PRC may materially and adversely affect out financial condition and results of operations, as well as our future prospects; Fluctuations of the Renminbi could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations; The PRC legal system has inherent uncertainties that could limit the legal protections available to business.
“NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited recognized the above risk factors, and certain hedging and diversification measures had been im-
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Philipp Jacobi is Partner of Quadriga Capital, a private equity firm covering the German speaking market. Philipp talks to AI magazine about the firm and its recent achievement of the Private Equity Firm of the Year, Germany award. Quadriga Capital is one of the leading Private Equity companies specializing in the acquisition of mid-market companies in Germany and its neighboring countries. Quadriga Capital specializes in the transformation of businesses: By working closely with investee company shareholders and managers, Quadriga Capital combines the best aspects of mid-market and familyowned businesses with a systematic approach and a detailed and funded strategy to create long-term value. Philipp and his team were delighted to receive the award of Private Equity Firm of the Year, Germany. “We are proud of the recognition of our achievements in this challenging and strong competitive environment,” he enthuses. “The team is thankful for being rewarded again – after 2012 – which reflects our effort to strive for continuous and sustainable performance.” It’s not hard to see why Quadriga Capital was eligible for such as prestigious award, and Philipp describes exactly how the firm strives to set itself aside from competitors in the industry. “With more than 20 years of experience in the German speaking private equity market, Quadriga Capital has developed a comprehensive corporate memory addressing the impact of economic cycles, the challenges of changing megatrends, the institutionalized transformation within organizations, the shift in capital and debt markets as well as the need for permanent alignment in view of increasing investor requirements. “With a clear strategy towards the “Mittelstand” and a sustainable profile Quadriga Capital has positioned itself as the “natural buyer” for midcap enterprises. Speaking the same language combined with a thorough understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the envisaged target companies Quadriga Capital is able to present solutions which are appealing for shareholders and management teams of Mittelstand companies. “Quadriga Capital is prepared to go the extra mile in order to deeply understand the origin of specific issues while striving with management and industry experts for the best solution.” “Quadriga Capital has built up a pool of industry experts,” continues Philipp, explaining how the company has had to adapt to the challenges that the current economic climate has presented in recent years. “The members of this circle are experienced executives who are supporting Quadriga Capital in assessing deal situations, identifying value creation potential during the due diligence phase and finally monitoring as board members the transformation process during the investment period. Based on their individual track record these executives assist management teams by implementing improvement programs in a very pragmatic manner.
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The industry experts act handson to support the management teams in minimizing their failure rate and achieving the mutually agreed transformation objectives. “In addition, the industry expert approach helps Quadriga Capital to identify proactively deal situations as well as leads by benefitting from their respective network and standing in specific industries. The lion share of our deal sourcing over the last 2 to 3 years is represented by proactively created or privately negotiated deal opportunities.” Despite the global economic turbulence of recent years, Quadriga has seen a particularly successful 18 months with the successful finalization of the fundraising of Quadriga Capital Fund IV to the amount of €529 million. The fund went operational beginning of 2012, and in the meantime, the fund has invested in three primary investments plus two add-ons. In addition Quadriga Capital realized two exits. Philipp elaborates on the M&A market over the last 18 months and the trends he has noticed emerging. “In the Midcap market segment we have seen a decent deal flow. There is a clear trend towards customized processes which are much more focused and tailormade than before the financial crisis. Vendors spend a lot of effort by pre-selecting the buyer’s universe and aligning the process and timing according to the potential requirements of the obvious buyer’s group. We have seen an increasing appetite from US and Asian corporates who want to strengthen their presence in Europe and/or are interested in specific technologies. “On the other side there are also various situations where the valuation of the buyer can’t meet the price expectation of the vendors. Consequently certain transactions are pulled and put on hold.” Significant events over the past year have impacted the business to some degree, most prominently the debt markets, which Philipp states are still tight, especially in the range of € 100 to 150 million acquisition debt. “It takes a fair amount of time to coordinate a bank club to arrange the debt package,” he says. “Therefore the engagement of debt advisors has become market standard. The fact of being able to have the financing available could be a dominant competitive advantage in an M&A process. “In view of the situation in the US where the markets are currently extremely liquid we assume that this trend will spill over to Europe within the next 6 to 12 months. Consequently the availability of debt financing will improve continuously.
“In the midcap arena the deal flow hasn’t reached the pre-crisis level. Deal processes are getting more challenging as due diligence requirements from the financing banks getting more ambitious and matching price expectations is becoming more difficult. Consequently, time to signing is extended and parties are partially more reluctant to spend money or accept transaction cost exposure. Buyers are more selective and concentrating on deal situations where they believe that the respective industry knowledge is available, a specific angle can be created before hand and a clear concept of how to create value has been defined. “At the lower end of the market deal flow is very satisfactory and the volume is comparable to pre-crisis levels.” With the market for M&A services becoming increasingly global, Philipp describes how the company has positioned itself to address this global market and its far-reaching client base. “On the buy side Quadriga Capital is still focusing on the German speaking and neighboring countries for primary investments. However, Quadriga Capital supports its portfolio companies in their effort to further internationalize their businesses by funding addons or green field investment in primarily high growth regions, such as China. In the meantime Quadriga Capital has established a well-functioning network on the ground to assist the respective projects in these regions. “On the sell side we address the global market. Consequently Quadriga Capital is working with M&A advisors who have a strong global footprint or a sound presence in regions where the potential buyer’s universe is located.” Philipp has also noticed a demand for the firm’s services increasing over the last year. “In view of the challenging environment and the trend towards tailor made processes buyers are forced to do their homework early in advance. That means that one has to form a view on the industry, the mega trends and even to form an outside-in opinion on the value creations potential of an envisaged target. Furthermore, a pro-active approach of the shareholders and/or management or industry experts is recommendable in order to position the fund in an appropriate manner. “Overall, the comprehensive due diligence requirements lead to an intensive coordination of different advisors which last over a far longer timeframe than in the past.” At Quadriga, a lot of emphasis is placed on team culture, and Philipp explains more about these strong ethics. “Culture is very important for us. The team aims to stand for continuity, sustainability and com-
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
mitment to take care of our portfolio companies and the people involved. We are in a people business and pursue a long-term orientated investment approach which requires professionals with a full range of different talents and expertise, the team is key. Therefore, we carefully build up the team emphasizing on complementary expertise and personal skills. “Quadriga Capital is continuously working on its investment approach. Quadriga Capital is positioning itself as an industrial not as a financial investor. This philosophy requires the respective mindset and comprehensive skillset. Therefore
Quadriga Capital strives for further developing its industrial expertise whether internally or by adding external industry experts and institutionalizing the valueadd processes resulting in a sound platform to execute operational leverage.
Looking to the future, Philipp has specific goals in mind to ensure Quadriga’s continued success. “First of all Quadriga Capital has to continue investing in attractive midcap companies although the market environment is challenging and the visibility is limited. We have to permanently strive for excellence in order to meet the increased performance requirements of our investor base.” “Secondly, Quadriga Capital will focus on distributing capital to its investors. We believe that the M&A environment will further improve, especially as the debt markets are getting more liquid and corporates are keen on adding attractive targets to strengthen their core business further.” “We assume we will see more M&A activity over the next months. The more liquid debt markets will also encourage private equity companies to accelerate exits out of their portfolios. Overall the low interest rate environment will facilitate a more dynamic M&A market.”
Firm: Quadriga Capital Name: Philipp Jacobi Address: Hamburger Allee 4 60486 Frankfurt am Main T: +49 (69) 79 50 00 0 E: contact@quadriga-capital.de
The team aims to stand for continuity, sustainability and commitment to take care of our portfolio companies and the people involved.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Management Consultancy Firm of the Year - Texas
RICHARD TYLER®
I N T E R N A T I ON A L
Mr. Richard Tyler is the CEO of Richard Tyler International, Inc.®, the proud winner of this year’s Management Consultancy Firm of the Year award in Texas. Acquisition International had the pleasure of discussing the firm’s achievements with Richard himself. Keen to find out Richard’s reaction to the news, AI asked how it felt to win the award; “We are both extremely delighted and humbled by being named the “Management Consultancy Firm of the Year - Texas”. Acquisition International is a highly respected and acclaimed publication globally, so to receive their top honour is especially rewarding”
®
Richard Tyler International, Inc.® is one of the top training and consulting firms in the world; they have earned a reputation for delivering powerful educational programs and consulting services teaching success philosophies and techniques in such areas as Sales, Leadership, Management, Customer Service and Quality Improvement. With extensive experience ranging from Fortune 100 to business start-ups, Richard remarked “our team
can increase growth and sales for large corporations as well as, small to medium-sized businesses; we can help you to drive your business in a more profitable direction”. As for standing apart from the competition Richard acknowledged that the tremendous scope and depth of their expertise is crucial, “we understand all levels of business from the Global 100 to entrepreneurial start-ups and from private companies to taking a company public. We have worked in all of those areas. This wide-ranging expertise allows us to keep our fingers on the pulse of anything affecting the business markets and then use that knowledge to benefit all our clients”. When asked about the challenges of working in this economic climate, Richard stressed that “conditions have not negatively impacted us. Primarily because when I founded the company in 1989 rather than focus our efforts on becoming recognized as experts in a given industry sector such as retail, manufacturing, banking, information technology or categories such as furniture, beverages, services etc. as was recommended to me, I chose a different path. I looked at what every business had in common and what every business would need to be good at and then we focused our efforts to master those areas. Sales, Management, Leadership, Customer Service, Quality Improvement; these are the areas every company must always work to improve. They are the foundation of success in every business. Product knowledge or industry knowledge is the easiest knowledge to acquire so we can add that at any time we work in a new area, however the core expertise is the most difficult to acquire and you cannot add it quickly. Because our expertise is in the core principles we have never been hurt by economic changes, as most often those challenges are pegged to industries, sectors or geography and very very rarely affect them all. Also because we have done work is so many industries over the years our specific knowledge in most industries is very comprehensive.” Acquisition International understands that you have been recognized by a number of institutions for your recent achievements, what do these include?
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
“Along with this Award we have been blessed with a good bit of recognition in the past 12 months. Richard Tyler International, Inc.® was selected as the 2012 Best of Business Award by the Small Business Community Association. The Award recognizes Richard Tyler International, Inc.® as the “Best of Business” in the area of Management Consulting Services for Houston, TX. I was personally awarded the American Biographical Institute’s prestigious honor, MAN OF THE YEAR 2012 for distinctive accomplishments in my field. Being selected as a judge for the finals of the Newspring Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Business Nurturing’s Business Plan Competition held in conjunction with the Center for Entrepreneurship at Houston Community College (HCC) was a great distinction. “As a management consultancy firm, AI is keen to know how much emphasis is placed on team culture within your company. Richard commented that “we have equal emphasis on both the team culture and individual performance. I believe that too often so much emphasis is placed on the team that individual performances get lost or are even discouraged. To have a great organization you need both team and individual performances.” With that in mind, what are you and your team doing to ensure that 2013 is another successful year and that you win the award
in 2014? Do you have any specific goals or ambitions for the next 12 months? “We will continue to drive results based consulting and educating. We will continue to enter new markets espousing the core expertise I spoke of earlier while taking advantage of our proven ability to develop new services and products that provide synergistic solutions to clients”. In terms of new projects, “two of the most exciting are; we are developing technology based Apps that will allow our clients to have ready access to our expertise at the moment’s notice. Also, we are at the early stages of development of Academic curricula for Entrepreneurship, Sales, Leadership and Management that we will offer to Colleges and Universities for incorporation into their existing programs.” If they do not have programs in any or all of these areas and would like add proven, results oriented programs successfully time-tested over a quarter of a century, we can help them. Our curricula will allow Colleges and Universities to take advantage of the exploding entrepreneurial market and allow students to get “real life”, “on the streets” skills that will jump start their business goals.”
Firm: Richard Tyler International, Inc.® Name: Richard Tyler W: www.RichardTyler.com www.SalesImmersion.com E: Sales@RichardTyler.com T: +1.713.974.7214
Richard concludes with some sound advice “Remember, “Your success tomorrow is in direct proportion to your ‘Commitment to Excellence®’ today.”™
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year
Hugo Williamson is Managing Director at Risk Resolution Group (R2G). He talks to AI magazine about the firm and its recent achievement in being named UK Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year. Headquartered in London, and with offices in Hong Kong, R2G is a strategic intelligence research consultancy focused on supporting clients operating in emerging markets. R2G works across the value chain - providing the intelligence and analytical insight necessary to develop and refine new or existing strategies, understand and engage with new markets and industries, identify and scrutinize partners, and deploy business initiatives and mitigate associated risks. R2G conducts significant due diligence for its clients that ranges from compliance-driven screening to in-depth investigations into the reputational, political and operational backgrounds of key partners and investment targets. The firm also takes a more macro view, providing insight and analysis on broader market and industry factors such as geopolitical risk, regulatory reform, and industry trends and their impact on investment decisions. Managing Director Hugo Williamson describes how it felt to be awarded the prestigious accolade of UK Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year, as voted by readers of Acquisition International magazine. “We were naturally very pleased,” he enthuses. “R2G is focused on providing the very best service and support to our clients. As
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the markets have evolved, we have listened to their changing due diligence needs and have sought to innovate and tailor our services and support to align with this. This award is a real vindication of those efforts. These efforts have been particularly relevant in emerging markets, which is R2G’s core focus. R2G has sought to ensure that its staff all have first-hand experience living and working in the emerging world, and thus are familiar with the operational challenges that investors and business leaders have when dealing with these markets. This ensures that the firm is able to provide key and nuanced insights into local partners and industries with which our clients interact – be it during an M&A or private equity transaction, or when looking at new market opportunities or partners.” It is not hard to see why R2G clinched the award, seeing off stiff competition in the process. Hugo delves a little deeper into the firm’s pysche to explain what sets it apart from its competitors. “While R2G operates globally, its real focus is the emerging markets, with particular expertise in Africa and Asia. From its inception, R2G has focused on identifying the best possible local resources and intelligence assets that our in-house teams can draw on to deliver the insights necessary for our clients’ to succeed in the emerging markets. As our clients geographic and industry needs change, so we have striven to ensure we have the
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
on-the-ground capabilities to deliver the information they require, as quickly and affordably as possible. “At R2G we also take a strategic view on our clients’ needs and requirements, and take time at the front end of an engagement to really understand these. While the needs of many clients might appear similar, we are acutely aware that every firm has different drivers that ultimately result in them coming to R2G, and we seek to understand these so that our output is as specific as possible.” Recent economic conditions have provided a whole host of challenges to firms across the globe, causing them to adapt in order to meet the challenges posed head on. Hugo talks about how R2G adapted in order to not only survive, but succeed, in such financial turbulence. “As markets in the west have seen slowing growth rates, and clients look to the BRIC and wider emerging economies as sources of business opportunity, R2G has aligned itself with this shift through focusing our resources on these markets. The firm’s recent opening of an office in Hong Kong has consolidated our emerging market focus, placing a presence in the commercial heart of Asia. “Additionally, the changing economic conditions have resulted in changes in the needs of our clients. We have noticed a far larger need for compliance-driven due diligence support – particularly as the UK Bribery Act has come into force and the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission in the US have tightened their FCPA requirements for firms operating globally. We have sought to segment our due diligence offerings to cater for these varied needs – from third party Anti Bribery Compliance (ABC) screening, to higher level investigating of higher risk partners, to full strategic due diligence for clients engaging in major transactions that require full visibility on a far broader range of risks ahead of proceeding in their deal. “The recent shudders in markets across the emerging world, notably Asia, reflect the continual volatility investors and senior managers face. The need for insightful and informed local knowledge and analysis has never been more important, and R2G has sought to deliver this insight, helping clients mitigate the challenges of these markets and allowing them to be more comfortable in focusing on their business opportunities. “M&A transactions are undoubtedly lower than pre-2008 levels. But interestingly, more and more clients are coming to us with either deals on the table or opportunities that they need greater insight on. The lower volume of deals means that greater scrutiny needs to be made of each individual transaction to ensure the maximum value is delivered, and R2G has worked hard to help clients ensure they pick the right opportunities and mitigate associated risks.” As Hugo highlights, R2G has successfully delivered some noteworthy projects in the last 12 months. “In terms of our work for clients needing visibility and insights into local partners, we recently completed a major strategic due diligence for a western listed oil company looking at opportunities in Myanmar. The work required a detailed assessment of the local partner, in particular understanding political and military ties as well as looking at the wider industry, the ongoing reform process and broader macro issues.
“We have also worked for a South Africa based fund looking at major opportunities in Nigeria. R2G staff on the ground in Lagos spent three weeks speaking with sources to gain specific visibility on the deal and the wider issues of concern to the client. “In addition, we have also worked for clients seeking to gain a better understanding of the nuances and dynamics of a core industry of interest. Recently, for example, we completed a project for an Asian-based non-profit seeking to understanding changing trends in the higher education sector across Asia. The industry report involved speaking with high level stakeholders in a range of countries, analyzing policy trends and shifts, and making conclusions on the future direction of the sector as a whole and providing individual national policy recommendations.” As Hugo notes, there have been a few significant events which have taken place over the past year which have had an impact on business for the firm, “The UK Bribery Act/US guidance on FCPA has seen clients become more aware of the risks associated with engaging with third parties both abroad and at home, and of the need for clear visibility on the backgrounds, track records and reputations of these partners. This has also forced clients to develop ABC (Anti Bribery Compliance) policies, and R2G has worked with a number of clients to help them build a system for compliance and then execute this.
Firm: Risk Resolution Group (R2G) Name: Hugo Williamson Address: 67 Grosvenor St, London, W1K 3JN, UK Website: www.riskresolutiongroup.com Email: hwilliamson@ riskresolutiongroup.com T: +44 (0) 207 0799255
“Then there is Africa’s growth. Much has been made of stabilizing political conditions and associated rising growth rates across the continent. With the notable new extractive opportunities in frontier markets such as Mozambique and throughout east Africa, this has raised the profile of the continent. However significant challenges remain – political and social uncertainty and complex elections in some key regional nations such as South Africa, Kenya and to a much larger degree Egypt have been a cause for concern, and while economic growth in many nations is impressive, the low start rate has distorted some of the associated figures. Corruption too remains a challenge that many of our clients have found themselves continually facing. At R2G we have worked to try and give real visibility to these challenges so that investors can make the most informed choices. This has seen us seeking to understand full ownership of partners, stress test their business and political relationships, and provide wider context on the industry so that the best possible decisions can be made. “In Asia, we have also seen a growing demand for work. While the China and India story is well known, the ongoing reform process in Myanmar has focused a lot of recent attention on South East Asia. However while many of the opportunities in Myanmar are yet to be realised, in Indonesia, a developed and far larger market with an abundance of natural resources, there has been a lot of M&A interest in the last 12 months, and R2G has been active in the agribusiness, extractives, renewables, retail and construction sectors.” Hugo has some predictions regarding the next 12 months for the industry, and for the firm too. “The next 12 months look set to be an interesting period in the M&A space. As capital flows begin to pick up and growth returns in western markets, so the appetite for bigger investments is likely to increase. We are responsive to this and will strive to offer our clients the best possible information, insights and analysis to ensure they are well placed to maximize these opportunities.”
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Leading Adviser of the Year - Direct Optik AB
Neil Worsley is Managing Partner at Convex Capital LLP. The company was recently voted UK Leading Adviser of the Year by Acquisition International magazine. Neil tells us how the company is geared for future success. Please provide a brief professional background to Convex Capital.
Competing interest included companies in France, USA and the Far East.
We advise entrepreneurs on how to maximise and realise the value of the equity in their business. How?
I think that provides a flavour of just how small the world has become.
We like to think differently, when you find yourself following conventional wisdom it’s time to think twice. You can win big by seeing things others daren’t. We know that a deal is a game of incomplete information, it’s not chess it’s poker.
Has the demand for your services increased over the last year? If so, to what would you attribute this increase and how have you responded?
We never make assumptions, it’s better to find out than suppose. We believe that success in almost all pursuits involves a deep understanding of people, often in terms of competition and cooperation.
Our pipeline of prospects and the number of live transactions has increased by more than 50% when compared to this time last year.
We believe opportunity lies in the future not in the past. We believe strategy and tactics are paramount, we don’t like process and embrace serendipity.
Overall levels of client confidence appears to higher, which is encouraging shareholders to explore their options. It’s also worth remembering that not all sectors are struggling. We actively seek growing businesses in growing markets, as these businesses will all be desirable to investors and acquirers.
How does your Convex Capital distinguish itself from its competitors?
Congratulations on being awarded UK Leading Adviser of the Year. What was your reaction to winning the award?
We are creative: everything we do is bespoke, tailored to a set of unique circumstances. Everything we do is the best it can possibly be. Our Information Memoranda are famous for creativity, originality and impact. Buyers and investors anticipate receiving a Convex document.
I am delighted to receive external recognition for the results we have achieved. The past 12 months has seen Convex close a number of cross-border transactions, all with stellar results.
We are focused: this is what we do, this is all we do. There is no competition for resources, our focus is on our clients 100% of the time. As Partners we have individually built and sold businesses, we know a whole lot more than just the numbers. Our Partners and all of the Team like to take a personal responsibility for our part in our client’s success. The market for M&A services is increasingly global – how has Convex Capital positioned itself to address this global market and how far reaching is your client base? In the past 12 months all of transactions have involved buyers and investors from outside the UK. Our analysts undertake global research projects on every deal to identify the very best suitors for our clients, wherever they may be in the world.
Name: Neil Worsley Firm: Convex Capital LLP Address: Bass Warehouse, Castle Street, Manchester, M3 4LZ W: www.convexcap.com E: nw@convexcap.com T: 0161 819 2500
The most important measure for me is that our clients are so delighted with the outcome that they naturally become friends for life. How much emphasis is placed on team culture within your company? Our team is everything. We believe in incentives. Everyone here is remunerated according to his or her performance. If we don’t achieve what our clients want . . . .we don’t get paid. We create our own luck, the good player gets lucky more often than the bad player. What are you and your team doing to ensure that 2013 is another successful year and that you win the award in 2014? Redoubling efforts in every area of our business. We can’t be complacent. Resting on our laurels is not a core value at Convex.
This award winning transaction involved selling our Swedish based client to a Dutch based acquirer.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Business Due Diligence Firm of the Year - UAE
Europe’s Horse Meat Scandal Raises Questions About Integrity of Corporate Supply Chain
Zafar I. Anjum, MBCI Group Chief Executive Officer at Corporate Research and Investigations LLC, explains how the recent scandal in Europe over horse meat in food products that were purchased by consumers believing they were 100% beef has turned a spotlight on the importance of oversight in the corporate supply chain. The scandal began in January 2013 when Irish authorities found traces of horse DNA in “value” frozen beef burgers made by processors in Ireland and Britain and sold in Tesco, Aldi and other major supermarkets across Europe. Further testing also showed the presence of pig DNA in the beef samples. According to reports, the products originated from Liffey Meats and Silvercrest Foods in Ireland, and the Dalepak Hambleton food processing plant in the UK. Trace amounts of horse DNA were also found in raw ingredients imported from Spain and the Netherlands. Ironically, the scandal posed no real threat to human health. But it breached many cultural taboos related to eating horse and pork, and has raised a firestorm of questions and concerns over the integrity of the food system on the Continent and the security of food supply chains.
Name: Zafar I. Anjum, CFE, CIS, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) Firm: Corporate Research and Investigations LLC Address: Corporate Research and Investigations LLC, 904, Liberty House, DIFC, PO Box 111794, Dubai, UAE W: www.crigroup.com E: zanjum@crigroup.com T: +971 4 3589884
The ensuing media storm has supermarket chains across Europe facing a wave of criticism. As a result, those operators were forced to pull millions of beef products from their shelves that were thought to contain horse meat. With politicians, food standards agency officials and the public demanding protection against food fraud, the industry’s meat retailers, suppliers and supermarkets have all suffered reputational harm and widespread financial losses. Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, saw its market value plunge more than one percent, or £300m, in one day after it removed 21 lines of its frozen burgers from 3,000 British supermarkets. The operator of more than 6,000 stores worldwide has since worked feverishly to repair its damaged image by heavily promoting measures to better track its supply chain and ensure quality in its products. Impact The scandal revealed a major breakdown in the traceability of the food supply chain, and exposed a web of fraud practiced by several food processors that took advantage of the supply chain for their own financial gain. According to sources close to this scandal, a growing global economy has enabled the food industry to source its products worldwide, which has added to the sophistication of the industry and increased the complexity of the supply chain. Because of these factors, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to monitor what goes into products. Moreover, a stressed worldwide economy has forced organizations to take extreme measures and look beyond borders for cheap labor and more effective ways to preserve the bottom line. Because the supply chain has so many layers, it’s become increasingly difficult for even cash-rich companies such as Tesco to identify, monitor and secure their sources. Silvercrest, one of Tesco’s producers, defended itself by commenting, “Silvercrest has never purchased or traded in equine product and has launched a full-scale investigation into two continental European third party suppliers who are the suspected source.” Tesco has since dropped Silvercrest as a supplier. That move was closely followed by several well-known food retailers and wholesalers through Europe, including Burger King, which owns more than 500 fast food restaurants. Fraud has always been a mitigating factor in the corporate supply chain. And it’s no different in the food industry. It is estimated that fraud accounts for as much as 10% of food sales, with common examples including Vietnamese catfish being passed off as cod, ordinary olive oil as extra virgin and vegetable fat as mozzarella cheese.
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While the blame for the horse meat crisis may lie in part with lower-level suppliers and mislabeling fraud, the scandal has nonetheless shone an unflattering light on the industry’s supply chains. For their part, the retailers are owning up to the fact that they may not be as diligent in as was once thought. Tesco admitted to its lack of knowledge that one of its suppliers had been purchasing meat over the past year from an unapproved third-party Polish supplier. According to a statement made by one of Tesco’s directors, “It was impossible to check the supplier in Poland - we didn’t know it existed.” Managing Your Supply Chain The only viable way for companies to stay competitive in this global marketplace is to rely on its supply chain network. It’s the responsibility of the organization to ensure that its web of suppliers is reliable and trustworthy. To ensure your suppliers’ values are in line with those of your business, it’s vital that you put in place an effective supply chain management system. Here are several recommendations to support your supply chain management system. Review Your Supply Chain. Launch a traceability audit with suppliers to document where your products are coming from. Every level of your supply chain should be reviewed, scrutinized and accredited. Ask yourself if your suppliers are conducting business in a way that conforms with your core values, and producing product that meets your requirements. A long supply chain means limited control over what you are producing, so consider the alternatives to your present suppliers and look into simpler ways to produce your product. Conduct Your Own Quality Tests. Conduct factory audits on all suppliers in your supply chain before placing that first order. Ensure that every supplier conforms to your quality levels and are adhering to strict product specifications. Those audits will come in handy should any risk issues arise down the road. Maintain a Policy of Transparency. To instill confidence within your customer base, be as transparent as possible about your suppliers, producers and operations. The more information your customers have, and the more transparency there is in your corporate supply chain, the harder it will be to be taken by an unscrupulous supplier. Communication is Key. An internal communications system engages with your workers. Workers typically have first-hand knowledge of production issues, and a communications system that enables them to provide input gives employees a chance to voice their concerns before the situation builds. Look to the Industry for Support. As a result of the horse meat scandal, supermarket retailers across Europe were all impacted by the acts of a few third-party meat processors. It’s important that trade partners share information on suppliers and utilize industry-sourced databases for the latest information and updates, so that red flags can be raised to identify undesirable suppliers. Employ Independent Consultants. Using outside advisers who are impartial to the industry, your customers and your suppliers will add a degree of credibility and transparency to your management program. Such advisers are knowledgeable at conducting thorough due diligence investigations that can expose undetected risks in third-party supplier relationships, while acting as an outside set of eyes to review your policies and procedures and detect any security breaches that could potentially harm your organization. Any viable supply chain relies on a certain degree of trust between all parties involved. It’s only through the use of a well designed supply chain management system that the level of trust shared between parties will mature and grow stronger.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Global M&A Platform of the Year
Martin Coninx is Managing Director of Dealgate Ltd, based in Switzerland. Recently, Dealgate was awarded Global M&A Platform of the Year, as voted by readers of AI magazine. Dealgate is a global deal matching platform. “We provide a closed and secure environment where our members exchange divestment and acquisition profiles, as well as enterprise financing,” comments Managing Director Martin Coninx. “Our members can post their opportunities anonymously, allowing for absolute discretion. Other Dealgate members might have access to potential targets or buyers beyond your research or network. This dramatically increases your chances of finding the perfect match.”
Name: Martin Coninx Firm: Dealgate Ltd Address: Im Ebnet 8, CH-8700, KuesnachtZurich (Switzerland) W: www.dealgate.com E: coninx@dealgate.com T: +41 79 403 22 27
Martin continues to explain how the firm distinguishes itself from the competition in its jurisdiction. “We collect deals from all over the world collaborating with our exclusive, trusted area sales partners country by country to peak our current and potential members` interest and satisfy their concerns. As we don`t focus on the big players only, potential buyers, sellers, financiers and finance seekers can find unique deals in all industries and build up a good business network through our platform using one-toone communication.” Recent economic turbulence has brought many challenges to the table, however Dealgate was able to adapt to these conditions by introducing an easy-to-handle layout, with more favourable pricing, in order to make the platform available for all business professionals. Martin explains further how the company has positioned itself to address the global market. “The advent of Internet has changed the world and impacted the M&A industry. As www.dealgate.com is a global online media product, our platform is available for every professional in M&A: M&A advisors, investors, investment bankers, corporate M&A departments, family offices, venture capital firms, business owners, private equity firms, directors & managers. Our Dealgate platform is growing by 30% per quarter.” In 2012 global M&A decreased 2.5 % by value as compared with 2011. This represents a 41 % fall as compared with pre-financial crisis level. The volume of M&A deals fell 4.3 % from 2011. However in Q4 overall deal volume and value picked up, by 4% and 25% after low activity levels in Q3 2012. Confidence in M&A is slowly beginning to return. “We are getting more and more requests for memberships from North America and Asia Pacific,” says Martin. “The global fall in M&A in 2012 shows reduced activity levels in Latin America and Europe and significant increase in North America and Asia Pa-
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cific. In 2013 Asia Pacific continues to increase, new players are entering the M&A market.” In particular, Dealgate has had a very successful year to date, with achievements including: -
more and more area sales partners
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a winner of the 5th Annual International M&A Awards announced on 13th May at The New York Athletic Club
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new easy to use website layout
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introduction of a new service “financing for enterprises”
Demand for Dealgate’s services has increased over the last year, with more and more M&A professionals becoming interested in the ‘across-the-board’ concept, and Martin has predictions on how to keep the success levels up for the forthcoming 12 months. “In the globalised M&A business, networks are playing an increasingly important role; online networking businesses are getting stronger and stronger, we believe that the online M&A activity will rise up and more complex M&A services will appear with integrated M&A solutions.” “Our goal is to create an up-to-date, deal focused global data feed which accelerates the deal process, gives complete picture of on-going M&A by approaching all significant players in the industry.” “We ensure our current and potential members that every time they log in or receive our opportunity digests; they will find unique and attractive opportunities from all around the world thanks to our trusted area sales partners. Increasing number of deals and members will show the right path for our business.” Martin and his team at Dealgate were thrilled to win the Global M&A Platform of the Year award, and Martin attributes this achievement to having a fantastic team culture. “We believe that the success of the individual depends on the success of team. As our teams work from different countries, it is important to set our goals together, gather in one place to do workshops, brainstorming, establish new ways to be creative and co-operate more efficient to highlight the team’s dynamics.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Turkish Vendor Due Diligence Provider of the Year
Demet Ozdemir is a partner in Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Services in Turkey. Ernst & Young (EY) is a global organization operating through 167,000 people in 150 countries. The firm provides services in Assurance, Advisory, Tax, Transaction Advisory. Within this huge organization, Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) in Turkey operates through 60 professionals specialized in different business lines such as Transaction Services, Mergers & Acquisitions, Valuation and Business Modeling, Project Finance / Capital Debt Advisory and Real Estate Advisory. Demet comments: “Considering our number of people, variety of service offerings and clients, we are one of the largest transaction advisory firms in Turkey.
Name: Demet Ozdemir Firm: Ersnt & Young Turkey Address: Büyükdere Cad. Beytem Plaza No:20 Kat:3 Sisli / Istanbul W: www.ey.com/tr E: demet.ozdemir@tr.ey.com T: +90 212 315 3000
“EY is a truly global company with a clear vision in mind and global empowering the local offices,” comments Demet, explain how the firm sets itself aside from the competition. “We are always committed to doing its part in building a better working world. The insights and quality services we deliver help us to build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies all over the world. It is very important for us to have establish teams including people with energy, enthusiasm, specialization and the courage to lead who demonstrate integrity, respect, and teaming and build relationships based on doing the right thing.” Despite being partially affected by the challenging current economic conditions, the Turkish economy is the 17th largest economy in the world, with a considerable annual growth rate, hence continues to be a safe haven for investors. Demet commented further on M&A market as. “We have observed a growing M&A trend in Turkish market over the recent years. The investment potential of Turkey attracted the interest of new strategic and financial investors from all over the world, USA and Continental Europe coupled with new investors from Middle East and Far East. Thus, we have adapted the current market conditions through offering diversified services to a wide range of clients. “Besides the traditional transaction advisory services such as due diligence, M&A and valuation services, we as a global organization have a focus on new and innovative service offerings and thus increased our presence in project finance / capital debt advisory services, restructuring, real estate transaction services in addition to our traditional service offerings.” Demet stated that the last 12 months has been one of the best years for EY TAS, as the firm was involved in many of the largest and most critical transactions of Turkey, either advising the buyside or the sellside, or even both in certain transactions, with different teams in place. “We believe we truly understand our clients and meet and even exceed their expectations, by utilizing long last presence of 15
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years and our industry specific experience, as well as our global standing,” she enthused. As examples of the firm’s involvement in “the” transactions of the last 12 months; Demet highlighted the transactions in the following: Tekfenbank (banking), Mustafa Nevzat(pharmaceuticals), Enerjisa (energy), Kraft - Salted Snacks Business (consumer products), YKM (retail), Akdeniz Kimya (industrial products), and Turkent, KFC & Pizza Hut Turkey (consumer products). “Especially from the sell side advisory point of view, we provided a variety of services from standard VDD services to dataroom assistance based on our well understanding of our clients’ needs combined with our wide expertise,” continued Demet. “Futhermore, we benefited significantly from our global edge and sector specific approach which has been highly appreciated by our clients and targets during their journey which resulted in success. “Based on our clients surveys, we receive feedbacks as bringing in the best team, enabling the smooth running of the process and providing the trust and comfort for them when we are on board.” Turkey’s attractiveness for investors has been increasing in the last 10 years, as Demet explains: “Among the Central and South Eastern European countries, Turkey became the leader in terms of both the number and the value of the M&A transactions in 2012. The political and economic stability combined with Turkey’s growth potential and positive economic indicators increased Turkey’s attractiveness in terms of M&A transactions in the recent years. Furthermore, we started to see outbound transactions completed by the Turkish companies, some of, which we are asked to support again.” As a result of the firm’s valuable experience and credentials in many industries, and the growing interest in the Turkish market, Demet has observed a continuously increasing demand for the company’s services in the recent years. “Since 2005, the sellside services and their value added nature were recognized in the market and this segment has grown rapidly in Turkey,” she says. “We have responded this demand through expanding our team, increasing our experience and diversifying our sell side services. Currently, we not only produce VDD services but also offer customized sell-side support services that involve goal-directed processes. Also, we put emphasis on the sector specialization in order to create deeper experience to respond clients’ needs. Last point on this which I believe is even more crucial is that, we are part of a closely working global/EMEIA sell side team that enables us to provide service quality at a global level.” Demet has predictions for the next 12 months with regards to M&A activity, as she comments: “Based on 2012 EY Survey on Turkey’s attractiveness, the foreign investors has an increasing trust in Turkish economy and they are planning to make new investments or broaden their existing investments in Turkey. After the recent increases in the Country credit ratings, the confidence of investors and attractiveness of the investments in Turkey has risen. Also taking into consideration the growth potential of Turkish M&A market, we expect more foreign direct investments and M&A deals to increase both in numbers and in volumes. The main investments are expected to take place in various sectors including retail, consumer products, infrastructure, etc. Following the potential innovation policies and subsidies, the R&D and technology sector is also anticipated to grow besides the growth expectation in logistics sector due to the strategic geographic position of Turkey. Moreover, Turkish companies are within the focus of private equity funds whose investments in Turkey are expected to increase up to 2 billion dollars in 2013. Being one of the market leading transaction advisory services of Big Four and having a great expertise in sell side and buy side transaction services, we believe we will grow in all business lines and increase our market share in the market.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Dealmaker of the Year - Eko Electricity Distribution Company George Etomi is the Principal Partner of George Etomi & Partners. George Etomi & Partners was established in 1984 and has rapidly grown to become one of the foremost commercial law firms in Nigeria. The firm has an international reach and a leading reputation for offering pioneering business solutions to our clients. “We have keenly advised both local and international clients for 26 years and have thus been involved in a variety of deals,” said Mr Etomi. “We have represented and continue to represent clients in market-leading transactions in Nigeria and globally.” The core practice areas of the firm include Arbitration and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, Aviation Law, Banking and Finance, Capital Market, Consultancy, Corporate Restructuring, Energy and Natural Resources, Government and Regulatory, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Maritime, Property, Research , Telecommunication. Mr Etomi stated that the firm distinguishes itself from its competitors “by providing timely, qualitative value added legal solutions to our clients’ business needs”. He continued: “We adopt a constructive, creative and commercial approach to the different problems of our clients, at the same time offering constructive advice and facilitating the development of their business. “Team culture plays a significant role within the firm and also forms part of the firm’s values.” Recent highlights for the firm include the successful handling of: • the Nigerian end of the United Airlines/Continental Airlines merger to form the world’s largest airline; • all legal aspects of FinBank Plc’s merger with FCMB in Nigeria
The firm is currently handling the legal modalities of the privatisation process of the successor companies to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN); The firm recently advised West Power & Gas Limited (WPGL) on its US$135 million acquisition of Eko Electricity Distribution Company from the Bureau of Public Enterprise and the Nigerian Ministry of Finance. The acquisition by WPGL was signed on Thursday 21 February 2013. Nigeria’s power sector privatisation involved the sale of 11 distribution companies and six generation companies. George Etomi & Partners advised on all aspects of the transaction, the acquisition and shareholder agreements. The firm will continue to provide legal advice on the power agreements and financings. WPGL was also advised by Africapital Management Limited and Global Emerging Markets (financial and transaction advisory), Norton Rose (Foreign Legal) and Sohn Associates (Technical). Mr Etomi, speaking on the on-going power reform exercise, commented: “The invitation for the private sector to participate in the power sector reform is without doubt a paradigm shift. If successful, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be, it would account for a boost to the Nigerian economy and hold out hope for a better future to succeeding generations. It deserves all our support.” He concluded: “M&A transactions have increased significantly over the past year, especially in light of the proposed ongoing reform activities currently taking place in the power sector in Nigeria.”
Name: George Etomi Firm: George Etomi & Partners Address: 1B Professor Tiamiyu Belo-Osagie Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria W: www.geplaw.com E: info@geplaw.com george@geplaw.com P: +234(01) 4619877, 4619878, 4621660
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
M&A Law Firm of the Year - Senegal
Mouhamed KEBE is the Managing Partner of GENI & KEBE SCP. GENI & KEBE was founded in 1912 and began acting as a legal adviser firm for foreign embassies and companies. From then to now on, it remains the premier destination law services firm for national and foreign companies, institutions and individuals in Senegal and the Francophone African Region. Chambers Global praises the firm’s ‘’high quality advice and ability to handle pan-African corporate transactions’’ and acknowledge it as ’’ one of Senegal’s premier firms thanks to its international approach and high standard of work.’’ “Our main strength is that we are whilst we are based and working in a francophone region, we are very familiar with many legal systems,” said Mr Kebe. “Most of the members of our teams are graduated both in Senegal and in well distinguished universities based in Europe (UK, France, Switzerland).”
Name: Mouhamed KEBE Firm: GENI & KEBE Address: 47, BD. Republique, DAKAR, SENEGAL W: www.gsklaw.sn E: mhkebe@gsklaw.sn T: +221 338 211 916/ 221 339 575 850
The firm advises both on transactions and dispute resolution and have affiliate offices in nine African francophone countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal. This eliminates the need for the firm’s clients to seek lawyers in these countries. “In addition, we have been in the market place for over 100 years; this brings a lot of expertise,” he added. Mr Kebe explained that the firm’s position as a regional firm in the West and Central African marketplace resides on the fact that it has, for several decades, been part of many transactions involving international corporates that invested in the region. “Having accompanied them for a so long period in several countries of the region have made our reputation as ‘a global firm that can handle perfectly pan African corporate transactions’,” continued Mr Kebe. “We have reinforced this position by teaming up with domestic law firms in nine African countries from the OHADA legal system.” GENI & KEBE has a number of achievements in 2012, including advising SODRUGESTVO, a company based in Luxembourg, on its acquisition of COPELIT, a Senegalese company active in fisheries. The firm is currently advising an Indian company on an acquisition of a mining company in Cameroon. Discussing the last 12 months in M&A, Mr Kebe commented: “The trend seems growing; what is also relevant is that the merger market between companies based in the same region (Africa) is developing on a rapid pace.” He noted that the Senegalese government is seeking to make an audit of the mining industry and to investigate how licenses have been issued. “This has impacted to a certain extent the sector; the actors being a little bit upset on how this project will be conducted,” he observed.
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GENI & KEBE has witnessed an increase in the demand for legal services over the last year. Mr Kebe attributes this to the current interest in the African market. “Africa has become an important market and African lawyers are more and more familiar with international transactions,” he explained. “The upshot is that they attract a lot of queries coming either from their colleagues based in other regions or directly from the investors.” Looking ahead in 2013 and to 2014, Mr Kebe stated that the firm will focus on reinforcing the quality of its services and make every effort to meet its clients’ needs. He cited the firm’s motto, which is “to always serve better services”. “We’re investing a lot in training and networking. We are also deep rooted to our legal systems and culture. These are critical to be successful, and we hope that they will bear fruit in 2014,” he enthused. “Our specific ambition is to be always amongst the best law firms serving rule of law and investment in our region,” he added. Given the current trends in Africa, where 12 of the 20 faster growing economies in 2014 will be based, GENI & KEBE predict that the M&A market will be booming in the region. “Indeed, we expect to play a key role in the upcoming transactions in light of our reputation and our expertise in the sector.” In conclusion, Mr Kebe offered the following advice to the other nominees for the award: “Keep working hard and try to provide to the clients the best services.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Strategic Portfolio Development Firm of the Year
Matthew Dixon is the Head of Engineering and Physics at Harrison Goddard Foote LLP. HGF is the fastest-growing full-service IP firm in the UK. Over the last 18 years, HGF has grown from a start-up to become one of the largest firms in the country. The firm’s mix of patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys and specialist IP solicitors allows it to service clients right from the inception of ideas to the enforcement of their intellectual property rights. “A significant proportion of our partners and attorneys have been recruited from industry, which means that they have real experience of the commercial realities of IP development and exploitation,” said Mr Dixon. “This experience permeates the firm and makes our advice to clients both strategic and practical. We are also one of the very few firms in the UK that provides both prosecution and litigation and licensing services with a specialist team of IP solicitors. This means that at each stage of IP development a full-service team is available to provide holistic advice.
Name: Matthew Dixon Firm: Harrison Goddard Foote LLP Address: 140 London Wall, London EC2Y 5DN W: www.hgf.com E: mdixon@hgf.com P: 020 7776 5100
“We have always aimed to understand our clients’ businesses and provide our services in a way that matches their commercial needs. When trading is tough, companies need to get the maximum bang for their IP buck and we have learnt to accommodate that, through predictive pricing and a focus on doing what really matters to the business at an appropriate cost. “We were delighted to be recognised for our contribution to strategic portfolio development. We have received awards for the quality of our legal advice in the IP field, but we believe our strategic advice really sets us apart from the competition, so to have that recognised is great.” About 50% of HGF’s work is domestic and about 50% is international, particularly in the US and Asia. The firm acts directly for clients across the globe, but specialising in advice on the European IP position. “We ensure that our people are regularly on the ground in these markets making direct personal contact with those that will require our services in due course,” continued Mr Dixon. The firm’s latest high profile case was the revocation of Glaxo’s patent for their Malarone anti-malaria drug, enabling HGF’s client, Glenmark Generics, to enter the European market. The firm has also seen increasing success at the European Patent Office in opposition and appeal proceedings in business-critical cases for its blue chip clients. “Overall, our achievement is to continue to grow our business by satisfying existing and new clients in a challenging market,” enthused Mr Dixon. From the firm’s perspective, it seems clear that the trend in IPrelated M&As is to dive much deeper in to the IP portfolios during due diligence and beforehand. Mr Dixon noted that, in the past, IP due diligence has often meant simply confirming that the rights are in force and are owned by the target company.
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“More and more acquirers want to know that the IP that they are buying has the commercial scope that they need. For example, a greater proportion of deals will include discussions and negotiation around the scope of patent claims, not just the existence of the patents,” he explained. Discussing the most significant recent events, Mr Dixon noted that, in the UK, the introduction of the Patent box regime fo reduced corporation tax on profits from patented products has meant that many companies are giving more consideration to the IP strategy, motivated initially by reducing their tax bill. “Our BOX CLEVER product, which provides a straightforward, fixed-price option for obtaining the necessary UK patents has been particularly well received,” he added. While Mr Dixon believes that it is difficult to judge whether there has been an increase in M&A transactions overall, the firm is certainly seeing more deals where the quality – not just the quantity – of the IP portfolio is becoming a key part of the deal. “Over the last year we have seen unprecedented demand for IP advice. It seems that IP strategy is moving up the management agenda,” he observed. “In the past, in many companies patent portfolios, for example, have been managed by administrative teams, with no real interest at board level unless problems arise. Nowadays, even outside the pharmaceutical industry, IP development and management has become a strategic issue for a large proportion of mainstream businesses. With the IP strategy drive coming down from the boardroom, we have seen much more activity by companies in this field.” With nine offices throughout the UK, HGF has to work hard to maintain a team culture across the business. The firm’s aim is to provide a consistent service across the entire organisation, wherever the particular attorney or client may be located. “We do this with six national sector teams that have members in each of our offices. The business is managed through the sector team and we invest heavily in the team consistency and communication,” added Mr Dixon. “In 2013, we aim to bring more market focus to the strategic offerings that we provide that go beyond the standard services provided by patent and trade mark attorneys and IP solicitors. The more new clients that sample our services the more appreciation there is of their value; in the end, the proof of the value of our services is in the satisfaction of our clients. “Over the next 12 months, I would really like to see our role as IP litigators increase in the marketplace. We have a number of potentially high profile cases that we expect to break this year,” he concluded.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Long Term Value Investor of the Year
Torben Luth is Partner at JZ International. He talks to AI magazine about winning the UK Long Term Value Investor of the Year award. Torben gives a brief professional background to JZ International. “JZ International’s founders can trace their background back to the early 1980s when they started investing their personal capital in small and mdi-size family owned companies,” he explains. “Since then they have been involved in over 300 transactions across the globe. The key in every transaction has and is the individuals who will manage the company on a day-to-day basis. In a majority of cases this will be the entrepreneur or the founders family.
Name: Torben Luth Firm: JZ International Address: 17 a Curzon St, London W: www.jzieurope.com E: Torben@jzieurope.com
“JZ Internationals team will before and after the transaction spend considerable time with the management teams of the target companies creating and executing the strategy which will take the target company to the next level of its development. JZ International will then provide the capital to carry out such strategy as well as help in all the phases of the strategy but always allowing the management team to be in control as JZ International believe that the management team is the best positioned to make the target successful.” The recent economic turbulence experienced globally has been beneficial to JZ International, as the firm has experienced an increase in deal volume since the crisis began. Torben explains: “As JZ International invests its own funds we are not dependent on financing for our deals. Not only are we able to complete deals where others cannot due to lack of leverage, but we also feel that the current economic conditions have separated great companies and superior management teams from the not so great companies and management teams.” Over the last 12 months, JZ International has seen an increase in owners looking for a partner to help them grow their business. “We feel that the market has turned from a seller looking to maximize his exit price to a strategy of who can help me take my company to the next level,” embellishes Torben. “At JZ International we pride ourselves on our track record of helping our portfolio companies to become market leaders in their industry.
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“The current market insecurities have made a majority of the clients of our portfolio companies more focused on who they do business with rather than the cost of the product and or service,” he continues. “Our portfolio companies have been able to present themselves as having a stable long term owner in JZ International and thus a solid choice as a supplier.” Team culture is key at JZ International, and Torben believes it played a huge part in helping the firm clinch the award of UK Long-term Value Investor of the Year, as voted by AI readers. “As our philosophy is to be long term investors the team of JZ International must also be a long term team. The key partners have worked together for over 20 years. “The rewards reflect JZ International commitment to support small and mid-size businesses grow into key players in their sector.” JZ International continues to be opportunistic looking for great entrepreneurs who could use a strong partner to grow their business. “JZ international is in a unique position of being able to invest long term capital without an end date. The type of deal done by JZ International is not applicable to every business being sold, often the type of business JZ International invest in is one where the owner is not considering a sale but rather looking for a way to expand his business. Hence JZ International key priority is to help the intermediary community understand the alternative JZ International offers in the market. “The advantages of being able to invest in a company without worrying about an end date for the investment is tremendous. It allows the entrepreneuras well as JZ International to focus on how to grow a company for the long term thus generating superior long term returns. The pressure to constantly look for divesting is a significant hamper on growth.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Licensing Law Firm of the Year - China
Kangxin is this year’s winner of the Licensing Law Firm of the Year award in China. A.I. recently caught up with Samson G. Yu to discuss the award and to find out more about the company. Kangxin Partners, P.C. is one of China’s leading Intellectual Property Law Firms, and the recipient of Managing Intellectual Property’s “China Prosecution Firm of the Year.” This award reflects Kangxin’s progressive view toward the domestic and international markets, and demonstrates our commitment to intellectual property attainment and protection worldwide. Kangxin was founded in 1994, implementing a paradigm different than most in China. Instead of focusing solely on agency work, willingly accepting foreign inbound projects, Kangxin streamlined its resources toward domestic investment. Although working to build domestic Chinese clientele was certainly not the easy route, Kangxin’s vision and foresight built a solid foothold as one of the most prestigious firms in the People’s Republic of China. As China continued to grow and emerge as a global economic powerhouse, Kangxin worked to bring Foreign and Chinese companies together. The firm is an active member of China’s Technology Transfer Center, and consistently assists Chinese and Foreign clients realize their IP and business goals. While both parties certainly seek legal counsel in getting a deal through, often the most challenging aspect is the difference in business culture. It is of utmost important that both parties feel comfortable and confident in their undertaking prior to finalization. Bridging the ominous cultural gap is one of the areas where Kangxin excels. As business becomes more and more global, we have found it imperative to be in two places at once. It is increasingly clear that maintaining a strong domestic client base is of utmost importance, yet informing foreign colleagues and companies about the benefits and challenges in China is paramount. To this end we have taken great effort to spread our wings and do all we can to contribute to the profession, globally. Annually we attend numerous conferences and host events with the goal of educating, informing and bringing parties together. Although in recent years companies have tightened their belts and fiscal spending has decreased dramatically, we have seen an increase in motivation to “get the deal done in China.” It seems to us that while markets are struggling worldwide, China seems to have dodged the proverbial bullet as growth continues to increase. The deals aren’t necessarily going away, rather companies are getting smarter and working to streamline their resources while implementing their goals. Over the past twelve months we’ve witnessed the trends turn toward outbound China investment. China is looking to utilize their market growth and implement their strategies globally. We’ve seen an increasing interest in foreign bound investment, particularly in the United States, Europe and Brazil. We’ve actively been assisting our domestic clients in finding opportunities internationally, and having a network of colleagues and friends around the world has greatly assisted this endeavor.
The enthusiasm and interest of the Chinese has definitely created opportunities around the world and at the firm. The overwhelming rush of inquiries has fostered a true corporate bond at our office. Attorneys and staff from a variety of different fields and practices have been working side by side to assist our clients in China and abroad. This collaboration has had a major impact on our firm, not only in the business sense, but it has also strengthened our corporate identity. Corporate culture is an essential pillar of our firm’s identity and operation. We place significant emphasis on growing and fostering culture and friendship among our staff. It is important that everyone knows each other on a personal level as well as professional. We want everyone to like what they do, and more importantly – like who they work with! With the global economy still not entirely recovered, we have seen a captivating spectrum of business interests, as clients have been forced to tap their creative banks in order to capitalize on immediate opportunities. Traditional mergers and acquisitions seen in years past have been complemented by a mixture of collaborative and innovative changes. There really has been a trend toward utilizing all aspects of a client’s business, with the goal of maximizing potential and profitability. Looking ahead Kangxin has lofty goals. As we continue our rise through the ranks of Chinese Law Firms, we realize that much still needs to be done. While we always strive for perfection, all 375 of us know that perfection is an ever progressing benchmark. There is always something more we can do to achieve our clients’ goals – and ours. I think that in the year ahead not only will we focus on efficiency and market knowledge, but also on education. It is essential that we continue to learn and understand the growing opportunities at home and abroad. Once we expand our every growing knowledge base, we can share our experiences with our clients and friends. To us, giving back to the profession and to the industry truly keeps the wheels turning and the potential for new and exciting opportunities forever growing.
Name: Samson G. Yu Firm: Kangxin Partners, P.C. Address: Floor 16, Tower A, InDo Building, A48 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100098, P.R. China W: www.kangxin.com/en E: iplaw@kangxin.com T: (8610) 56571588
We are truly appreciative of this opportunity and hope that all of our friends and competitors continue to reach as high as they can. At Kangxin we very much believe that “just when we think we have measured our capacity to rise to a challenge, we look up and realize that that capacity may well be limitless.” We will continue to grow and progress on our ever increasing momentum, and anxiously wait for the next challenge and opportunity ahead.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
International Trade Law Firm of the Year - Mexico
Luis Monterrubio is Partner of Noriega y Escobedo. Recently, the company was awarded the accolade of International Law Trade Firm of the Year. Noriega + Escobedo is one of the leading law firms in Mexico and has been practicing since 1934, offering a wide range of legal services to both Mexican and foreign clients. This law firm has played an important role for the Mexican economy, acting as a driving force regarding foreign investment and privatization processes in Mexico, and for acting as legal counselors to numerous federal and local governmental agencies. We have also played a leading role in the negotiation and implementation of private joint-venture investments, mergers and acquisitions in various sectors of the economy; and have participated in the drafting of bills and in the application of laws and regulations involving all the industrial and economic sectors of the country. Luis Monterrubio explains how the firm distinguishes itself from its competition. “We have effectiveness in the work that we undertake by responding with quality and on time the inquiries of the clients.”
Name: Luis Monterrubio Firm: Noriega y Escobedo, A.C. Address: Sierra Mojada No. 626, Col. Lomas Barrilaco C.P. 11010, México D.F. W: www.nye.com.mx E: lmonterrubio@ nye.com.mx T: 52843333
He continues to describe how Noriega y Escobedo has adapted to the challenging economic conditions and turbulence of the last few years. “We follow the standards of excellency and work on time,” he says. “When such standards are applied, they generate more work. Our activity is highly appreciated on difficult times.” Luis goes on to describe the last 12 months in terms of M&A. “The markets are still conservative and we have not perceived an emerging trend. Most of the markets are excepting the enactment of the new legislation derived from de “Pacto por México” in sectors such as telecommunications, competition, taxes, energy and banking. It is clear that the new legislation will be a trigger for M&A’s.” The crisis in the USA, Europe and Argentina impacted the firm as a relevant number of clients reside in those areas, however Noriega y Escobedo has seen some great successes over the last 12 months, not least being the legal project leader for the transactions that allowed the international business Codere to acquire 33% of the casino business in Mexico. “Codere acquired equity in two other businesses: (i) 85% of the equity in Impulsora de Centros de Espectáculos las Américas (Icela); and (ii) 65% of the equity in Grupo Caliente,” says Luis. “In the first instance Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento (CIE) kept a 15% equity interest, and in the latter, Turística Akalli maintained 35%, allowing Codere the possibility of acquiring these shares in the future. Both transactions involved more than 750 million dollars.”
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N+E has also acted as legal advisor of Banco National de Obras Públicas and Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura in several infrastructure projects that were finally achieved through PPA’s and some other legal figures under the M&A prospective in which such found participates acquiring equity in special purpose vehicles incorporated for the projects in sectors such as tourism, wind energy and sustainable house holding. “Actually we’re involved in a mega telecommunication project which may imply the opening of a monopolized sector.” Luis states that an awful lot of emphasis is placed on team culture at the firm and explains that it is the ‘essence’ of the law firm. It is due to this strong work ethic that N+E clinched the title of International Trade Law Firm of the Year. “I felt rewarded for the job and effort all the members of N+E put in place in the past months,” says Luis, describing his reaction to receiving the award. Now, the firm must ensure continued success, however, as Luis states, this is already in the pipeline. “Mexico is experiencing substantial modifications to its legal system, now is the time to study and deeply analyze the reforms. Our experience together with our deep knowledge of the markets will bring more clients to N+E. “It is time to be cautions and review all possible scenarios. As mentioned, telecommunications projects are consuming substantial part of our time.” Luis has predictions relating to the firm and its M&A activity for the next 12 months. “Since Infrastructure and M&A are very close, and considering that Mexico is actually a growing economy, we will be close to the new challenges our Mexican reform will bring. “Opportunities of doing business, especially on M&A are more and more difficult since the number of law firms has increased. The clients are looking for specialized lawyers who are committed to their job.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Japan Focused Asset Manager of the Year
Christopher S. McGuire is the Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer at Phalanx firm’s win and its performance in 2012. Phalanx Capital Management, LLC is an asset management company that employs an absolute-return, moderate volatility multi-strategy approach within the Japanese, Asian, and Australian markets. The most important factor that distinguishes the firm from its competition is its track record of consistent returns. “We’ve been in business for almost nine years and every single year that we’ve been in business we have collected an incentive fee – meaning that our investors have made money every year that they’ve been in business,” enthused Mr McGuire. “The way that I grew up in the hedge fund world in the early 90s was that hedge funds were supposed to generate returns regardless of market direction or market condition. Phalanx has done that – we have provided continual performance and investors have had more money every Christmas than they had in January of that year.” Discussing the current economic turbulence, Mr McGuire stated that the firm has “without a doubt” had to adapt. However, he believes that that is the nature of the business. “Having gone through many market cycles myself I’ve been able to become even better at identifying situations occurring in today’s world that are similar to the things I’ve seen in the past over the last 20 years of managing money.” Phalanx is well placed to address the global market place for M&A services, and Mr McGuire noted that the firm has clients from five out of seven continents. “We are based in Chicago and yet, four years ago during the financial crisis, we established a presence in Hong Kong,” he continued. “Given that we have an Asian focus we wanted somebody there to be the footprint and to continually grow – that’s where we’re making investments. “We are a fund that trades the world, so we trade Pan-Asia and its essential for us to know what’s going on in that part of the world, and it’s very important for us to have that footprint in Asia.” For Mr McGuire, Phalanx’s greatest achievement in the last year is the way it has adapted to the macro moves within Japan. With the election of Prime Minister Abe in December, and the prior assumption the yen would weaken, the firm was very quickly able to capture that move, as early as November, and recognised how it would affect the equity market place.
“The market is very different than one would trade in the west, yet we’ve been trading the M&A market in Japan for 13 years now. We’re very attuned to the deal flow and have the ability to trade that market and capture consistent double digit returns for our investors. “We’re very excited with the bullish market in Japan. There are a handful of deals in which we are involved now, yet we feel that the equity markets in Japan are getting back up to their pre-crisis levels. We anticipate good deal flow coming in the next couple of quarters as Japanese companies take advantage of this bullish stock market.” The demand for Phalanx’s services has increased over the last 12 months, and the firm is looking to double its assets within the next two quarters, if not sooner. Mr McGuire described the marketplace in which Phalanx invests as “extraordinarily ripe”. “The world’s eyes are on Japan. It is the most volatile market in the world, it is the most dynamic currently and I feel that it will be that way for at least the next 19 months. There are investors that we’ve known for quite literally eight years coming out of the woodwork looking to have ripe discussions about making investments in our company.” Looking within the firm, Mr McGuire described Phalanx’s culture as much like a small family. He explained that developing that culture and the teams within that family has been very important for the firm, and it has orchestrated a diligent manner of delegating responsibility with teams and managers within the company which has improved the efficiency of its operation immensely. The firm recently brought on a Chief Operating Officer – Greg Schweider, someone with whom Mr McGuire worked with 13 years ago at a prominent convertible arbitrage firm. “Greg brings 25 years’ experience, having been the COO of multi-billion dollar firms. We’re extremely excited to bring his expertise to our business.” Phalanx is constantly improving and growing its trading operation as well as the business operations. The firm is looking to hire more technological development staff to help facilitate the infrastructural growth of the business, and the team is constantly in touch with the investors to make sure that they are able to provide them with what they need.
“We did very well to adjust our portfolio and benefit from that,” he explained. “For that reason our portfolio is up over 25% in the last six months and we made money when the market fell over the last couple of weeks – we were able to benefit as the market was rallying and as it was falling. That’s because of our portfolio construction, our recognition that markets don’t go up for ever – that’s something to which we’re very attuned.”
“We’re always trying to do something better, we’re never sitting on our laurels. It’s essential to look forward and try to determine what’s happening, not just tomorrow, but what’s happening next year. My biggest concern now is not how I’m going to make money through the rest of 2013, but what I’m going to be doing in 2015. I’m already looking 18 months out to determine what market opportunities will exist, what type of people we will need to hire, if any, to ensure that our asset growth is seamless and that our investors will continually benefit from the great returns and great proposals that we give them.
The Japanese market has around 100 – 125 mergers a tear, and Phalanx is very active in many of them. Mr McGuire highlighted the firm’s ability to capture the value and take advantage of the friendly nature of Japanese deals, where spreads are good.
“We’re very very gracious for the award, we appreciate the recognition, and we’re going to continue doing all we can for our investors to continue to produce exemplary returns,” concluded Mr McGuire.
Name: Christopher S. McGuire Firm: Phalanx Capital Management, LLC Address: 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1650-A, Chicago, IL 60606 W: www.phalanxcm.com E: christopherm@ phalanxcm.com T: +1 312-930-2266
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UAE Boutique TMT Law Firm of the Year
Mark Hill is the Managing Partner of The Rights Lawyers. The Rights Lawyers was established to cater exclusively for the creative industries including advertising and marketing, music and entertainment, event management, publishing and media (including multimedia and interactive), TV, radio and film and sport; businesses that are driven by or reliant on intellectual property rights (including brand and other IP rights owners, companies facing counterfeiting and IP infringement issues, franchise operations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, companies using IP as a primary way of raising investor value, etc); and the technology, IT and telecommunications industries.
Name: Mark Hill Firm: The Rights Lawyers Address: Office #420, Building #8, Dubai Media City, U.A.E. Website: www. therightslawyers.com Email: mark@ therightslawyers.com T: +971 4 390 3646
“As specialist industry lawyers, we provide more than just legal needs,” said Mr Hill. “In a market that is judging all suppliers on a cost/benefit analysis, a law firm has to offer more than just legal answers – it has to be able to look at client’s businesses and help them to work more efficiently as well. As industry lawyers with many years of practical commercial experience we are able to do that in a way that most law firms simply cannot match our industry and specialist disciple knowledge puts us in a league apart.” In response to winning the award, Mr Hill stated that he was “very happy and very proud of my team”. “As a boutique law firm, to be acknowledged for our expertise within the industry is a huge deal for us,” he continued. “No other law firm in the region has the depth of insight into the creative industries, the technology sector and intellectual property work that we do.” According to Mr Hill, being a boutique law firm, The Rights Lawyers has been able to see through fluctuating economic condition by having the ability to quickly adapt to industry trends and challenges. He added that finding more innovative ways of charging for the firm’s offering is also key. “Also, bearing in mind that many of our clients operate across the Middle East and North African region, finding a way to deliver across numerous jurisdictions (including on-line) is important for a firm like ours which is so often operating technologically at the cutting edge.” he explained. Whilst The Rights Lawyers is based in Dubai, its clients literally come from all corners of the globe. Mr. Hill explained new clients have usually heard about the firm from another client or an asso-
ciate who work with them before or because of its recommended status in various publications.The Rights Lawyers attend numerous conferences – usually as speakers but also as guests – and are listed within the recognised international directors, however Mr Hill believes that the firm’s “biggest marketing asset remains the voices of our clients”. “I have been very happy with the activities of the firm over the last 12 months and in particular I am pleased with the large number of quality engagements the firm has acted upon,” he enthused. “It is particularly nice though to see production activities within the region sparking again and for example we are currently handling three independent movies, all funded and either in production already or moving towards the same.” Looking back over the last 12 months, Mr Hill highlighted M&A activity in the region in online publishing (e.g. the recent acquisition of AMEinfo by MEDIAQUEST) and also in the communications agencies world, with larger agencies adding smaller specialist agencies to their mix (such as the acquisition of Flip Media by the Publicis Groupe last year). “Primarily it has been a year of recovery within our industries, which is a reflection of how things are going in the region as a whole, I think,” he observed. “This has had the obvious consequence of releasing up various projects (and required funding) in the region.” Commenting on the firm itself, Mr Hill explained that team culture is very important in terms of how a boutique business such as The Rights Lawyers can operate. “The things I am looking for is what I refer to as people with ‘the light in their eyes’,” he explained. “To do what we do requires passion. It’s hard enough being a lawyer but being a lawyer in industries we work in takes extra enthusiasm. The world of intellectual property on its own is high pressured and driven by a myriad of deadlines so it takes a particular kind of person to be able to relish. Having the right kind of team is crucial.” For 2013 and 2014, The Rights Lawyers will focus on building strong close working relationships which, according to Mr Hill, is a huge part of why its clients work with the firm and a key factor for its success. “That applies also in terms of working with other suppliers from the intellectual property world who require our kind of understanding of the Middle Eastern region but again everything benefits from having a close relationship and ensuring that those relationships are maintained and developed,” he explained. “As ever, as a boutique firm we will keep a close eye on our specific markets to identify any trend developments. In addition though, it is inevitable this year that we will see The Rights Lawyers pressing ahead in the telecommunications sector – so watch this space for further developments there.” In conclusion, Mr Hill offered the following advice to the other nominees for the firm’s award: “Passion and a clear focus are the things that make you stand out and quality of delivery is obviously an absolute requirement to stay ahead. The key for The Rights Lawyers however has always been our ability to stand out from the pack in terms of our very clear and at times unconventional approach to the business of running a law firm.”
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Business Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA Orlando Boutique Law Firm The Entrepreneur Law Center Wins Business Planning Law Firm of the Year in the United States by Acquisition International in 2013 M&A Awards. Acquisition International, a leading global magazine covering corporate finance, venture capital, and private equity has named The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. Business Planning Law Firm of the Year in the United States in their 2013 M&A Awards. The firm’s multidisciplinary focus differentiates it from traditional law firms. Ken Hamner, the firm’s Managing Member, stated, “being named the Business Planning Law Firm of the Year in the United States is both humbling and a great honor. When a small law firm in Orlando can win this award, it is living proof that the global marketplace has reached well beyond commercial centers like New York, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Singapore and beyond the entrepreneurial clusters in Silicon Valley and Boston.”
Name: Kenneth Hamner, JD, MBA, MForAcc Firm: The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. Address: 250 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1200 Orlando, Florida 32801 W: www. entrepreneurlawctr.com E: khamner@ entrepreneurlawctr.com T: (407) 601-4980
The Entrepreneur Law Center is a boutique law firm offering a broad range of legal and advisory services to emerging enterprises, entrepreneurs, large and small businesses, and individuals. The firm focuses on outsourced CFO and General Counsel services, mergers and acquisitions, pre-acquisition due diligence, forensic accounting and fraud investigation, and services to entrepreneurs and investors related to venture capital, private equity and angel investment. Ken has enjoyed a career track very atypical of most attorneys. Having started his career over 20 years ago in the financial services practice at Arthur Andersen and then moving on to Ernst & Young’s consulting practice, Ken later served as a CFO of an early stage international venture before becoming an attorney. “This experience sets him apart from many attorneys who have never stood in the shoes of their clients. Ken’s ability to think outside the box coupled with his vast knowledge has proven invaluable to my business in the Caribbean”, says Tim Collins, President of Caribbean Trading Company, a longstanding client. Tim went on to say, “Ken has worked closely with me for over 15 years and I owe much of my success through the years from start-up through the various growth stages to his contributions.” In fact, Ken didn’t begin practicing law immediately after law school, instead having served as CFO and General Counsel to two international steel trading firms before joining a full-service firm in Orlando, where he eventually became managing partner. In 2008, he left to launch The Entrepreneur Law Center to focus on building a multidisciplinary practice tailored to the needs of business clients. “My vision is to develop a firm that goes beyond being a litigation strategist or a transactional specialist to one of a long-term trusted advisor to clients, to see beyond the immediate needs of the client to help them build foundations for sustainable success. It is imperative to maintain a habit of continuous learning and a dedication to building skill sets across a variety of disciplines to help my clients incorporate legal strategy into a more encompassing and cohesive business planning process”, Ken said. Ken is not only a practicing attorney, but additional academic credentials such as a master’s degree in forensic accounting and an MBA enable him to provide more insightful advice in the context of business planning.
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Dennis Wilkinson, a longstanding client and veteran senior executive with numerous international logistics firms, including Worldlink Logistics, Hanjin, Kuehne + Nagle, and his current role managing transpacific services for DHL Global Forwarding says, “I have worked with many attorneys both on a personal and professional basis and Ken was absolutely the best. Without a doubt his common sense approach coupled with flawless strategy produced positive results far greater than expected. Being a Chartered Merger & Acquisition Professional with the Middle Market Investment Banking Association, a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor, a Master Analyst in Financial Forensics, a Certified Business Intermediary, a Certified Due Diligence Professional, and a Certified Fraud Examiner are simply not skill sets commonly found in even large law firms, much less in one attorney directing his own boutique firm. I have called on Ken’s expertise to structure M&A deals, to conduct due diligence on acquisition targets, and for general business insight into a wide variety of matters over the years.” Another longstanding client and friend, Ron Clark Ball, current Senior Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at the Harry Krantz Company and established executive in the defense industry following a career as a US Navy F-14A Tomcat pilot, endorsed Ken as follows, “Ken has built a firm tailored to respond to the strategic needs of a varied group of high-profile, global business leaders that are his clients. His contributions transcend legal advice into a more cohesive and encompassing strategic insight, while maintaining the “big picture” perspective. Having been a student of law at Humboldt University in Berlin, the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, and the University of the West Indies in Barbados, coupled with having grown up in Frankfurt, Germany and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ken has an in-depth, experienced understanding of a wide spectrum of international issues, from both a cultural as well as an international business perspective. When I face important business decisions, be it micro or wide angled, Ken is always my first call.” Stanley and Debbie Britt, who own a highly successful e-travel venture and a CFO/General Counsel client for the past five years, said the following, “All companies need legal protection to avoid costly early mistakes. Ken’s dedication goes beyond what is expected from an attorney and his strategic insight has played a key role in our success. In the years to come, we are poised to grow on a national scale and having Ken on our team is a tremendous asset.” In closing, Ken said, “I truly enjoy helping my clients be successful. The increasing rate of globalization and the infusion of technology into all facets of business will inevitably increase the pace and scale of the global M&A marketplace. Companies that used to be too small to even consider global alliances or to sustain global customer relationships now can. My firm is living proof. I have clients reaching beyond Florida to New York, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Venezuela and Trinidad. Tomorrow’s clients could come from anywhere.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Private Equity Research Partner of the Year - UK
Douglas Lloyd is the Founder & CEO of VB/Research Ltd. Founded in 2005, VB/Research provides business and financial news, data and research on high-growth sectors globally. Its services comprise of online subscriptions to news and data, customized research and by-invitation only forums for senior executives. The company operates principally through its two industry specific divisions – Clean Energy Pipeline, which focuses on renewables and energy; and Global Security Finance, which focuses on the cyber, physical, and identity security and defence sectors. Clients include governments, multinational and privately owned companies, investment banks, venture capitalists, private equity funds, hedge funds and law firms in over 55 countries. Mr Lloyd noted that VB/Research’s staff has a financial background, enabling the company to relate well to its clients. “When we’re dealing with the private equity community, the financial community, we understand what they’re trying to achieve from a research project – whether they’re looking for something on the competitive landscape, target identification, or if they’re just looking to understand how a market is evolving,” he explained. “We’re very good at empathising with clients’ needs. Another factor for which the company is recognised is the flexibility in the way it performs its research. “The methodologies we use are incredibly fluid, they’re based on very carefully cut data sets, and that enables us to deliver very precise outputs to our clients,” continued Mr Lloyd. “I think many people just don’t have that level of granularity when dealing with data.” VB/Research has a global client base, particularly well represented in Western Europe, including the UK, and in North America, and has a growing subscriber base in Asia-Pacific. This global capability is one of the key factors that clients appreciate. “We have deep sector expertise,” added Mr Lloyd. “We undertake general private equity research, but where we absolutely come into our own is when we’re able to dip into our sector expertise. There we have really won business, pretty much against anyone.” The VB/Research team were honoured to have their hard work acknowledged with a 2013 M&A Award. “We’ve been providing research in the market for quite a number of years now. To win an award now, to be recognised by the people you’re providing service to, obviously gives you great satisfaction. It’s one thing being paid for your work, but it’s another to be recognised for it.” Mr Lloyd believes that it is vital for companies to continue to evolve – those that don’t flatline or die. To adapt to the challenging current market conditions, VB/Research has focused on growing its business with existing clients by making the extra effort to look after them. “When they’ve asked us to step in to do more – possibly because they’ve found that they’ve had staff shortages – we’ve been able to add more resource, we’ve been able to deliver extra value for
them,” he observed. “Above all, it’s very easy in a competitive marketplace to forget your old clients. If you focus on your core clientbase, you’ll grow your business.” In the last 12 months, the company has consolidated its position in the UK, and now counts blue chip clients including Baker & McKenzie, Freshfields, Taylor Wessing, KPMG and PwC. “A company like ours that’s growing very quickly needs these kind of large clients that are always in need of our services,” explained Mr Lloyd. “it’s also about being able to work with them beyond the UK – the UK relationship enables us to access other markets, which we’ve done. For example, we’ve grown substantially in Canada and the US recently, and that continues apace. A lot of that growth has been built on our reputation in the UK.” Discussing his observations of the M&A market, Mr Lloyd stated that he expects the number of transactions to remain strong on the pan-sector level. He attributes this to the need for consolidation in many industries, despite low interest rates. “When it comes to M&A there remain strong drivers in place globally,” he opined. “You can see that if the acquirers aren’t domestic there is all sorts of appetite, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, both into North American and Western Europe.” In renewable energy – one of VB/Research’s core areas of expertise - volumes are up on the previous year. The firm has just completed a global survey of just under 1,000 industry participants on M&A activity. The prognosis from just under 90% is that actual transaction numbers will continue to grow during the next 18 months. Mr Lloyd noted that this is driven by small to medium sized transactions, with the larger billion dollar deals being much rarer.
Name: Douglas Lloyd Firm: VB/Research Ltd Address: Wells Point, 5th floor, 79 Wells Street, London W1T 3QN W: www.vbresearch.com E: douglas.lloyd@ vbresearch.com T: +44 207 251 8000
The challenging market conditions have actually been a positive for VB/Research in some regards. As Mr Lloyd notes, people need information in good and bad times. “The right information helps people make better decisions, so when things have happened in a particular country or market that have slightly clouded the perspective – that has in some ways helped us out,” he observed. “Weirdly, if the wind is blowing fair everywhere, people believe that they need less information and less insight because deals are easier to complete.” Looking to the future for VB/Research, Mr Lloyd stated that the firm aims to broaden its client base globally with a focus on segmentation and very targeted research assignments. “Information is becoming increasingly specialised and that requires customized research,” he explained. “We look at our methodologies on how we collect data all the time, how we present it, and how we can extract meaning from it on a regular basis. It’s that focus on excellence that I hope will put us in a position to win the award again next year. “I would like to grow by the same level that we’ve grown this year - we think that’s achievable. Certainly the feedback from our clients is that they want to continue to use our services, which in a competitive market is very pleasing to hear,” he concluded.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Business Law Firm of the Year - Austria
Rechtsanwälte
Clemens Völkl and Katharina Völkl-Posch are Partners at Völkl. Rechtsanwälte. Völkl Rechtsanwälte dates back to 1933 when the company was founded as a business law firm. Clemens Völkl and Katharina Völkl-Posch explain how the firm distinguishes itself from competitors in the industry. “Our lawyers all have an academic background and can retain the broader view together with a set of specialised skills in one or more areas. We can therefore provide services that match the needs and broader strategic goals of our clients as well as providing much specialised advice which is especially helpful in complex litigations/ADRs and contract negotiations. “To ensure staying on the cutting edge of our industry our lawyers incorporate and refine the newest and best tools from a range of fields. For example one of our partners is currently implementing mediation tools in (post)merger and change situations applying various communications tools very successfully, our litigation team is constantly refining its adr-skills etc.
Name: Dr. Clemens Völkl Name: Dr. Katharina Völkl-Posch Firm: Völkl. Rechtsanwälte Address: Nussdorferstraße 10-12, 1090 Vienna (Austria) W: www.ra-voelkl.at E: office@ra-voelkl.at T: 0043 1 317 71 01 23
“In terms of lawyer client relationship, we see our clients as long term partners which enables us to better understand the long term goals and the business environment, our clients are working in and are able to minimise the risk of conflict as well as positioning our clients better for possible disputes. We see our role broader than the usual client-attorney relation, for example by furthering their interests by establishing connections among our clients or with opinion leaders, assisting foreign clients with market entry in Austria etc.” During the recent economic turbulence, the firm adapted to challenges it faced by expanding into new fields, as Katharina explains: “Senior partners Wolfgang and Evelyn Völkl began expanding the firms profile years ago from originally being very specialised both legally and industry related in the areas lifesciences and pharmacy law, insurance and banking law to a broader approach.” The firm consequently follows this strategy so that today Völkl. Rechtsanwälte additionally specialises in labour law, compliance, real estate and construction, it-law, m&a and corporate, investor- and asset protection issues. Clemens describes the last 12 months in the M&A industry. “During post-merger we have observed heightened activity both in terms of new approaches to hr-driven change-management and legal reorganisation including criminal proceedings against former members of the board etc. We have been mandated both in a counseling role related to change management and labour relations as well as reorganisation matters and acting as litigators in liability and criminal proceedings against the former management of target companies or representing such persons.” As the market for M&A services becomes increasingly global, it is imperative for firms to position themselves appropriately in order
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to address this growing market, as Clemens and Katharina add: “We represent mainly national, European and North American clients in Austria. “In M&A transactions we are often mandated to provide advice on certain aspects of a deal or the post-merger phase. Due to our experience and our reputation in certain areas of Austrian law (i.e. pharmacy & life sciences, labour law, insurance contracts and regulatory law and investment, capital markets & corporate law and banking and regulatory and finance) we are confident, that in these areas international clients will keep turning to us in the future. “As a lead counsel we manage m&a deals for pension and investment funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors with a view to compliance and regulatory issues were we are also well connected and are therefore optimistic for the future.” Over the last 12 months, Völkl Rechtsanwälte has seen many successful transactions, including: • The reorganisation of a bank and their change of bankingassociation in all areas of the relevant law, including corporate, regulatory and labor law. •
Multi-million dollar litigations for directors of banks (regarding liability or compensation/severance payment) representing either the bank or the manager.
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Various smaller m&a-deals in the pharmaceutical sector.
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Defense of a manager against claims for violation of a postcontractual competition prohibition.
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Acting as monitoring counsel for an international insurance company in a D&O-case with possible claims in excess of € 400 mio.
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negotiation of a joint venture contract in the IT-sector.
Clearly delighted with receiving the prestigious accolade of Business Law Firm of the Year – Austria, Katharina explains how the firm has been so successful recently. “We place very much emphasis on team culture within our company,” she says. “We develop and use tools of mediation also for our team, we have for example a “no-blame” policy when we find faults and defects. So everybody in the team is able to learn and better himself/herself. We also emphasise a common identity and involve our employees in many managing decisions ranging from marketing to organizational issues and always communicate strategic issues and relevant case background to all team members.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Global IP Portfolio Manager of the Year
James Robey is a Partner of Wilson Gunn Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys. We are delighted to have won the Global IP Portfolio Manager of the Year award. We are especially pleased to be recognised for our expertise in IP portfolio management as this goes right to the core of our business as patent and trade mark attorneys. Our firm looks after global IP portfolios for major brand owners and leading technology companies and we understand that proper portfolio management is key to ensuring effective execution of our clients’ IP strategies. This award endorses Wilson Gunn’s pro-active approach to IP portfolio management. Wilson Gunn is a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys. Our attorneys provide strategic advice across all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. Wilson Gunn was established in Manchester in 1864, which makes us one of the UK’s oldest firms of patent and trade mark attorneys. We have since grown into a national firm with a strong reputation for quality. We are experts in securing, maintaining and enforcing protection for inventions, designs and trade marks. We are active across all industry sectors. We have particular expertise in the automotive, food technology, packaging, construction, gaming, healthcare, textiles and filtration sectors. We have a proven track record of showing businesses how to get the most out of their intellectual property. We manage significant IP portfolios for our clients. Wilson Gunn distinguishes itself from competitors by the userfriendly, approachable style of its attorneys. We place great emphasis on client care to deliver outstanding service levels. Our advice is always commercially focused. We see intellectual property very much as a tool which can be used in a variety of ways to obtain a commercial advantage and always aim to ensure that our clients are obtaining the maximum advantage from their rights. Intellectual property law is complex. We deal with the complexity leaving our clients with clear decisions to make, saving them time and allowing them to get on with running their business.
As intellectual property rights are territorial in nature, Wilson Gunn has always worked on an international level in securing and enforcing clients’ rights around the world. This has never been more important than in today’s globalised economy, with overseas markets key to most clients. Based on our detailed knowledge and experience in securing and managing intellectual property rights globally, we are able to deliver strategic advice to ensure that clients have the appropriate coverage. Having a global client base with, collectively, very diverse interests across many industry sectors has afforded us some protection from current economic conditions. Whilst some clients have been under pressure and therefore sought to reduce expenditure, others have not. We are also fortunate in that many clients see their intellectually property rights as such important assets that they have continued to maintain their IP portfolios even though their businesses may be suffering. In spite of this, in common with most businesses, the economic conditions have prompted us to review our practices and make efficiency savings, and revise our billing models to ensure we are delivering value for money to our clients. Our exposure to M&A work mainly involves pre-transaction due diligence and post-transaction completion work. By its nature, due diligence tends to be conducted to meet tight deadlines. We find it very useful to plan an approach to due diligence with clients with a view to balancing cost, timescales and commercial risk. Post-transaction work dominates in terms of time. The work involved in transferring ownership of large IP portfolios typically continues for some time after the original deal has been done. We are working on a number of major on-going projects at present. Our expertise in global IP portfolio management ensures that IP transfers are handled smoothly.
Firm: Wilson Gunn Name: James Robey Address: 5th Floor, Blackfriars House, The Parsonage, Manchester M3 2JA W: www.wilsongunn.com E: james.robey@ wilsongunn.com T: +44 (0) 161 827 9400
As we approach our 150th anniversary, we look forward to helping our clients address new challenges, and seeing them grow and prosper.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Fund Administrator of the Year - Jersey
High quality fund administration services grown in Jersey and exported globally Although headquartered in Jersey, EFG Securities Services administers funds from many major international fund jurisdictions and can provide support from the Caribbean to Asia. The fall-out from the events of the international financial crisis continues to ripple across the global investment landscape bringing wide reaching implications for businesses engaged in the industry. Funds in particular are now subject to much more focus and challenge from investors and accordingly have to conduct their affairs with even more rigour and control, irrespective of the domicile of the fund. EFG Securities Services is seeing the impact in terms of what its clients increasingly expect and the capabilities which therefore need to be demonstrated.
Name: Neil Ginnis Firm: EFG Securities Services Address: PO Box 641, No1 Seaton Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8YJ, Channel Islands W: www.efgoffshore.com E: info@efgoffshore.com T: +44 (0) 1534 605600
Regulation is on the increase. Retail funds have long been closely regulated and monitored as their broad base of investors need protection. Sophisticated investors however have claimed that they are proficient at identifying and managing the risks they are taking on, and so the level of oversight applied to funds targeted towards them was historically less than that for retail funds. However in the wake of the financial turmoil a greater level of oversight is sweeping in. The EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Manager Directive (AIFMD) and US legislation such as the Dodd-Frank Act and FATCA are creating new layers of regulation which impact on funds businesses around the world. Investor expectations are expanding. In the past, the segregation of fund management from administration and the quality and timeliness of fund reporting were not always of primary importance. Fund managers might unilaterally determine the administrators and the frequency and type of reporting investors would receive. Now, understandably, investors are demanding best practice from fund managers, with demonstrable independence through the appointment of third party administrators, greater levels of transparency and reporting, and more timely reporting. Responsibility rests with the investment manager and promoter to ensure their funds are able to meet the ever increasing requirements in terms of the shifting regulatory landscape, the demand to provide enhanced reporting, transparency and consistent, high quality service to investors. Many investment managers and promoters are seeking expert help in addressing these needs and are therefore looking to the fund administrator, placing an even closer emphasis on the selection of the right provider. So what does ‘best practice’ in fund administration look like? Client service: this is proven by deeds not promises. Every aspect of interaction between the fund, its investors and other parties needs to be delivered in a timely, professional, pro-active and consistent manner. Experience: in depth knowledge of the asset class, fund structure and regulatory regime, gained by first-hand experience is a prerequisite. A quality administrator must have a depth of knowledge which is accessible to its clients and provided in a pro-active manner. Covenant: the assurance and comfort that a well regarded administrator which is part of a global financial services group
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brings to a fund cannot be underestimated. The quality and covenant of the administrator brings comfort to both the fund and its investors. Controls and compliance: the administrator must have in place robust controls coupled with experienced funds’ compliance staff to identify and mitigate any risks, and provide comfort to both funds and their investors. A positive management attitude to compliance matters is of critical importance. Systems and technology: this is an increasingly important differentiator between administrators. Utilisation of leading edge specialist technology, flexible enough to meet the funds’ and investors’ current and future needs, provides a distinct advantage by reducing operational risks and facilitating a robust, efficient, professional service. Those administrators unable or unwilling to make such investment are finding their position increasingly untenable as the demands of the global industry render this approach unacceptable. Investor communication: for many institutional investors, access to timely electronic reporting via web based portals is becoming a minimum requirement if they are to invest in any fund, and the onus is on administrators to provide this as an integral, seamless aspect of their service. International finance centres such as Jersey, Guernsey, Cayman, Luxembourg and increasingly Singapore are well served by fund administrators. Across the range of providers, from the very large to very small, there is a spread of capability and quality. Choosing between them is tricky: big may bring large scale, robust operations, but challenges in providing the flexibility and client focused service that an individual fund demands; conversely, entrusting a fund to a small administrator requires a leap of faith that they have the capability to deliver what the manager and investors need. EFG Securities Services is part of EFG International which is one of the largest Swiss private banking groups. EFG Securities Services has been providing third party fund administration services for over 25 years. The range of funds it administers spans both closed and open ended funds, with a focus on private equity, real estate and other ‘alternative assets’. A number of our clients entrust us with multiple funds which illustrates the strength of the relationships we build and the standard of our service. EFG Securities Services takes great pride in its ability to meet the needs of its clients through ongoing investment in both its people and systems; it operates a leading, globally recognised alternative fund administration system which augments its well established technology base and supports the focused service delivered by its experienced staff. By placing clients at the centre of everything we do and providing experienced personnel supported by robust systems, EFG Securities Services delivers award winning fund administration services that promoters, investment managers and investors rely on.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Software and IT Services Provider of the Year Acquisition International speaks to Adrian Stevens, chief executive officer, Aura Healthcare Limited about its reaction on hearing the news it had won UK Software and IT Services Provider of the Year, for its acquisition of Immix Health UK. “I was naturally delighted,” Stevens said. “Gaining formal recognition of our achievement from an independent authority is a welcome boost so early in our evolution. As well as providing an endorsement, it helps reinforce our confidence that we have the right strategy and are properly executing that vision, which combines both inorganic and organic growth strategies. We are international healthcare software and IT services supplier with a fresh and innovative approach to the healthcare market and focus on delivering innovative solutions that make a genuine difference to people on the frontline of healthcare. “The company was formed in 2012 to bring innovation to markets where generally creativity has been stifled by national programmes.”
Name: Adrian Stevens Firm: Aura Healthcare Limited Address: 1210 Parkview, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading. RG7 4TY W: www.aurahealthcare.com E: adrian.stevens@ aurahealthcare.com T: +44 (0) 118 373 2218
There are three main strands to Aura’s business. It provides a wide range of consultancy services from IT and business strategy development to implementation services. It is a valueadded reseller for a range of innovative healthcare solutions. And it develops and delivers its own software solutions. Aura Healthcare is a privately funded company. Its five year plan is ambitious with significant growth forecast through a combination of inorganic and organic growth. “The company delivers innovative solutions enabling clinicians to deliver safer, better quality care,” said Aura’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Mark Hindle. “Aura’s products include clinical noting, patient flow and cloud applications, which provide information in real time for medical staff to make informed clinical decisions at the point of care.
“The company designs, implements and supports a range of IT solutions that help healthcare professionals and organisations automate care processes and support workflows across hospitals, clinics and primary care centres, enabling the integrated care of the patient.” Aura’s team includes people who have spent years working in healthcare IT, across a range of solutions, departments and organisations. They have a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare professionals in delivering an effective and efficient health service. The company delivers on its commitments. Its products are developed using modern, web technologies that can be implemented much faster than traditional software and at a lower cost, so benefits and payback are more immediate. “Part of the company’s strategy is a focus on emerging markets and countries that are investing heavily in healthcare generally,” Stevens said. “A particular focus is South Africa and the Caribbean as the com pany’s founders have first-hand knowledge of these markets. Aura HC South Africa (PTY) Ltd was formed in May 2013 and has recently opened an office in Sandton, Johannesburg. “In synopsis the greatest achievements over the last 12 months were exceeding our first year revenue target of £1m, winning our first orders and implementing our solutions at our first customer sites. Our clinical noting application was developed in partnership with Southern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland, which this year become the first trust to implement the solution. Aura has since taken orders from three other trusts – two in the north and one in the south of Ireland. Its patient flow application is also being rolled out across two other trusts.”
Local Tax Firm of the Year - Mexico Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez, Acquisition International’s Mexican Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year, gives us an overview of the firm and its distinguishing features. In Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez we provide original, straightforward and solid solutions to the most complex litigation and consultation problems regarding Tax, Administrative and Constitutional Law trusted to us by our international and national Clientele. This is what Chambers and Partners expreses of the Firm: “This firm has had a strong year in the tax field, with sources describing the 16-strong practice as having “exceptional capacity, unmatched quality and an ample understanding of the tax market.” The team is also praised for its creative and confident approach, coupled with its disposition towards negotiation. It advises clients across a range of fields, including automotive, aviation, construction, retail and telecoms. Partner Luis Meurinne manages the planning and consultation aspects of the practice. Sources praise his “considerable tax knowledge, vast experience and total focus on the client.” Partner Pedro Arias Garrido heads the litigation side of the practice and is noted as “a very good litigator, academic yet direct.” Firm: Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodriguez Address: Prol. Paseo de la Reforma 1236, 5° piso, Col. Santa Fe, 05348, México, D.F. W: www.amyr.com.mx T: +52 55 5280 5240
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Seasoned partner Ignacio Orendain Kunhardt has joined the firm, bolstering the tax practice with his 30 years of experience. The Law Firm’s Tax, Administrative and Constitutional litigation practice, is built around four partners each of whom has at least 20 years of experience in Court and who personally develop and implement the best possible legal strategies in order to increase our Clients possibilities of success. Since we participate in an average of 300 plus high-profile Tax, Administrative and
Constitutional cases every year, some of them making even headline news, we have accumulated the experience to deal with the most wide array of problems. We make it our business to understand the business of each of our Clients, their goals and needs, tailoring individual solutions for each one of them. The Law Firm is specially adept at dealing with court cases involving International Tax issues, such as Double Taxation Conventions and national provisions with international effect. The Firm has won recently leading tax cases dealing with tough interpretation issues, such as antiavoidance provisions set forth in the Income Tax Law, specifically dealing with interest in alleged back to back situations and also a case dealing with the deemed repayment of capital from a Permanent Establishment to its Head Office. Being fully aware of how Courts interpret the Law, we are able to provide the most sound legal counsel on consultation and Tax consequences of business planning, including counselling before Tax Authorities during audits. Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodríguez is being recognized by Acquisition International as Local Tax Firm of the Year Mexico. This award makes each member of our Firm double our commitment to our clients and the purveyance of services of the highest quality. In Arias, Meurinne, Orendain y Rodriguez we create unique solutions, for unique legal problems.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
UK Pensions & Actuarial Advisory Firm of the Year Acquisition International speaks to Nick Griggs, Head of Corporate Consulting at Barnett Waddingham LLP, about how the firm distinguished itself from the competition and won! “Barnett Waddingham is the UK’s largest independent firm of actuaries. It is wholly owned and managed by its partners with seven offices in the UK. We are a leading provider of actuarial, investment and consultancy services on pension issues. The firm has grown steadily since its foundation in 1989 and our total headcount is now over 600, including 60 partners, 70 associates and 110 qualified actuaries.
“Our clients also benefit from our wide-ranging experience advising both corporate sponsors and pension scheme trustees. Our aim is to ensure a smooth process in negotiating with the trustees and the Regulator as necessary, whilst helping a purchaser to be realistic about the pension risks and obligations being taken on. We also support our clients in the negotiations around the ultimate price paid for the business.”
“Our specialist consultants provide expert advice to corporate entities on the pensions related issues associated with commercial transactions. Our approach is to investigate the specific circumstances of each deal and present straightforward and practical advice on ways to manage these issues. We interpret and communicate complex pensions issues in an understandable way. Our advice is also designed to take account of the bigger picture and so identify opportunities that would be lost on a piecemeal approach.
So what have been your greatest achievements over the last 12 months?
“In corporate transactions, our firm advises exclusively on the actuarial pensions issues, rather than trying to also cover the legal, audit, covenant and non-pensions advice in a single sweep. Not only does this help to ensure the highest levels of expertise, but we believe this unbundled approach provides our clients with better flexibility to focus on the issues that are most important to their business. This is very different from trustee services, where the day-to-day running of a scheme is often best handled by combining services together.”
“The results of our 2012 client survey reflected very favorably on our consulting philosophy and focus on client service. For example, 90% of respondents rate the overall service that we provide as good or excellent, 89% of respondents feel that we take into account specific circumstances by presenting advice tailored to client’s needs and 88% of respondents felt that we are good or excellent at responding to urgent issues. These are all critical attributes in any M&A situation.” Do you have any predictions relating to your company or M&A activity for the next 12 months? “We predict that companies will continue to de-risk their pension schemes if market conditions facilitate. We expect increased due diligence taking place for transactions. We also expect to see transactions taking place where pension liabilities are increasingly “left behind” with the seller rather than transferred across to the purchaser.”
Name: Nick Griggs Firm: Barnett Waddingham LLP Address: Cheapside House, 138 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BW Website: www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk www.fdpensions.co.uk E: Nick.Griggs@BarnettWaddingham.co.uk
Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Jaap Smits is Managing Partner at Blacktrace Mergers & Acquisitions, a boutique advisory firm based in The Netherlands. Blacktrace Mergers & Acquisitions was established by ambitious M&A professionals who wanted to serve clients optima forma. Instead of becoming a full service organisation, Blacktrace wants to be a top specialist in M&A deal making. Managing Partner, Jaap Smits, explains more about how the firm distinguishes itself from competitors. “The basic principles within the M&A industry are M&A skills, knowledge and an extensive network,” he begins. “Blacktrace distinguishes itself by: (i) having a balanced team of M&A professionals that support and trigger each other; (ii) being part of an international network of comparable independent M&A specialist firms offering worldwide access to international buyers and sellers; (iii) being fully independent and focused on client centricity.” The past couple of years have been quite tumultuous in the international M&A market. There have been signs of recovery in M&A deal value, but, as Jaap explains, they seem to be not very stable. “In 2009 we noticed a strong decline in closings and new opportunities. We decided to follow our strategy and remain a strongly specialized M&A deal making firm. As from 2010 the market recovered for us and 2013 started to become a good year. We strongly believe in fully specialized boutique firms. Large full service organizations will always be formidable competitors less dependent on their M&A activity. As specialists we will always be more vulnerable, but we prove to be of more importance to our clients. We are able to be fully deal driven (specialized in deal making on a global scale); our client is our focus (we are unconditionally on their side, they can lean upon us, we listen
to what they have to say and to their wishes and interests); we think and act, fast and lean (we exploit and explore opportunities, focused on core issues, but the devil is in the detail, no open ends); we offer a winning team where success is achieved jointly with our customers.” Despite such turbulence, Blacktrace has seen success in the last 12 months, with a greater demand for its services. “Considering the economic environment and difficulties that the M&A world is experiencing, Blacktrace is content with its past performance,” Jaap comments. “As a young firm, we see a steady demand for our services and in 2013, we will continue our strategy of the deal driven, responsive approach with a strong focus on client centricity. Furthermore, this year will be characterized by the expansion of the Blacktrace team and further growth of the World M&A Alliance network. Lastly, we will continue to support charity funds like Unicef (Blacktrace is Unicef board member and sponsor). “Winning the prestigious Acquisition International M&A Award, is a recognition of our distinctiveness within the international M&A market. “Our ambition is that we want to do: we want to build a company that offers clients a specialism that provides in their needs and creates value to them. We want to be their independent external M&A department they can count on in each situation. In-depth knowledge, cross-border experience, a broad international network and a thorough approach are important ingredients for success. Recognition by our clients means more to us than active marketing programmes.”
Name: Jaap Smits Firm: Blacktrace Mergers & Acquisitions Address: Kruisdaalderlaan 18, 5237 RC ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands W: www.blacktrace.nl E: jaap.smits@blacktrace.nl P: +31 (0) 73 644 48 41
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Cross-border Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Proud winners of this year’s Cross-border Corporate Finance Advisory category are Business Development Asia LLC. We caught up with them to see what makes this company stand out from the crowd. Business Development Asia LLC (“BDA”) is a leader in crossborder investment banking in Asia. BDA advises on M&A, capital raising, and restructuring. BDA has been consistently owned and managed by the same team since 1996. BDA has a track record of providing independent advice to blue-chip corporate and financial sponsor clients from North America, Europe and Asia. BDA was named Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in both 2012 and 2010. BDA is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bahrain, Seoul and Tokyo. BDA employs 75 full time professional investment bankers across the world. BDA have a stable and successful senior management team, notwithstanding the volatile nature of the global investment banking markets. The top 12 BDA professionals have an average tenure or more than 10 years each with BDA. BDA formed a partnership with William Blair & Company in 2011. Name: Euan Rellie Firm: Business Development Asia LLC Address: 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10020 W: www.bdallc.com T: +1 (212) 265-5300
BDA provides advisory services on crossborder transactions involving Asia, including the Middle East, typically with transaction values between US$30 million and US$1 billion. BDA was founded by Euan Rellie and Charles Maynard in 1996. Andrew Huntley joined as its third partner in 1998. The three of them still run the firm. Managing Directors include Paul DiGiacomo, Jeffrey Wang, Mark Webster, and Jeff Acton. BDA advised on 20 successful transactions in 2012. BDA has particular expertise in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, chemicals, consumer & luxury, media, pharma, technology, and transportation & logistics.
Since 1998, BDA has advised on over 100 closed transactions, for clients including Arkema, Clariant, Ecolab, Henkel, Johnson Controls, Larsen & Toubro, Life Technologies, Molex, Pfizer, Rexel, Sherwin-Williams, Tata Motors, Thomson Reuters, Weir Group, and WestLB. Asian acquirors are becoming more credible and aggressive buyers of Western businesses. BDA has closed transactions with buyers from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Singapore, India and several Middle Eastern countries. Private equity funds have been growing in Asia for the past 20 years. Asian private equity has typically been directed towards growth capital investments. Sponsors have looked for IPO exits, but the IPO markets have been inconsistent in recent years. There is an increasing trend towards control investments, and the market for M&A exits is developing fast. China, followed by India, dominates the Asian private equity market by number of investments. By value of investments, Japan, with fewer, bigger transactions, remains significant. BDA has put in place a dedicated coverage group for financial sponsors, with team members in all nine of our offices. We have built a track record of helping financials sponsor to maximize value and optimize terms as they exit investments. We work with clients across multiple jurisdictions. BDA has worked for some of the most sophisticated and successful sponsors including: AXA Private Equity, Bain Capital, Cerberus, CITIC Capital, Elliott Advisors, GTCR, ICICI Venture, Investcorp, Morgan Stanley, NORD Holding, Nova Capital Management, Platinum Equity, Prudential plc, Rothschild, Seera, Segulah Advisor, Sofipa SGR and West LB.
Capital Alliance Closing Firm of the Year – USA Edward J. Dawson is Chairman and President of Capital Alliance Corporation in Dallas, Texas. Capital Alliance Corporation was incorporated in 1976, and has been involved in a wide spectrum of M&A transactions worldwide. Having participated in many aspects of M&A, the company’s main focus is representing sellers of privately-held companies. The company has closed over 200 transactions in over 40 states and several countries, involving billions of dollars in transaction value. Edward Dawson explains how the company distinguishes itself from competitors. “There are three major ways in which we distinguish ourselves. “People – highly talented operationally oriented people who are well trained and know the M&A process. Name: Edward J. Dawson Firm: Capital Alliance Corporation Address: 2777 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 1220 – Dallas, TX 75207 W: www.cadallas.com E: ed.dawson@cadallas.com T: 214-638-8280
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“Systems – all programs follow well-designed and proven effective approaches [preparing information and presenting it in the most effective manner]. “Reach – having interacted with over 8,000 acquirers along with the worldwide international reach through M&A International, many good acquirers can be uncovered for our sellers.” The market for M&A services is increasingly global and Capital Alliance Corporation has positioned itself to address the global market, as Edward comments further:
“The company joined M&A International in 1986. This organization consists of over 40 firms and 600 M&A professionals operating in every major financial center of the world. In the past five years this organization has closed over 1,300 transactions, totaling over $75 billion in transaction value. The company has closed several transactions with member firms. The organization meets twice a year in cities throughout the world. In over 25 years, the company has attended every full membership M&A International meeting. Members of our firm interact with other firms in M&A International on a daily basis. Two of our professionals in Dallas lead the Energy and Construction & Engineering Services industry groups for M&A International.” Recently, Capital Alliance Corporation was voted Closing Firm of the Year by Acquisition International readers. “I was pleased and honored to be recognized for achievement in our primary focus, which is closing M&A transactions,” states Edward on being awarded the accolade. “We are a highly focused company concentrating on closing M&A transactions while representing sellers.” Edward also has predictions on the coming 12 months and how he sees the overall M&A industry faring. “We are optimistic overall, as several positive factors are emerging. Among the positive factors is that business owners are getting older and chose not to sell during the recent economic downturn. They are now ready to sell.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Investment Company of the Year - Kenya Centum Investment Company have been awarded the highly coveted title of Investment Company of the Year – Kenya. James Mworia, Chief Executive Officer of Centum Investment Company talks to AI to give some background on the firm and detail what makes them stand out above the rest in terms of the services they offer. “As an indigenous Kenyan company with great pan African ambition, we are honoured that our work has been recognised globally. It demonstrates our commitment to the corporate vision of building Africa’s foremost investment channel.” Centum Investment Company is more than 40 years old, having been set up as an initiative to grow local shareholder wealth by providing individuals with access to holdings in firms that they otherwise would not have had access to. About 5 years ago we took on the Centum corporate identity as the beginning of a long term vision. In that period we have managed to grow our shareholder funds by USD 150m, investing them prudently in growth industries both within and outside Kenya. As a result, total shareholder wealth rose to USD 220m in that short time. From a portfolio perspective, Centum now has a more diversified holding, which is now growing further into subsidiary business units covering real estate, quoted private equity and private equity. “Since inception Centum has been a publicly listed company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This has created depth and diversity of shareholding of the company. Having been in this market for a long time, we have acquired unparalleled local knowledge of the East African region. This, coupled with the success we have achieved in managing investments, puts us in a pole position to invest third party funds very profitably. Our biggest indicator is that our overall return on shareholder funds has consistently beaten the stock market over the last five successive years.”
James Mworia commented on Centum Investment Company’s success stories of the last 12 months. “In the last one year we have managed to successfully acquire a stake in a very high potential micro-lending business called Platinum Credit, and consolidate three out of the four Coca-Cola bottling companies in Kenya that we have shareholding. We also managed to diversify our quoted private equity portfolio invested outside Kenya to 50 per cent. In the past year, we also had a very successful bond program where we raised USD 50 Mn.” With increasing opportunities for investment, Centum has applied a mix of debt, equity funding to raise additional funds for investment. The firm has also chosen to go strongly into diverse portfolio and even set up subsidiary firms to run the respective growing portfolios. But even more importantly Centum has attracted the best talent available, locally and globally to lead these key programs. To further their regional vision, they are in the process of instituting a regional graduate management program that will see Centum creating a pipeline of talent from the five countries that make up the East African Community. When asked about their goals or ambitions for the next 12 months, James Mworia commented that, “Our goal over the next 12 months is to achieve our strategic goals for the period 2009 – 2014, which is to grow our Assets Under Management to USD 360m, achieve geographical diversification by investing 50% of our Assets Under Management outside Kenya and to deliver market beating returns.”
Firm: Centum Investment Company Address: International House 5th Floor, Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 2286000 Email: info@centum.co.ke
Ivory Coast Incorporation Firm of the Year Lassiney Kathann Camara is the Managing partner of CLK AVOCATS. CLK AVOCATS is a West African law firm working OHADA Business law field and located in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). For more than five years CLK AVOCATS has accompanied its clients in all strategic operations thanks to a multidisciplinary expertise recognised in key domains of business law, whether it is in a national or international context. The firm consists of four lawyers and six legal associates. CLK AVOCATS offers its national and international clients full services of business law, whether for advisory service or litigation services. The firm assists with mergers and acquisitions; tax law; commercial law; labour and employment law; measures of execution and debt collection; contract and tort law; public sector business law; major projects; bankruptcy law; etc. Mr Camara explained that the firm’s medium size allows it to offer its clients many benefits: a beyond the law approach that generates value creation for clients; a close relationship that nurtures tailor-made solutions; and a multidisciplinary, dedicated team capable of practicing in French, English and Spanish.
electoral economic stimulus plan has resulted in more inbound investments in Ivory Coast. “With the globalisation, the world economic activity does not have borders anymore,” he explained. “To answer the need for whole companies of the world, avid to invest in western Africa to take advantage of the strong current attractiveness of these economies, our law firm is inclined to assist them. For that purpose, we offer to our clients skilful staff, some of whom have been practicing in more than one jurisdictions, and a good professional network through the countries. Our law firm is accessible from our website (www.clkavocats.com), but also and especially though our various professional networks: Martindale, Acquisition International, International Referral…” The firm’s greatest achievement over the last 12 months is the current legal assistance and representation of a consortium of international companies bidding for a US$200 million project. The demand for the firm’s services has increased over the year, and Mr Camara attributes this to the “coming of investors”, and stated that the firm “responded by the quality of our services”.
“I was very happy and honoured to know that CLK AVOCATS is the winner of the Award,” said Mr Camara. “It remains recognition of the quality of the work done to meet the needs of our clients.”
Looking within the firm, Mr Camara stated that team work is a strong point of its standards of practice: “team spirit cultivated in our law firm for the performance of the assignment we are entrusted with”.
According to Mr Camara, the western countries economic crisis did not affect the enduring economic growth in Africa. In fact, the increase of the tax burden in the west and the Ivorian post
“We expect more business formation in the future owing to the combination of the political stability and the economic stimulus plan which amounts to US$8.6 billion,” he concluded.
Name: Lassiney Kathann Camara Firm: CLK AVOCATS Address: Cocody, II Plateaux les Vallons, Concession SIDECI, Rue J 47, Lot 2012 ilot 182 Villa N°5, 25 BP 1976 ABIDJAN 25 W: www.clkavocats.com E: lassineycamara@ clkavocats.com lassineycamara@yahoo.fr T: (+225) 22 52 52 25
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
IT Due Diligence Firm of the Year - UK
CloudOrigin Acquisition International are proud to announce CloudOrigin as ‘IT Due Diligence Firm of the Year – UK’. Richard Hall, Chief Executive at Cloud Origin discusses what lead to their win, in the face of strong competition. “CloudOrigin was founded in 2009 to focus on the commercial disruption to the TMT sector through the shift to cloud computing models, we have a unique position in Europe advising end users, hyper growth technology providers and the PE/ VC community on everything from seed funding through midmarket growth rounds and MBOs to billion dollar carve outs and transformations. Client feedback tells us that we give clear analysis and actionable recommendations, combining deep technology knowledge with strong commercial and operational insights, which they have not found elsewhere. Our extensive industry links with enterprise technology and premier cloud providers globally, as well as the fast rising stars across Europe also gives us an advantage when benchmarking or providing strategic advice to boards or investors.”
Name: Richard Hall Firm: CloudOrigin Address: Exchange Building, London, E1 6NQ, UK W: www.cloudorigin.com E: info@cloudorigin.com T: +44 203 642 5715
When asked how they have adapted to the challenging current economic conditions, Richard commented “Our business has been built entirely led by client referrals, and we have grown profitably and organically since our first quarter, debt free. Naturally it is a huge advantage to be able to work with some of the fastest growing TMT firms in Europe, and to serve investors at all levels who have been very successful in recent fund raising rounds because of their focus on the disruptive cloud sector. Equally our team heritage in global, enterprise IT end users in sectors ranging from automotive, energy, finance, government,
pharmaceuticals, retail and utilities means we can also bring relevant insights for IT due diligence in many of the largest PE deals outside of our technology base.” In an increasingly globalised market CloudOrigin are in a great position. Their global heritage coupled with the very global footprint of the cloud computing sector and the cross-border nature of major PE and VC investments means that the majority of their deal flow and strategy work has been outside of the UK - across North and South America, AsiaPac, the Gulf and across Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Richard commented on their achievements of the last 12 months and their predictions for the next, “While we are delighted with recently completed deals including IT-Ernity for GMT and VSS, which also have great future trajectories, we are also proud to have helped many of the world’s largest investors avoid prospective transactions where the technology and commercial rationale simply did not stand up to review, despite mooted enterprise values in the billions. Put simply, we are only ever as strong as the last deal and the last referral, so we focus most on the projects in hand. Strategically we are building alliances geographically, across industry sectors and the advisory community so we can scale to meet the surge in demand.”
IP Valuation Firm of the Year - UK Along with the excitement that investment or M&A generates, is the requirement for detailed due diligence. However, an area that is often not considered as fully as it ought to be is the real value and robustness of the intangible assets. This can make a big difference to the money that changes hands - or even whether the deal takes place at all – and definitely to the management of the assets post deal.
Firm: Coller IP Management Name: Jim Asher Address: Fugro House, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, OXON, OX10 9RB W: www.collerip.com E: jim.asher@collerip.com T: +44 870 402 1612
Intangible assets such as brands, inventions and know-how now contribute by far the greatest shareholder value in most sectors. When it comes to intangible assets, there are three key issues to consider. Firstly, understanding what intangible assets exist and the value of them. Secondly, whether they are robustly protected. And finally, how they could be enhanced and exploited. Intellectual Property is one group of intangibles that requires special attention. Good management and protection of IP is vital for a company looking to merge, or acquire another. If the target company’s IP is not protected (or not protected thoroughly enough, for example in each significant country where it may be at risk) there is a real possibility that its ideas and inventions could be stolen. On the other hand, a company may have IP that is not fully exploited or commercialised, and its potential to do that may add greatly to its value. IP due diligence needs to be considered at an early stage, as a great deal of the value often resides not just in the IP (e.g. patents,
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trademarks, copyright, designs, trade secrets) but in other intellectual assets (branding, skills, policies, “know-how”, processes), and intellectual capital (reputation, relationships, contracts). Coller IP combines technical, legal and commercial expertise to deliver intellectual property management, valuation and brokering services that unlock the potential of business assets, working with companies and professional practitioners to value IP for many purposes - and at all levels within organizations and with the investor community. The company’s activities extend further to provide board level strategies, competitor analysis, patent and trade mark attorney services and clear legal opinions –all of which help to shape a good deal. Jackie Maguire, Coller IP’s CEO has been voted into the IAM 300 of global top IP strategists for the fifth year running - and is leading in the UK. Jim Asher leads Coller IP’s valuation practice and is an expert in valuations in M&As.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year Macdonald Chimandas Vasnani is the Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Shipping Agencies Ltd. (Conship). Conship was formed in February in 1996 and is wholly Ghanaian owned. The firm has grown to become one of the leading logistics, freight forwarding and shipping companies in Ghana. “With a highly skilled workforce of 142, we have ‘won the hearts’ of our esteemed clients in every area of our industry,” said Mr Vasnani. “We place serious emphasis on safety, quality and performance to what we do. Our achievements make us the best logistics company in the Oil & Gas industry.” The firm’s goal is to be the standard of excellence in the freight forwarding and logistics industry. Its mission statement is to be a globally recognised player in the freight forwarding and Logistics Industry. The firm intends to accomplish this mission by: focusing on customers’ evolving needs; exceeding the expectations of its customers; creating a healthy relationship with stakeholders; and harnessing the potential of its highly skilled team. Conship’s rich experience stretches from Handling; Imports; Exports; Customs Clearance; Charters; Projects Management; Oil and Gas; etc. Other services include: Container Freight Station operations; Husbandry Services; and Crew Boats Operations. Its reputation also extends to international arenas. Conship has three branches in Ghana located in Tema (Head Office), Accra and Sekondi/Takoradi which are well equipped for businesses.
Mr. Vasnani believes the firm is strategically placed to continuously collaborate with other industry players who he views as partner (‘co-petitors’) to deliver superior and quality service to the satisfaction of clients who remain the company’s utmost priority. He stated that the team is “very excited” to have won the award, adding: “this is the first of its kind to awards a logistics company in the Oil & Gas industry in Ghana”. Adapting to the current economic turbulence has not been easy for the firm, but Mr Vasnani highlighted the support and assistance given by its clients and stakeholders. “They have been the backbone of our successes,” he enthused. Looking ahead, the firm plans to ensure another successful year by being customer service orientated, and supporting international oil companies in drilling campaigns from its base in Ghana to Liberia; Sierra Leone; Namibia and, of course, Ghana. The firm’s main aims for the next 12 months are clients’ satisfaction and retention; and increment in clients’ base by expanding internationally. Mr Vasnani advises other nominees for the award to “go the extra mile in satisfying their clients’ needs” and “dedicating awards to clients and employees”. Discussing his outlook for the M&A activity in the next 12 months, Mr. Vasnani anticipates a policy direction which could lead to the increased investments and budgetary allocation in the power and energy sectors.
Firm: Consolidated Shipping Agencies Ltd. (Conship) Name: Macdonald Chimandas Vasnani Address: P. O. Box CT 2491, Cantonments-Accra-GhanaWest Africa W: www.conshiponline.com E: mvasnani@conshiponline.com T: + 233 (0) 303 207110/ 204016/ 213737/213738
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Leading Adviser of the Year - Klein Partners Capital Corp Acquisition of Hypercom Stephen B Lewis is the Founder and Managing Director of Cross Border Strategies LLC. Cross Border Strategies is a boutique debt advisory and debt placement firms focused exclusively on assisting middle market companies with their financing needs outside their home jurisdictions.
Name: Stephen B. Lewis Firm: Cross Border Strategies LLC Address: 55 E. Monroe Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60605, USA W: www. crossborderstrategiesllc.com E: slewis@ crossborderstrategiesllc.com T: +1.312.201.3962 (O), +1.312.493.0402 (M)
“We focus exclusively on cross border financing transactions and we take a holistic approach to each assignment,” explained Mr Lewis. “We spend a great deal of time up front determining what the ‘end game’ of the financing is and then think backwards to make sure that all of the steps to completion are identified and a realistic timeline is established for completion of the transaction. We are very sensitive to costs and we try to identify and, if possible, eliminate steps in a transaction that are either unnecessary or add little value while adding significant costs.” Mr Lewis added that Cross Border Strategies has “always been nimble and quick to adapt to market conditions”, and that the firm was “humbled and very pleased” to receive the award. The market for M&A services is increasingly global, and Mr Lewis stated that Cross Border strategies was started specifically to address this phenomenon. He noted that many middle market companies in the last five to seven years faced their first meaningful need to conduct operations outside their home markets and had little to no idea how to go about taking the first steps and finding the financing they need to support their operations abroad. “My company fills that gap,” he enthused. “Our client base is truly global, from India to Europe, from Asia to Latin America. Most of
our customers are US based, but their operations and financing needs are all over the world. We are agnostic as to jurisdiction and financing product.” Discussing the last 12 months for M&A, Mr Lewis explained that the markets have been slow due to uncertainties in the US and in the Eurozone. He noted that there was an uptick in activity towards the end of 2012, however the first quarter of 2013 has been slow. In terms of trends, he has observed a significant increase in upfront due diligence on deals and an unwillingness, at least in the middle market, to bid up for deals. “Demand for my services has increased in the last six months I think in part due to the realisation that interest rates globally are at historic lows and that growth opportunities will not wait forever,” he opined. “Also, I think the regulatory environment has contributed to the number of requests I am getting for finding reputable, nontradition financing sources.” Over the next 12 months, Mr Lewis expects that M&A activity will pick up, albeit slowly. “Middle market companies are poised for growth and their customers and clients are increasingly global so we expect to see more activity than in the last 12 months,” he explained. In conclusion, Mr Lewis offered the following advice to the other nominees for the award: “Be client focused, always.”
Turkish IP Firm of the Year This years winners of the Turkish IP Firm of the Year were Destek Patent. A.I. made the trip to Istanbul to find out more about this multi award winning company. Destek Patent has been Turkey’s leader in IP management and protection since 1995, and has received the following accolades: l Turkey’s top-ranked IP firm for more than 15 consecutive years according to official patent and trademark filing and registration statistics by the Turkish Patent Institute; and l among the world’s top 10 IP firms for the past five years according to the international trademark filing statistics issued by the WTR 1000 and Markenfacts; and
Firm: DESTEK PATENT INC. Name: Kemal Yamankaradeniz Address: Polaris Plaza Ahi Evran Cad. No:1 Kat:17 Maslak - Istanbul 34398 - Turkey W: www.destekpatent.com.tr E: kemal.yamankaradeniz@ destekpatent.com.tr T: +90 212 329 0000
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Destek Patent has the largest IP team (four partners, five associates, eight European patent attorneys, 50 patent and trademark attorneys and a total of nearly 200 professionals) and the largest office network throughout Turkey (Istanbul - Europe (head office), Ankara (close to the Turkish Patent Institute), Bursa (head of international affairs), Istanbul - Anatolia, Izmir, Konya, Gaziantep and Adana). It has experience and expertise gained from thousands of IP files - the firm has filed more than 100,000 trademarks, 10,000 patents and 70,000 designs since 1995. In addition, it was the first Turkish IP firm to implement total quality management, having held the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate since 2001. Destek Patent offers enhanced collaboration in IP protection. Our members contribute to Turkish IP associations as founding members, board members and presidents of organisations such as the Licensing Executives Society (LES) Turkey, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) Turkey, Uluslararasi Patent Birliği and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges Turkey Attorneys’ Assembly (TOBB).
The firm offers clients and associates interactive online services in a secure medium wherein IP searches, file tracking and application filings can all be carried out online. Our extensive database includes all IP applications and registration in Turkey, and our honest, transparent and reliable services can be traced anytime. Destek Patent contributes to IP knowledge dissemination by providing Destek Patent TV, online services, Turkish Patent News magazine with industry-specific inserts and a newsletter, as well as lectures at universities and seminars at business associations. The firm’s memberships include LES, AIPPI, INTA, MARQUES, PTMG, GRUR, EPI, VPP and TOBB. When Destek Patent was established in 1983, industrial property rights in Turkey were still protected under the Patent Law 1879 and the Trademark Law (1950s). Companies had almost no knowledge and experience of industrial property rights. The Turkish Patent Office and modern IP legislation were not established until 1995; there were no registered patent/trademark attorneys until 1998 and no specialised IP court till 2001. The number of IP registrations was negligible. With its mission to meet the need for IP knowledge and experience and IP professionals at that time in terms of international competition, free market economy and the creation and management of IP rights, and in order to improve itself in the IP field, Destek Patent has driven change and broken much ground in IP matters in its short history, and therefore its name is mentoned in terms of pioneers and firsts in the IP field.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
TMT Cross Border Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Jay C. MacDonald is CEO & Managing Partner of Digital Capital Advisors, LLC, this year’s worthy winners of the TMT Cross Border Advisory award. We were delighted to talk to him about the award and what the next 12 months holds for DCA. Digital Capital Advisors, LLC (“DCA”) is the premier global investment banking boutique dedicated to serving innovative media companies for whom digital is core to their DNA – as well as those who would like it to be. Whether e-commerce, RTB, marketing services, ad networks, mobile, online video, interactive agencies, ed-tech, social, local and countless other related areas, the team at DCA lives and breathes digital media and adtech. Founded and run by long-time media investment bankers and former CEO’s, these advisors / investors / financiers / entrepreneurs have been fully immersed in and have helped shape the media landscape for the past 20 years, both online and offline. Such invaluable experience, well-honed insights and extensive relationships throughout the industry with both strategic operators and financial sponsors are of immense value to DCA’s clients as it helps them navigate the fast-changing media landscape and create superior value. These are exactly the tenets that led to DCA being selected as this year’s “TMT Cross Border Advisory Firm of the Year” for the USA. In learning of the distinction, Jay C. MacDonald, CEO & Managing Partner of DCA, said “we are really thrilled to have been recognized in this way, especially this early in our evolution, for delivering what is clearly service highly valued by the global market. We formed DCA to provide our client base with bulge bracket quality service on a high-touch boutique level, and it’s obviously working.” When MacDonald was asked how DCA – which provides advisory services in the form of sell-side and buy-side M&A, as well as the private placement of equity and debt, for digital media companies throughout their evolution – differentiates itself in a crowded advisory landscape, he responded: “A key differentia-
tor of the firm is not only our unique perspective as a result of the team’s invaluable blend of entrepreneurial chops and bulge bracket media investment banking experience, but our expertise in seamlessly executing cross-border transactions, just as the digital world has knocked down those boundaries. Our capabilities are enhanced by our recently-launched US venture capital fund, the Entrepreneur’s Investment Fund, our strategic alliance with eValue Group AG, a prolific and highly successful European venture capital fund, and by other important global alliances that have been formed over the years.” DCA doesn’t stop with just providing advisory services, however. When asked what DCA is doing to ensure that the next 12 months are as successful as the previous, MacDonald commented that “we are very active participants in the market beyond just closing deals – both in providing market insights through our white papers that help enlighten an even larger audience than our current clients and in hosting events that facilitate open and important dialogue among leaders in the digital media space. By living and breathing digital media day in and day out, clients and prospective clients know that we are the best partners to have at their side.” From its headquarters high atop the iconic Empire State Building in New York City and offices strategically located in Los Angeles and Dusseldorf, DCA’s principals span the globe uniting and building digital leaders of today and tomorrow. They regard their client relationships as partnerships in the true meaning of the word – unified with one another in a sphere of common interest – as they help entrepreneurs and other business owners transfer various forms of capital into tangible and significant wealth.
Name: Jay C. MacDonald, CEO & Managing Partner Firm: Digital Capital Advisors, LLC Address: Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 7640, New York, NY 10118 W: www.digitalcapitaladvisors.com E: jay@digitalcapitaladvisors.com T: +1 212 877 7100
Diligence Management Consultants are the primary risk and crisis management consultants for numerous international organisations in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. We guide our clients to make the right decisions to grow their businesses and safeguard their people, assets, and reputation. Living and working in the region for over twenty years, we have the experience, knowledge, expertise, and resources our clients need and trust. With consulting, investigative and research capabilities we mitigate the myriad of physical, information and regulatory risks clients across the region.
www.diligence.ae
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
US Leading Adviser of the Year
Acquisition International speaks to John Emory Jr., President & CEO of Emory & Co., LLC, an investment banking boutique based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about their recent win of US Leading Adviser of the Year - Varitronics Acquisition. “I felt thrilled and very honored when I found out we had received this prestigious award from Acquisition International. “We take teamwork very seriously. We hire the best people and strive to create value for companies that are looking for a high level of service and attention. We are focused on being the best M&A firm we can be and always place the best interests of our clients first. “At Emory, we place a strong emphasis on having a team-based culture, and we go to great lengths to communicate effectively between our internal team and our clients’ team members. We want to make sure the ladders are against the correct walls and we are all climbing together. “Part of what sets us apart from other lower middle-market investment banks is the breadth and depth of our global private equity firm connections. We maintain our own internal database of private equity groups, which tracks their responses to every deal we have ever shown them. This internal database tracks our history with approximately 800 private equity groups that are interested in middle-market acquisitions. I am on the Board
of Directors of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Wisconsin Chapter and regularly attend their national conference, as well as many regional conferences, which are designed for networking between investment bankers and private equity firms. We also subscribe to comprehensive outside databases of private equity groups that track which portfolio companies they own, among other information. “We are generalists with respect to industries. We have a lot of experience with manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies. Steve Becker, one of our Managing Directors, focuses his practice on food industry M&A deals, but most of our professionals are industry generalists. “Our M&A seller clients usually have EBITDA between $1 million and $10 million, and sales of between $10 million and $80 million.
Name: John Emory Firm: Emory & Co. Address: 250 E. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 910, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA W: www.EmoryCo.com T: (414) 831-5644
“We charge our M&A seller clients a monthly retainer plus success fee, due at closing. The exact structure of the success fee depends on the particular circumstances of the client.”
Leading Adviser of the Year
- Albéa Acquisition of Rexam Personal Care Cosmetic Division Matt Watts is a Principal at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). ERM is a leading global supplier of environmental, sustainability, health & safety, social and risk management consultancy, providing services across all sectors but with particular focus on Oil & Gas, Mining, Power and Manufacturing & Chemicals. The firm undertakes assessment and risk mitigation work in connection with Transactions, complete scopes of work related to regulatory compliance and performance optimisation, assess ground contamination impact, complete environmental impact assessments and assess & manage risk associated with air quality and climate change. “First and foremost, we aim to consider sustainability in everything that we do, be this in undertaking due diligence assessments, in managing post-transaction integration and risk & opportunity management or in working with companies outside of a transaction context,” explained Mr Watts. “At all times, we look to put “issues” in a commercial context in order that our clients may recognize value or manage risk appropriately. Further, we are a specialist environment and sustainability consultant rather than a small part of a multi-discipline “general” consultancy organisation.” Mr Watts believes that maintaining a focus on the firm’s core business strategy has been central to its continued success. The firm has continued to invest heavily in strengthening its client relationships with leading global companies and sponsors of major capital projects, and has driven innovation in its service offerings, to match the ever-changing operating environment that its clients now work in across various geographies. “With in-excess of 5,000 staff globally, we have 140 offices in 39 countries, we aim to provide a service which is consistent and of the highest quality to create value to our clients,” he contin-
ued. “We have worked for more than 50% of the Global Fortune 500 companies in the past 5 years including corporates, private equity and banks.” ERM achieved double digit growth in M&A within a company approaching $1 billion in size in a market that is still volatile, which Mr Watts believes is among the firm’s greatest accomplishment of the last 12 months. Commenting on the M&A market over the last year, Mr Watts noted that many of the projects have had longer lead times prior to implementation. In certain sectors, the firm has also noted an increased appetite for its clients to enter into Joint Ventures rather than take outright control. Looking within the firm, Mr Watts stated that team culture, collaboration and adherence to its values are key to its success and how it operates as a business. “As well as trusted advisors, we see our role as enablers, aiming to bring the appropriate technical discipline to bear from elsewhere in the organisation (either technically or geographically), and as a commercial lens, putting “issues” into a financial / business sustainability context. “At all times, we maintain an internal dialogue on technical, sustainability and commercial issues driving our various Practices. In this way we keep informed on developing areas which may drive value or risk. While many areas of diligence focus on risk, we will also continue our focus on delivering assessments which focus on opportunities with regard environment and broader sustainability,” he concluded.
Name: Matt Watts Firm: Environmental Resources Management Address: Exchequer Court, 33 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA W: www.erm.com E: matt.watts@erm.com T: 0203 206 5200
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Boutique French Auditors of the Year - Chad Nabia Kossi Mangua is Managing Partner at FECMA, a boutique auditing firm based in Africa.
Name: NABIA Kossi Mangua Firm: FECMA TCHAD Sarl Address: PO BOX 2179 N’Djamena, Avenue Charles de Gaulle W: www.fecma-expert.com E: kossi.nabia@yahoo.fr kossi.nabia@fecma-expert.com T: + 235 22 53 36 88 or + 235 63 55 87 99
Nabia explains a little more about the firm and the industry it operates within. “The company is provides audit and accountancy services, both for public or private enterprises. We’re currently developing a training programme for many firms and we assist some enterprises to perform governance and management, with the aim of being a competitive company.” Recently, Fecma was voted by Acquisition International readers as the Boutique French Auditor of the Year, a prestigious award which has made the company very proud. “We think that is very important for us to be known as a leading accounting firm in our country,” explains Nabia on his reaction to winning the award. “The award is necessary to promote our services in our country and in central Africa. “It’s great for us as we’re a very young firm.”
As the practice of being an auditor in the country is not legalized and Nabia explains that virtually anyone can practice. Despite being young, the firm is already distinguishing itself as a clear leader in its field by developing a programme to help train people in this jurisdiction. “We made the choice to work with young people with any experience, because they need a challenge in order to perform to their highest ability. We have developed a training programme for them and they are now ready to be competitive, with a high satisfaction rate from our clients.” The company places a lot of emphasis on team culture and will continue to do so to ensure that it enjoys continued success in the future. “Our culture is based on performance and the satisfaction of our clients,” says Nabia. “We wish to increase our turnover in our major activities of auditing and accounting to continue being successful and we will work very much on the same basis as last year.”
Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Austria
Acquisition International Magazine speaks to Wolfgang T. Graf, partner, Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwaelte GmbH about the strategy they put im place to win this year’s Corporate Law Firm of the Year – Austria.
Name: Wolfgang T. Graf Firm: Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwaelte Address: Brucknerstrasse 2/4, 1040 Vienna, Austria W: www.gpra.at E: wolfgang.graf@gpra.at T: +43 1 5354820
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“First and formost we are business lawyers with a strong international focus which of course is always a winning element. Our core areas of practice comprise corporate, corporate finance, M&A, and real estate and besides German and English, we do provide our services also in Russian and Polish.
Graf Patsch Taucher became partner of PONTES, a network of business lawyers in Central- and Eastern Europe. All partners of PONTES are independent law firms sharing a common culture experienced in international transactions developed by team members’ experience in major international law firms.
“We provide high quality legal advice with a small to midsized team. Our partners are all hands on, guarantee customized support in complex business transactions and our rates are competitive.
“Recent transactions of Graf Patsch Taucher include the support of GDF Suez on the Nabucco project together with Chadbourne & Parke (London), the management buyout of Veolia Water Systems Austria and the acquisition of a high end hotel project in Vienna.
“Being a rather small and dynamic company, it is less burdensome and it takes less time to react and make decisions, so we are a very reactive firm.” With a client base that is truly international, Graf Patch Taucher represent major international groups, industry leaders as well as private investors from various jurisdictions. In order to ensure high quality advice to our clients also outside Austria,
“Further we have recently advised our key client Borealis Group on a major corporate restructuring project and on a EUR 100 Mio acquisition finance transaction.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Tax Restructuring Advisory Firm of the Year - Switzerland H&P Trust Group has this year won the Tax Restructuring Advisory Firm of the Year award. A.I. spoke to them to find out more about this outstanding company. H&P Trust Group has a strong background in international tax law and estate planning, which results that the firm is not only capable of providing corporate and fiduciary services, but they truly understand the (tax) implications the structures to be implemented will have for the client and his/her family. The firm is therefore very well equipped to guide the client and the next generations to his or her most optimal structure and to maintain such structure in accordance with all domestic and foreign (tax) regulations. Fréderique van Gelderen elaborates : “We are a privately owned company, we grow at a steady and controlled pace, so we remain in control of the structures we handle. We therefore also make no sudden moves or changes, which ensures a steadiness our clients appreciate as we mostly handle (U) HNW clients and their private or top business assets. Another important aspect is that we have a partnership structure, meaning that our key people are a stakeholder in our firm. As there is always a partner included in servicing a client, the client can be assured that his or her responsible partner will remain a steady and trusted contact within H&P for the long run. “Furthermore we are really involved with our clients, we see ourselves as an appendix of them. We work to understand our clients’ active businesses, to get familiar with the families and their values and of course with the cultures of our clients. We often meet with and travel to our clients. We always do our utmost to form ourselves towards the client and to not force our clients in our pace. This is something which has become rare
as most international firms have often become inflexible. This is also why we do not want our offices to become too large (our offices have a maximum staff of 20 people), we don’t want to loose our flexible and tailor-made approach.” So has the demand for your services increased over the last year Fréderique? If so, to what would you attribute this increase and how have you responded? “We have seen an increase over the past years of clients wanting to protect their assets, especially from the public. Persons in a certain position or experiencing public exposure or even from certain regions in the world value our services immensely in assisting them to protect and preserve their legacy. The last years of course have been dominated by the financial crisis and in large parts of the world the mere possession of assets can inflict debates and strong reactions from the public, notwithstanding that such assets have often been materialized through devoted and hard work. Also in some areas we have seen that it is getting harder for clients to simply possess assets or to do with these assets (the client’s own possession) as they please. Not to speak of the seize of assets in certain parts of the worlds by governments. In this way the growing global transparency through social media and the easier access to information worldwide (the more intensified cooperation also on government levels) has had a huge impact on the needs and focus of our clients.”
Name: Fréderique van Gelderen Firm: H&P Trust Group Address: Poststrasse 6 6300 Zug W: www.henleytrust.com T: +41 41 729 63 63
Most Trusted Due Diligence Firm of the Year - India This year our perceptive readers have voted Intelligere the ‘Most Trusted Due Diligence Firm of the Year’. Ritambhara Agrawal, founder and managing partner kindly found the time to speak with A.I. Ms. Ritambhara Agrawal is the founder and managing partner of Intelligere. Intelligere is a leading law firm based in India and having offshore offices in USA and UK. Intelligere is providing legal services in the area of Corporate & Commercial Laws, Intellectual Property Rights, Foreign Investment, Technology Law, Contract Management, Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures, Regulatory & Policy matters and Litigation. We are dedicated to provide end-to-end solutions to our customers in India, USA, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Canada, Australia and Africa. We are very delighted about the recognition to Intelligere as the most trusted Due Diligence Firm of the year-India. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us as well, as our many clients that work with us year after year. The award is a testament to the commitment Intelligere has shown to its clients. We are constantly looking to build on our current expertise and this award is a fantastic acknowledgment of both our extensive engagement across our client base and our constant drive for innovation and extension of best practice. We believe that our deep industry knowledge, excellence in client service and international reach set Intelligere apart from it’s competitors. Intelligere has been able to effectively negotiate the global nature of the current M&A market by virtue of a highly talented, diversified and multi-jurisdictional team, with comprehensive understanding of legal systems, business and its dynamics. We combine sector specialism with legal excellence to provide the most commercially valuable solutions to our clients’ needs. Intelligere’s transaction advisory services practice is providing buy & sell-side, due diligence, tax structuring and other
transaction-related services on many domestic and international transactions. Apart from industry recognitions, our managing partner, Ms. Ritambhara Agrawal has also been honoured with the “Leading Woman Lawyer of the Year” and “Innovator in Legal Services” at two prestigious award ceremonies in India in the year 2013. India is in a phase of constantly evolving regulatory framework and liberalization in the FDI policy, which is leading to increased M&A transaction activities. Amendments under the Companies Bill, CCI rules, the Takeover Code, introduction of transfer pricing provisions on transfer of shares, General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and Vodafone taxation matter, are few examples of the Government endeavour to regulate transactions. The new guidelines of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), empowers CCI to scrutinize M&A transactions, which cross the prescribed assets/turnover based threshold limits. The new Takeover Code makes key changes pertaining to the initial threshold for takeover triggers, the minimum size of the mandatory open offer, non-compete fee, competitive bids, voluntary offers to shareholders, mandatory approval from the board of the target company and delisting. The rising challenges of global economy, makes it imperative to adopt an aggressive strategy to improve the international competitiveness. We are continuously building our network of associate law firms, to expand our horizon of services to various continents. With our constant zeal for excellence, client value and innovation, we are confident to have another successful year and win the award in 2014.
Name:Ritambhara Agrawal Firm: Intelligere Address: A-42/6, 2nd Floor, Sector-62, Noida-201301, U.P. India W: www.intelligere.in E: Ritambhara@intelligere.in T: 0120-4740722, 9810854270
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Global Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year Intralinks is delighted to have been recognised as ‘Global Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year’ The award further validates their reputation as a leading provider of virtual data rooms and solidifies their history of innovation to give professionals the tools they need to help them get more deals done, faster. Acquisition International talks to Matt Porzio, VP Product Marketing at Intralinks for a brief history of their firm and how they are able to stand apart from their competitors in terms of the service they offer. “Intralinks is a leading, global technology provider of beyond the firewall collaboration solutions. Over 800 of the Global Fortune 1000 use the Intralinks platform to securely share content and collaborate anytime, anywhere, with business partners. A pioneer in software-as-a-service computing, over 16 years ago we created the first virtual data rooms (VDRs), used to support the complex and highly regulated process of managing strategic financial transactions. Over the years Intralinks Dealspace has become the recognized marketshare leader and innovator in the VDR marketplace, used to support over $19 trillion in transactions involving over a billion pages. “Today, Intralinks has grown to support more than two million professionals with strategic collaboration solutions for a wide range of industries, including financial services, life sciences, technology and manufacturing. Name:Matt Porzio Firm: Intralinks Address: 150 E 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 W: www.intralinks.com
“For more than 16 years Intralinks has been serving the M&A community with the industry’s leading virtual data room, Intralinks Dealspace. Intralinks gives deal professionals the tools they need to manage the full lifecycle of the deal while maintaining the highest levels of security. “Intralinks is a global company and serves M&A dealmakers worldwide. Cross border deals are more common, and with a
solution that is supported by 140 languages in 40 offices worldwide, we’re suited to serve the global market.” We asked Matt Porzio how Intralinks have adapted to the challenging current economic conditions. “Despite challenging economic conditions, businesses are still working to conduct deals. They’re just more careful about the deals they select. Choosing the correct solution for an M&A deal is even that much more important, since the sensitivity of the documents can be greater. In addition, using a solution like ours helps get deals done faster, which can save our customers time and money. “M&A growth over the past year has been generally healthy. Economic woes are far from gone, and there is a very real chance that the climate may once again change. The market rushed into deals in the first half of 2012 and that has been followed by several quarters of varied deal volume. Inorganic growth is an increasingly popular option for corporates and private equity firms must continue their investment cycles, and while we’re optimistic given the newfound stability, it may result in slower growth until the second half of 2013.” Intralinks looks at the M&A market in depth with the Intralinks Deal Flow Indicator (DFI) each quarter, http://www.intralinks. com/knowledge/intralinks-deal-flow-indicator, which tracks global sell-side merger and acquisition (M&A) mandates and deals reaching the due diligence stage prior to public announcement.
Competition Law Firm of the Year - Romania Acquisition International speaks to Radu C. Ionescu, Managing Partner, Ionescu si Sava S.C.A about how it felt when they won, Competition Law Firm of the Year – Romania. “The award comes as recognition of our achievements in the past year in the field of competition law - particularly in the pharmaceuticals and automotive sectors. “Ionescu si Sava SCA is currently a medium-sized law firm, with a strong focus on business law. Our main areas of expertise are M&A, tax, labor, competition, insolvency and litigation and arbitration. “The firm has 22 fee-earners, of which 4 partners, and caters mainly to international companies acting in Romania and our client base includes Mercedes-Benz and other subsidiaries of Daimler AG, Novartis, Abbott, Angelini Pharmaceuticals, Torrent Pharma, Universal Studios.
Name:Radu C. Ionescu Firm: Ionescu si Sava, S.C.A. Address: 24 Paleologu street, Bucharest 030552, Romania W: www.ionescusava.ro E: office@ionescusava.ro T: +4 021 314 02 54
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“Our most important assets are the full time availability and access to partners, the extended range of legal assistance services, our reaction speed and our flexible and reasonable pricing policy. Additionally, a good number of our lawyers have dual economical and legal backgrounds, which helps us understand not only the legal needs of our clients, but also their business needs. “Our policy to encourage our team-members to get involved in a variety of projects, rather than over-specialize in a single field, has allowed us to re-direct resources to areas of expertise more adaptable to the current economic conditions - such as litigation, insolvency or competition law. This has also enabled us to control costs and thus gain a competitive advantage in comparison to larger firms, while providing the same level of service.
“We have seen an increase in demand for our services from areas of the world that we did not consider before - such as China, Russia or India. In order to be able to meet this new demand, in 2012 Ionescu si Sava SCA joined the Alliance of Business Lawyers (www.a-b-l.com), a global network of business law firms, through which we gained access to invaluable resources throughout the globe. “After an almost complete halt in the first half of 2012, the market has slowly regained pace towards the end of 2012 and is showing signs of revival in 2013. The distressed-assets market is still one of the focuses in terms of M&A and will continue to be so, particularly in the real-estate area. The institutional creditors (banks, funds) are growing increasingly impatient and we think that in the next 12 months we will see a good number of large projects that will change ownership, particularly in retail.” Radu what is the firm’s core value? “Team culture is in fact one of our strongest values. Whereas the individual qualities of each team member are crucial to the success of our firm, we think that it is the team spirit that creates real value to our clients. As such, we have encouraged all the members of our team to consult each other on various issues, to validate their opinions with other team members, to debate and to speak up when they have a different view on a certain matter. There is a sense of involvement that leads to good legal work and ultimately to satisfied clients.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Anglo German M&A Law Firm of the Year Jan Hoppe is the Director / Head of German Desk at London based law firm Jeffrey Green Russell Limited. Jeffrey Green Russell Limited are a central London based commercial law firm with a particular focus on licensing, corporate and commercial matters, often involving an international element. “We have a problem solving, commercial approach to doing business and getting work done for clients, which combined with a modern management structure, enables us to react quickly to changing market conditions and client requirements and to provide an outcome driven service,” said Mr Hoppe. “We are constantly seeking to improve the efficiency of our departments, are flexible in our approach to fees and work whilst at the same time are uncompromising on quality of our services.” JGR has historically had an international focus and client base, which it has sought to constantly expand. The firm is a member of the International Alliance of Law Firms which provides JGR with a wide international reach. The firm has clients from all over the world with a particular focus on Europe, the BRIC countries and the USA. “I was naturally very pleased to receive the award on behalf of the firm, particularly as it is recognition of our consistent hard work and team efforts to get outstanding results for our clients,” enthused Mr Hoppe. Discussing the last 12 months in terms of M&A, Mr Hoppe noted that there has been a significant increase in the use of European legislation to facilitate Pan-European cross-border company mergers.
“This is mainly used to consolidate company groups or to relocate businesses from one jurisdiction within the EU to another he explained. Germany and England are at the forefront of this interesting development. Overall, there has been a significant increase in corporate restructuring.” Mr Hoppe stated that the number of transactions in the medium and large segment is still significantly below pre-crisis levels. There has been a small increase in the small to mid-size deal bracket in the UK, however the M&A market overall is still subdued. “With the German economy still performing well, investment from Germany into the UK economy is still reasonably strong,” he observed. “Also, there has been a notable increase of investment from the UK into Germany with many UK companies now setting up subsidiary companies in Germany. As a result the demand for specialist international and particularly Anglo-German corporate/commercial services has increased significantly.” Over the next 12 months, JGR aims to double the turnover and size of the firm’s German Desk and expand the firm’s international practice into other markets and countries, “and, of course, to win the Acquisition International M&A Award 2014”, added Mr Hoppe. “We have invested in expertise and efficiency and I would expect this investment to result in further growth of my firm’s M&A practice, particularly as we are operating to a large extent in the UK and international small to medium sized deal sector where further growth is to be expected in the next year,” he concluded.
Name:Jan Hoppe Firm: Jeffrey Green Russell Ltd Address: Waverley House, 7 – 12 Noel Street, London W1F 8GQ, United Kingdom W: www.jgrweb.com E: jkh@jgrlaw.co.uk T: +44 20 7339 7000
Italian Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year
Acquisition International speaks to Stéphane Klecha, Managing Partner at Klecha & Co about what makes them an award winning financial advisor specializing in M&A and capital raising. How does your company distinguish itself from its competitors? “We are a specialized mid-market M&A company acting primarily in the energy and IT/ software sectors. Our team is composed of young, bright and internationally-experienced finance professionals. We have a very direct approach with clients and spend significant amounts of time in getting into the business model of our clients.” “We set-up the company in 2009 - at the beginning of what is the longest financial crisis we have seen – because we saw an opportunity for change. “We decided to specialize, provide knowledge of the market dynamics in order to create value to our clients. We select our clients and provide truly tailor-made services with great attention to details both in the preparation and in the execution phases.”
What have been your greatest achievements over the last 12 months? “We have advised an Italian company active in the financial software sector. We worked together on the definition on a strategic development plan, raised equity to finance the plan and supported them in making 3 acquisitions. Following these 4 transactions, the company of our client doubled its size and increases its international presence, from being a local player to becoming European market leader with clients in 12 countries.” How would you describe the last 12 months in terms of M&A? Have you observed any emerging trends? “We continue to believe in specialization. Markets and business complexity is increasing. We are about to see the start of new consolidation trends across many sectors. In terms of trends we continue to see transactions driven by industrial imperatives.”
The market for M&A services is increasingly global – how has your company positioned itself to address this global market and how far reaching is your client base?
Have there been any particularly significant events over the year that have impacted your business or your clients (i.e.: updates to legislation, market turbulence etc.)?
“We work with clients from everywhere. We are currently setting up our operations in the UK and in the USA with the plan to have running offices in London and New York before the end of the year.”
“Market turbulence in southern Europe is driving consolidation. Small companies must grow and make acquisitions outside their core markets to survive.”
Name:Stéphane Klecha Firm: Klecha & Co. Address: Milan W: www.klecha-co.com E: stephane@klecha-co.com T: +39 02 80 29 29 1
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Denmark Soeren P. Krejler is an Advisory Partner at KPMG Transaction Services in Denmark, this years winners of the award for Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Denmark. KPMG is a truly global network of independent, local country membership firms. On a global scale, the firm is represented in more than 150 countries and employs over 150,000 people across audit, tax and advisory services. In Denmark, KPMG has established 23 offices throughout the country and employs more than 1,400 persons. KPMG in Denmark has been selected above its peers as ‘Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year – Denmark’. Acquisition International speaks to Soeren Krejler, an Advisory Partner serving as Head of KPMG’s Danish Transaction Services department and Danish Private Equity Group with regards to their winning this award.
Name:Soeren P. Krejler Firm: KPMG’s Transaction Services in Denmark Address: Osvald Helmuths Vej 4, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark W: www.kpmg.dk E: skrejler@kpmg.dk T: +45 7323 3726
Soeren spoke about hearing the news of this important achievement, “I was extremely glad to receive recognition for the work we do. I believe the services we provide and the setup we have established in our practice has positioned us as a market leader in Denmark and the wider Nordic region. It’s nice when people other than ourselves feel the same. “During the last 12-18 months, we’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of very different transactions - both for buy side and sell side teams - and within a lot of different industries. Just to mention a few, we worked on a string of US transactions in mid-2012; we provided buy-side financial due diligence to Citrix Systems when they acquired Danish online services provider Podio; on the sell side we provided various assistance to the owners of PBI Dansensor when the company was sold to Mocon
Inc. and we prepared a vendor due diligence report in relation to the sale of cancer diagnostics company, Dako A/S, to Agilent Technologies - Dako was previously owned by the private equity house, EQT. Recently, we again carried out a vendor due diligence, when specialty pharmaceutical company and portfolio company of 3i, Xellia Pharmaceuticals was sold to leading Danish pharmaceuticals Group, the Novo Nordisk Foundation.” KPMG is in a great position to address the increasingly globalised market: “As mentioned, KPMG has in place a global network! Transaction Services has historically been a first mover to utilise our global reach due to the fact that our client base consists of both leading strategic and financial companies throughout the world - for our part, we have clients looking at Danish target companies from all over. For the major part, our clients come from neighbouring countries, e.g. the Nordic region and rest of Europe - but we also regularly work for companies in the US as well as in other regions across the world.” Soeren went on to add, “The demand for our services follows the level of the broader M&A trend - so recently we have of course felt the pressure of the new market situation. One thing we have noted, however, is that where our clients previously perceived our “product” (financial due diligence reporting) to be a commodity of nature, there has been a shift towards an increased focus on us to deliver a value-adding viewpoint on the transactions we work on. We find this most exciting and are pleased that we are increasingly able to act as trusted advisers to the benefit of our clients no matter where in the world they are located.”
Turkish Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Ayhan Ustun is a tax partner at KPMG in Turkey, this year’s winner of the Turkish Tax Advisory Firm of the Year award. Mr. Üstün stated that KPMG Turkey acknowledges the specific case and requirements of clients in M&A transactions. Therefore, the firm has started to build a dedicated M&A Tax service team starting from 2007 and since 2010 has had a fullyfledged service team dedicated to M&A Tax services including professionals from each level (from assistants to partner and directors). The firm also realises the specific requirements of each industry, and as such has been building sector knowledge within its team, mainly for financial services, energy and private equity investments. “As the M&A tax team we aim to provide insightful advice in every transaction we take place, rather than taking the role of a mere technical tax advisor,” explained Mr Üstün. “We try to think together with our clients throughout an M&A process seeing ourselves as a member of the client’s team.
Name:AYHAN ÜSTÜN / Partner, Tax Firm: KPMG in TURKEY Address: Kavacık Rüzgarlı Bahçe Mahallesi, Kavak Sok, No:29 Beykoz 34805 ISTANBUL W: www.kpmg.com.tr E: ayhanustun@kpmg.com T: +90 216 681 95 21
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“We are happy to see that our approach has been well appreciated by our clients and contributed to the success of KPMG in Turkey” Mr. Üstün stated. Amidst Turkey’s changing dynamics, it may be hard to predict risks and opportunities at early stages of your investment. Today’s market place is highly competitive and demands quick and often difficult decisions. It’s fast moving and constantly changing, with an increasingly diverse range of companies interacting across a range of deal structures and countries. Our team of M&A Tax professionals plays a key role in the strategic planning and structuring of a deal, ensuring that the
business people have a full appreciation, at a very early stage, of the tax risks and, importantly, opportunities. The Tax Advisory team of KPMG, including more than 20 dedicated group of professionals involved in M&A Tax and International Tax advisory services, has been voted as the Turkish Tax Advisory Firm of the Year in 2012 and 2013 by a number of different business magazines.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Boutique Business Broker of the Year – USA Mel Lisiten, Chairman/President of Lisiten Associates, discusses the firm’s excitement at receiving the award.
Name:Mel Lisiten Firm: Lisiten Associates Business Brokers Address: 330 East 38th Street, New York City, NY 10016 W: www.lisitenassociates.com E: lisiten@gmail.com; mel@lisitenassociates.com T: +1 212 661-4160
Lisiten Associates has become the leading Business Brokerage/ M&A in the Northeastern US. The firm focuses on privately held businesses for sale in the range between the Main Street Businesses and Wall Street.
ter was expected to impact the firm’s “aerospace companies for sale”, but nothing has happened so far. The companies are all doing well and the firm’s volume has consistently increased every year.
To adapt to the current market conditions, Lisiten Associates has added additional marketing emphasis and has continued to grow. The firm is a member of 37 websites globally and are constantly adding more with emphasis on new industries.
“Our reputation has grown along with our sales volume,” he explained. “The average size of our clients have also been increasing consistently. Our clients definitely agree with our motto: ‘Experience the Difference!’”.
Lisiten Associates has a global client base, with offices in New York, Florida, California and Beijing, China. The firm is planning additional offices in Russia, India, Great Britain and Israel in the future, and already has clients from all of those areas.
Lisiten Associates places a great deal of emphasis on the team culture within the company. The firm has constant training sessions as well as a variety of educational tools, and the staff all work within a team concept.
Commenting on the firm’s greatest achievements over the last 12 months, Mr Lisiten noted that the firm recently sold its first gold mine for $25 million and has just listed two more gold mines in Arizona for sale – one for sale at $80 million and the other of $1.1 billion.
Looking ahead, Mr Lisiten is extremely optimistic about the company’s performance in the next 12 months and already expects to receive more awards.
“We are now opening another new division called MINEBROKERUSA.com, headed by Eric Hirsch an MBA, experienced in the mining industry,” commented Mr Lisiten. “Eric has helped us grow the business. We expect to become an important factor in that industry. “We have never been so busy,” he continued. “We are getting may calls weekly from sellers wishing to sell their businesses as well as business owners looking for partnerships and/or licensing deals.” According to Mr Lisiten there have been events with a significant impact on the firm or its clients. He noted that the seques-
“We are definitely going to win again,” he enthused. “We are already on track to do so.” The firm’s goals are to keep growing and giving its clients its complete professional attention as in the past, “with Service, Service, Service!” In the next 12 months, Mr Lisiten predicts that the firm’s volume will increase significantly and it will grow globally. Mr Lisiten offered the following advice to other companies and award nominees: “Work as hard as we do and you may also win an Award”. He concluded: “After 32 years in business, we love what we do more than ever. As for me, they will have to carry me out of here in a pine box!”
Antitrust Law Firm of the Year – Indonesia
Mohamed Idwan Ganie is the Managing Partner of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS). He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia and holds a PhD in Law from the University of Hamburg. Dr.Ganie is a Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Anti-Trust Lawyers, a member of the Regional Panel of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), and a fellow (FSIarb) of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.
Name: Dr. Mohamed Idwan (‘Kiki’) Ganie Firm: Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Address: Menara Imperium 30th Floor, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan, Jakarta 12980, Indonesia W: www.lgsonline.com E: ganie@lgslaw.co.id T: +62 21 831-5005, 831-5025
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Dr.Ganie has more than 30 years of legal experience, and specializes in commercial transactions and commercial litigation, including alternative dispute resolution and has acted as an expert in a number court and arbitration proceedings. His expertise covers general corporate/company law, banking law, finance, bankruptcy and restructuring, mining, investment, acquisitions, infrastructure projects/project finance, antitrust, and shipping/aviation, with a particular focus on corporate governance and compliance. Mr Ganie explains what sets the firm aside from its competitors. “We work with our clients to understand their problems, determine their needs, and arrive at a practical solution that is both cost-effective and viable over the long term,” he says. “We strive to understand a client’s needs and the legal complexities faced by them in Indonesia’s highly dynamic legal and business landscape, translate this into a solution, and then see the successful outcome. To this end, we approach our clients’ assignments with a pragmatic view that is driven by a deep understanding of their business needs and of the surround-
ing practicalities of the legal and business landscape that they operate in.” Mr Ganie describes the M&A industry over the last 12 months. “Indonesia’s substantial population, whose prosperity is steadily increasing, and ample natural resources have proven to be an attractive business environment for investment. At a time of turmoil in more developed markets Indonesia presents a potentially more appealing proposition than some of its peers – an economy driven by growing domestic demand rather than exports, with a domestic resource base, and a market that is growing organically rather than due to government policies. “Combined with substantial market opportunities presented by a wide range of sectors that have yet to be developed, including even basics such as agriculture, the ample room for continued business growth in the years and decades to come has attracted substantial inward as well as domestic M&A interest.” LGS was recently voted Anti-trust Law Firm of the Year Indonesia by readers of Acquisition International. “We are extremely pleased at the recognition of our more than 28 years of service,” Mr Ganie enthuses. “We have experience in representing a diverse range of clients from domestic to multinational corporations, public and private companies, to government instrumentalities and state owned enterprises.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Results Driven Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Germany
Dr Markus Schackmann is a Partner of Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH and Head of the M&A team.
Name: Dr. Markus Schackmann Firm: Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Address: Graf-Adolf-Platz 15, 40213 Duesseldorf, Germany W: www.luther-lawfirm.com E: markus.schackmann@ luther-lawfirm.com T: +49 211 5660 0
Luther is a leading German commercial law firm that offers comprehensive legal and tax services. The full-service law firm employs more than 350 lawyers and tax advisors and is represented at 11 German economic centres and at important investment locations and financial centres in Europe and Asia with international offices in Brussels, Budapest, London, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Singapore. The firms’ clients are medium-sized enterprises and large corporations, as well as the public sector. Luther works closely with other commercial law firms in all the prevailing jurisdictions worldwide. On the Continent, Luther is part of a group of independent leading law firms who have worked together for many years on joint cross-border projects. Luther is also the German member of Taxand, a global organisation of tax advisory firms. According to Dr Schackmann, the firm distinguishes itself from its competitors through its separate and fully dedicated M&Ateam - M&A is separated from Corporate.
“As a strategic move – driven and supported by the M&A team – Luther has opened a representative office in London in 2012 in order to strengthen the contact with local institutions,” he commented. “London is the most important European market, especially for M&A transactions and the banking & finance sector.” The firm has had a solid 12 months with numerous new wins and Dr Schackmann stated that it has been a stable year for M&A, but on a relatively low level. He noted that there has been no significant improvement since the collapse of Lehman Brothers. In conclusion, Dr Schackmann gave AI some insight into the team culture within the firm. “Every employee is a member of a service line, e.g. M&A, and within this service line there are small teams at each location who work together in the various projects. Thus, team work is a very important factor in our company and every team is additionally supervised by a partner who is also the mentor and manages the workflow.”
Leading Adviser of the Year - BDO Unibank, Inc.’s Acquisition of Rural Bank of San Juan, Inc.
Expansion through Acquisition: A Key Growth Driver in the Philippine Banking Sector Mergers and acquisitions by key players in the industry have been a major driver for growth and expansion in the Philippine banking sector. Acquisitions, as of late, have commonly involved purchase of assets or equity. In the case of BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO), its strategy of selective acquisition of banks has contributed to its growth, eventually earning for itself the distinction of being the largest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets since 2008. Most notable is the acquisition of Equitable PCI Bank in 2007, which ensued as one of the biggest bank mergers in the Philippines. Prior to the merger, BDO had already acquired four major banks, significantly expanding its network reach. BDO’s latest foray into expansion involved the acquisition of the Rural Bank of San Juan, Inc. (RBSJI), one of the Philippines’ largest rural banks in terms of resources and branch network. This acquisition, completed in July 2012, added 30 branches to BDO’s existing network. Martinez Vergara Gonzalez and Serrano (MVGS) advised BDO in the transaction. Name: Atty. Elmer B. Serrano Firm: Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano Address: Suite 2401 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas, Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines W: www.mvgslaw.com E: elmer.serrano@mvgslaw.com T: +63 2 687 1195 to 96
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The acquisition of RBSJI involved the purchase of assets and deposit liabilities including the branch licenses, as well as the procurement of regulatory approvals and incentives. Discussions between the parties commenced in December 2010, with the definitive transaction documents signed in January 2011. As counsel to BDO, MVGS was actively involved in all aspects of the acquisition, including structuring the transaction, securing the requisite approvals from Philippine banking regulators, namely, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, and providing guidance throughout the integration process.
The RSBJI acquisition, while smaller compared to other bank mergers and acquisitions in the Philippines in the past decade, including those undertaken by BDO itself, is a good model which can be replicated for bank acquisitions involving purchase of specified bank assets and liabilities. The extensive experience of BDO and its advisers in bank acquisition was key in ensuring the successful completion of the acquisition of RBSJI notwithstanding challenges in terms of asset valuation, regulatory processes, realty title and lease transfers, employee absorption as well as transition and integration issues, including those involving information technology and other administrative systems. With strength of experience at the core of its bank merger and acquisition practice, MVGS is proud to play a role in the growth of the banking sector in the Philippines. Elmer B. Serrano is a senior partner of Martinez Vergara Gonzalez and Serrano. He is the principal counsel of BDO in the acquisition of RBSJI, and has likewise had the privilege of advising BDO in nearly all its mergers and acquisitions.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Accountancy Firm of the Year - Isle of Man Desrved winners of the Accountancy Firm of the Year Award for The Isle of Man were Moore Stephens. We spoke to their founder and senior partner Clive Dixon to find out more about the company. Moore Stephens Isle of Man (“MSIOM”) was founded 26 years ago by senior partner, Clive Dixon and now comprises a group of independent accounting and business advisory firms with a team of 70 professionals. We serve both locally and internationally, individuals as well as small and large businesses including UHNWs, Superyacht and aviation owners, non government organisations and charities. Services include accountancy and tax, audit and assurance, consultancy, fiduciary, financial and wealth advisory, fiduciary services and superyacht ownership. The local MSIOM brand and capabilities are enhanced by the global perspective and resources of Moore Stephens International, one of the world’s major accounting and consulting networks with 299 independent firms and 624 offices in 101 countries. We know that our service and value are just as important to our clients than technical expertise and we realise that our clients expect more from us than just accounting and tax compliance services. Our approach begins simply by listening, which often sets us apart in the current economic climate where the market for our services has become more competitive than ever. Our goal is to build long-term relationships, recognising that today’s decisions have important consequences in the unforeseen future. To do this we have diversified, becoming first ‘port of call’ for all of our clients’ financial, commercial and strategic needs.
Even in challenging economic times, we chose to increase our marketing department, resulting in higher productivity and increased sales. Later this year we are looking forward to realising the benefits from a major investment in a marketing-led Customer Relationship Management software package (CRM). As part of our focus on small and local businesses, a market segment sometimes missed by a global brand, we set up Moore Stephens Business Sense, a series geared to basic, targeted as-you-need-it services and delivered on an a la carte basis. Our team culture aids to all of this, not only ensuring solid service but also enhancing the opportunities for cross-selling. Continued growth and recognition by Investors in People has been something we pride ourselves on, so now we are also working towards Investors in People Gold and ISO9001 later this year. We are also an Isle of Man Champion, awarded by the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Government. Besides the global economic malaise, challenges have also come from criticisms of international financial centres (“IFC”) like our base, the Isle of Man. What seems to be often lost in the emotional and political fog is that a properly regulated IFC is actually an integral part of international commerce, bridging sometimes seemingly conflicting cultures, international treaties and legal systems.
Name: Clive Dixon Firm: Moore Stephens Address: 26-28 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1BD W: www.msiom.com E: mail@msiom.com T: +44 (0) 1624 662020
In the end, whether large multinational or a private individual, our strategy is the same - to provide partner-led, great value for money professional services in every area of our business.
Colombian Dealmaker of the Year - UFF Movil Metropolitan Capital is an exclusive financial services boutique based in Bogota, Colombia providing financial and strategic advisory services. The firm offers capital raising, debt restructuring, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions advisory services. Additionally, it provides private banking services and private equity structuring advisory. The firm has an extensive rolodex in Colombia and the region. The firm attends a broad base of industries and has developed specialised know how in particular sectors such as real estate investment and development, financial institutions and telecommunications.
needs of its customers by offering a world-class platform with direct and highly personal advice. The company works with a wide range of clients, both local and international. Within its client base, there are recognized multinationals and family owned companies. Within Metropolitan’s team, it’s IB head at that time, Francisco J. Aduriz, acted as project manager for the Uff!Movil transaction. Francisco is now country head in Colombia for the regional IB firm, Landmark Capital.
Metropolitan Capital was created five years ago by a group of financial executives with international experience. The company is a 100% employee owned financial boutique that caters to the
Metropolitan Capital and its affiliates are signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI).
Name: Martin/Francisco Aduriz Firm: Metropolitan Capital Address: Calle 72 10 – 70, Torre A. Of 1005, Bogota, Colombia E: emartin@metropolitanc.com; faduriz@metropolitanc.com T: +571 744 9678
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
South African Boutique M&A Advisory Firm of the Year Ben Lowther is a Co-Founder/Director of Newman Lowther & Associates (“NLA”). NLA is an independent advisory firm that specializes in crossborder M&A in South Africa, as well as domestic advisory mandates. NLA has a strategic alliance with Nomura International, the pre-eminent Asia based global investment bank, with whom it cooperates and collaborates on large cross-border transactions.
Discussing the firm’s achievements over the last 12 months, he highlighted the successful conclusion of a follow-on transaction for Kansai Paint (Japan) in terms of the company that it acquired in South Africa in 2011 (now renamed Kansai Plascon Africa) and the securing of a number of promising mandates for 2013 and beyond.
“The combination of the firm’s local independent ownership and an international partnership with a global investment bank is unique in South Africa,” said Mr Lowther. “This model brings the benefit of a stable local advisory platform that can focus on long-term relationship development and the advantage of providing access to global intelligence and capabilities as and when needed by our clients.”
Looking back on the last year in M&A, Mr Lowther believed that the market in early 2012 look reasonably promising, but withered in the latter half. He attributes this primarily to international market volatility, as well as some South Africa specific issues, which created a more uncertain environment for deals.
Mr Lowther stated that the firm was “pleased to have been recognised for this award for a second time during a challenge time in the M&A industry”.
Name: Ben Lowther Firm: NLA - Newman Lowther & Associates Address: 1st floor, Kildare House, The Oval, 1 Oakdale Road, Newlands 7700, Cape Town W: www.nla.za.com E: ben.lowther@nla.za.com P: +27 (21) 673 7000
To adapt to the current economic conditions, NLA has focused more on its core advisory relationships and targeted the delivery of new and creative solutions to its existing and prospective clients where NLA can bring a distinguishable “value-add”. In addition, NLA has also expanded the suite of services that it can offer its clients through extending its relationship with Nomura to include international financing and fixed income products.
“As a result, the South African M&A environment in 2012 was one of the most challenging periods since the financial crisis in 2008,” he observed. “However, towards the end of 2012, there were some positive developments in the market, particularly in relation to increased interest from international investors in Africa where growth opportunities and investment prospects are regarded as stronger than in many developed markets which has boosted investment sentiment in the region.” Demand for NLA’s services has increased in the last 12 months, which the firm believes reflects improved sentiment towards concluding M&A transactions, despite continued market volatility, or as Mr Lowther describes it: “uncertainty is the new norm”.
NLA’s ability to reach all parts of the globe is largely serviced through its relationship with Nomura International, and accordingly the firm’s client base extends from Japan, through Europe and into the Americas.
“NLA has maintained a lean and hungry approach to business development, while becoming much more circumspect around which relationships and transactions it wishes to pursue in this environment.
“With this access and NLA’s track record in cross-border M&A, our firm is positioned as a specialist in its field, and is recognized by its clients and peers alike,” added Mr Lowther.
“We continue to work hard and service clients to the best of our abilities to deliver successful outcomes that meet clients desired objectives,” he concluded.
Best M&A Bank of the Year - Sweden Harald Grøn is the Managing Director and Nordic head of Advisory at Nordea Investment Banking. “As the largest bank in the region, Nordea stands out as a Pan-Nordic universal bank with true strategic alignment, access to financial market expertise across product areas, deep sector specific knowledge and superior reach within the region,” began Mr Grøn. He stated that Nordea “is always proud when recognised as a leading Nordic investment bank.” In response to the challenging economic conditions, Nordea has strengthened its Investment Banking operations by merging its Corporate Finance unit (M&A and Equity Capital Market transactions), Leverage Finance and Fixed Income issuance units in order to enhance alignment and provide an increased service offering to its clients. As direct proof of this new strategy, Nordea was involved in several of the largest and most complex Nordic deals during the review period. Nordea has executed a number of large and complex transactions over the last 12 months: • Name: Harald Grøn Firm: Nordea W: www.nordeamarkets.com •
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Hakon Invest’s acquisition of the remaining 60% of shares in Swedish ICA where Nordea advised on all services relating to the transaction and provided financing. Besides takeover advice, the transaction included a rights issue, bond issue, issue of preference shares and acquisition financing. “The complex transaction structure demonstrated the versatility in our offering,” explained Mr Grøn. Outokumpu’s EUR 2.7bn acquisition of Inoxum was the largest Finnish transaction since 2007, creating a new global leader within stainless steel. In addition to advising on the acquisition, Nordea also advised on the financing including a EUR 1bn rights issue, which was the largest rights issue in the Nordic region during the review period EQT’s sale of KMD to Advent, where Nordea advised on the entire M&A process including exit strategy and the
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complex negotiation discussions. The deal was the second largest Danish IT deal to date as well as the third largest Danish deal in 2012 The sale of Norwegian Cardinal Foods to CapVest and Lantmännen, where Nordea was adviser to the seller and also provided financing. The deal showed Nordea’s combined strengths to maximize value for the seller.
Looking back over the last 12 months, Mr Grøn stated the complex business environment has often required a prolonged due diligence process, which has also been amplified by a very selective buyer behaviour. “Overall activity is low compared to pre-crisis levels,” he observed. “However, Nordea has been extremely busy executing 37 transactions within the period. “We have seen increased activity across all Nordic countries. We have tried to drive a more pro-active culture and this has yielded good results. We have deliberately pursued, won and executed more sellside transactions than previously.” Looking ahead, Mr Grøn stated that Nordea always strives to deliver at the highest quality level. The firm emphasises the client relationship and focuses its attention on the transaction at hand. “The old saying, flawless execution is the best marketing – however, we are also proactively pursuing new business,” he explained. Over the next 12 months, Nordea hopes for and expects more IPO activity in the region – a product where the bank has a very good standing. It also aims to maintain its position and momentum going forward, especially in Norway and Sweden.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Russian M&A Law Firm of the Year - Infrastructure & Capital Projects Zhanna Tomashevskaya is a Partner and Head of the International Law Practice at O2 Consulting. O2 Consulting is a boutique law firm providing Russian and foreign legal & tax. The firm’s long-standing partnerships with law and accounting firms and tax advisors throughout the world allow it to coordinate legal representation in the UK, US, EU and other jurisdictions. Ms Tomashevskaya’s practice focuses on cross-border M&A deals as well as domestic and international investments. The firm’s core practices include: International Legal Practice; M&A Representations; Russian Law Practice; and Tax Practice. “All our team is really happy and impressed with the award,” said Ms Tomashevskaya. “It is usuall hard for a boutique firm to compete with big international law firms, but like this the taste of victory is even sweeter.” O2 Consulting was included in the Top 10 Legal Advisers for 2012 according to mergers.ru, which ranks the firm 1st among the Russian law firms. The Legal 500 recommends O2 Consulting among the most professional legal advisers in Corporate and M&A as well as in real estate and construction editorial sections. Discussing M&A trends from the last 12 months, Ms Tomashevskaya noted that buyers are taking a more cautious approach to acquisition. Nevertheless, the firm has had the chance to work on several significant transactions and its M&A practice has grown stronger with the appointment of another associate with a strong ILF background.
“We can also see more requests from venture capital funds as their deals are getting more complicated and external advice becomes crucial,” said Ms Tomashevskaya. “In reply to this challenge we started to develop a focus on venture capital markets and now we have a designated team working on such projects. Since the amount of venture capital transactions is pretty small ,we also had to develop a flexible fees arrangement for such deals.” The demand for O2 Consulting’s services has definitely increased over the last year, and Ms Tomashevskaya attributes this to the fact that its clients recommend its services to their business partners. “The other factor is our appearance in the mergers.ru ranking as the best Russian consulting company of the year 2012 and the fact that our firm is recommended by The Legal 500,” she explained. “To respond to the demand we’ve hired several new lawyers.” In the next 12 months, O2 Consulting aims to provide commercial focused advice to existing clients and establish new relationships. The firm is working on several new transactions, which Ms Tomashevskaya believes could make 2013-2014 even more successful. “We aim to become the leading M&A adviser for venture capital and IT projects, as our clientele and expertise is constantly growing,” she concluded.
Name: Zhanna Tomashevskaya Firm: O2 Consulting Address: Presnenskaya naberezhnaya, 12 , Federation Tower, floor 41, Moscow 123100 Russian Federation W: www.o2consult.com E: ZT@o2consult.com T: +7 495 653-83-00
Niche Chemical Consulting Firm of the Year Fully meriting the award for Niche Chemical Consulting Firm of the Year is Oxford Consulting Associates. A.I. spoke to them about their many achievements. Most commercial due diligence reports are ‘bland’, ‘lack useful insight’, and ‘do not help generate real value’ during the transaction. These are comments that a number of private equity and strategic investor firms have made to us in recent years, about other commercial due diligence providers – both big global players and small niche boutiques – which they have used.
need to help them decide how much to bid. Without clear findings and recommendations from due diligence providers, private equity firms and strategic investors find themselves losing deals – or worse: overpaying for an acquisition. These outcomes lead, in turn, to escalating costs at investment firms, and acquisitions that struggle to deliver a decent return on exit.
From a due diligence provider’s perspective, some of the reasons driving the production of bland or insipid reports are clear. Uncertainty about a hoped-for end to the recession, memories of over-optimistic projections prior to 2007, the need to be cautious when offering full reliance to investors, and the complexity of the target’s operating environment can all conspire to create a situation where most due diligence firms are not prepared to offer clear, unambiguous conclusions. Too many due diligence reports end up being little more than a re-hash of publicly available information, data from industry reports put into complex charts, and summaries of interviews with a limited number of leading figures.
Obviously, in order to offer commercial and operational due diligence support to investors, a consulting firm has to be able to demonstrate capabilities such as in-depth experience in the sector, flexibility, a fact-based analysis approach, an ability to deliver to tight timescales, and the skills to synthesize a lot of information into a clear picture. However, these are just the minimum requirements. Oxford Consulting believes that all due diligence providers need to step up to match the real needs of investor firms, rather than just deliver ‘bland’ analyses with a series of caveats and provisos. Investors want clear and meaningful recommendations, backed up by detailed, fact-based analysis and deep expertise in the target’s industry. Investors need due diligence providers that have demonstrated time and again their ability to give meaningful advice.
Although some of these due diligence reports may give a good background to the industry, the key drivers and the competitive landscape, they usually offer neither strategic insights, nor a clear view of what the acquisition target needs to do to be successful over the next five-to-ten years. The report might validate key assumptions in the Information Memorandum, but does it identify opportunities and issues that management hadn’t even considered? Investors are finding that due diligence providers often fail to give them the real clarity and the actionable insights that they
Our clients tell us that what makes Oxford Consulting stand out amongst all other UK consulting firms is the clarity of the rock-solid advice that we provide. We deliver detailed analysis for complex acquisitions, generating unambiguous recommendations and conclusions. Moreover; we have a reputation for getting it right!
Name: Birger Kamrath Firm: Oxford Consulting Associates LLP Address: Mill Street, Eynsham, Oxfordshire, OX29 4JX W: www.oxfordconsulting.org E: bkamrath@ oxfordconsulting.org T: +44 (0) 1865 465 808
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Foreign Investment Firm of the Year - Philippines Regina Jacinto-Barrientos is the Managing Partner of PJS Law. PJS Law was established in 1997 with the pure determination of its three partners to build an institution based on good work with reliance on referrals from gratified clients. “Our reputation for thinking out of the box, institutional advice for industries that we serve, has allowed us to build a solid reputation,” said Ms Jacinto-Barrientos. “We not only provide legal advice, we provide solutions to clients who have become partners in our profession.” In response to receiving the award, Ms Jacinto-Barrientos stated that she was “very pleased that the hard work is acknowledged and appreciated”.
Firm: Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices (PJS Law) Name: Regina JacintoBarrientos Address: 12/F VGP Center (formerly Manilabank Building), 6772 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1226, Philippines W: www.pjslaw.com E: rpjacinto@pjslaw.com; pjs@pjslaw.com T: +(632) 840 5025 to 28
Discussing how the firm has positioned itself to address to increasingly global market for M&A services, Ms JacintoBarrientos explained that the firm is the Philippine counsel of choice for multinationals or international counsels servicing the local market or multinational client. The firm works at creating relationships with foreign firms who have assessed and appreciate the advice of an efficient and supportive local counsel. “Philippine law prohibits foreign counsels from practicing in the Philippines,” she added. “We feel that we are able to collaborate with foreign law firms and mutually benefit from each other’s expertise.” Ms Jacinto-Barrientos described that last 12 months in terms of M&A as busy. The firm has, however, been as busy pursuing greenfield development of projects which primarily involves straightforward financing.
“This seems to be the emerging trend in the Philippines as local industry leaders are working at expanding out of the Philippines.” Commenting on recent important events, Ms Jacinto-Barrientos stated that a significant delay has been caused by the Supreme Court’s decision in 2012 on the nationality restriction and the SEC’s issuance of the regulation imposing terms and conditions on the equity determination of the foreign ownership. “A significant number of projects have been put on hold as testing the market is the condition imposed,” she explained. Demand for the firm’s services has increased over the last year, and Ms Jacinto-Barrientos attributes this to the Philippine economy. She noted that the credit rating of Fitch and S&P to investment grade BBB- (stable outlook) provides the needed push for the rest of the investment world to take a second look at the country. “Significant trust in the current administration of the government is providing the energy and the buzz, although the crucial building blocks of economic measures and legislation are very much needed. The infrastructure projects, educational efforts and tourism drives are also anticipated to bring new products and opportunities to local and foreign businessmen and with new business are more legal requirements,” she explained. “In 2012 and 2013 we are busy advising government on the Public Private Partnerships. Of the 16 projects being rolled out and in the pipeline, ten projects are handled by PJS Law. We hope in the next 12 months we will be able to work with the private sector and assist in the consortium bidders form,” she concluded.
Taiwan M&A Legal Advisory Firm of the Year Ross Yang is a Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Taiwan. Following its establishment in 2000, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Taiwan (formerly known as Puhua & Associates) formed an alliance with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Taiwan and has since worked alongside financial and accounting specialists to provide our clients with a full range of legal services. PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Taiwan has more than 50 legal staff members, most of whom hold master’s degrees or doctorates. The legal team includes foreign legal specialists from the U.S., Australia, Japan and the team is adept at handling both complex cross-border and domestic transactions, making PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Taiwan a truly international law firm. In 2004, the Hsinchu office was set up in order to better serve the high-tech enterprises centered in the Hsinchu Science Park. The Hsinchu office specialises in the legal and practical aspects of intellectual property rights and provides its clients a range of services from IP registration and IP planning services to managing IP infringement and technology licensing cases. In 2011, the Taichung office was set up in order to provide clients in central Taiwan with high quality, integrated legal services. Name: Ross Yang Firm: ross.yang@tw.pwc.com W: tw.pwc.com E: ross.yang@tw.pwc.com T: +886 2 2729 6666
For 2 consecutive years, PricewaterhouseCoopers has been among the top ranked law firms in Taiwan, ranking 1st by volume and 4th by deal count in 2011 and 2nd by volume and 1st by deal count in 2012. “We strive to provide quality professional services for a reasonable but competitive fee,” said Mr Yang. He stated that the firm was “thrilled to have been chosen among other elite firms to win the award”.
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Discussing the increasingly global market for M&A services, Mr Yang stated the firm is well positioned given its relationship with PricewaterhouseCoopers Taiwan, with whom the firm has an established cooperation relationship. “In addition, we receive client referral from PricewaterhouseCoopers overseas from time to time and often work with them on cross-border cases,” he added. The firm’s greatest achievements over the last 12 months include: being ranked 2nd by volume and 1st by deal count by Bloomberg; advising on the largest M&A announced deal of the year is Taiwan; and the successful auction of Kuo Hua Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Discussing the last 12 months in terms of M&A, Mr Yang noted that the volume of transactions has been lower due to the overall economy; however, it is recovering. The firm is an active participant in the ongoing effort to reform and improve the legal environment in Taiwan. For example, the firm has been working with regulatory authorities in Taiwan on the potential amendments of the Company Act in Taiwan. Looking within the firm, Mr Yang stated that PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Taiwan, highly values the efforts teamwork brings. “We believe that by identifying individual strengths and delegating accordingly within a team can maximise service quality and efficiency,” he explained.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Austrian Investment Bank of the Year
Henning von Stechow is the Head of M&A at Raiffeisen Centrobank. Raiffeisen Centrobank (RCB) is a fully fledged Austrian investment bank with a strong focus on the CEE region and Turkey. Through its Raiffeisen Investment network with offices in CEE and Turkey, it offers high level M&A and Equity Capital Markets advisory services. “High level industry sector expertise pooled at RCB’s headquarter in Vienna along with the excellent local know-how provided for by our Raiffeisen Investment experts as well as our long time engagement in our core regions certainly distinguishes us from our main competitors,” said Mr von Stechow. “In addition we act as an exclusive cooperation partner in our regions for one of the leading global M&A advisors Lazard. This way, we can make sure we can act locally, regionally and globally. “It is a great honour that we see our work being acknowledged by independent international media who follow our business very intensely,” he enthused. “Of course, we were very delighted to hear that Acquisition International has awarded our work. It proves that we are heading into the right direction in a challenging market environment.” In order to adapt to the current economic turbulence, RCB has focused on using synergies and pooling resources with its regional offices and the corporate banking experts of its parent company, Raiffeisen Bank International. He stated that the bank has developed into a one-stop-shop for buy- as well as sell-side clients and expanded its scope of business in order to better service its clients.
Discussing the last 12 months in terms of M&A, Mr von Stechow stated that RCB is one of the market leaders in M&A advisory services in Turkey and expects a large volume of deals in the country, as well as in Poland and Russia. “An interesting trend that RCB is already benefiting from is an influx of Asian investors into the region,” he observed. “Polish, Russian and Turkish investors are also interested in innovative companies with strong technologies in Austria and Germany. We assume that this will continue in 2013, and that this will enable us to further expand our market share. “We have seen declining markets as well but could close a significantly higher number of transactions in 2012 than the previous year,” he continued. “Also this year we saw an increase so far, which is why we are fairly positive towards market expectations. Still, it is obvious that we won’t reach pre-crisis levels in the near future.” RCB saw a sound level of M&A activity in its core markets in CEE and Turkey in the first quarter of 2013, and the company is confident that this dynamic will accompany it throughout 2013.
Name: Henning von Stechow Firm: Raiffeisen Centrobank Address: Krugerstraße 15, 1015 Vienna, Austria W: www.rcb.at, www.raiffeiseninvestment.com E: stechow@rcb.at T: +43 (0) 1 – 51520
“Of course the level of activity varies from market to market but generally we are quite optimistic to see a better year than 2012,” he concluded.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Leading Environmental Adviser of the Year Uwe Dannwolf is the Managing Director of RiskCom GmbH. RiskCom GmbH has been involved with M&A deals since the late 1990s. The firm is able to serve its clients from a wide range of industries anywhere in the world with services ranging from environmental assessments to risk assessments to quantify potential cost through to developing strategies and plans to reduce these costs. The firm has an excellent network of partners with in-depth experience in Germany, throughout Europe and all over the globe - from New Zealand and Australia to the US and Canada. “We have a unique combination of skills,” said Mr Dannwolf. “We can do environmental due diligences, and can support those works even with clean-up services. Moreover, we know how to assess financial risks with deals. “An M&A deal has a myriad of unknowns when starting the negotiations. As with time the risk with divesting or acquiring a company gets closer to the risk appetite of the client, we even sit-in on the negotiations and actively assist with the contractual language. We also consider reputational issues, and governance issues. Name: Uwe Dannwolf Firm: RiskCom GmbH Address: FriedrichNaumann-Weg 38, 75180 Pforzheim, Germany W: www.riskcom.de E: uwe.dannwolf@riskcom.de T: +49 7231 166 7078
“We keep our tailored risk assessment program, RIMPro, up to date with the risks identified from the target, and we are therefore in a position to quantify the current risk levels for our client. Our clients really appreciate this support. “With the Oil & Gas sector, we see a lot of deals which involve knowledge of resource plays and associated environmental issues. This is a quite demanding time.” Mr Dannwolf stated that as the firm has been focusing its activities mainly on the automotive sector and the Oil & Gas
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business, it was really surprised to get the award, “especially since we are only a small but very dedicated team.” “We are a future-oriented company that offers services for a sustainable and safe future,” he continued. “We are specialists for project risk appraisals. We investigate e.g. alternative energy sources like unconventional gas fracking. We also provide risk based supply chain assessments.” In the last 12 months, the firm has been called in with its clients to overcome internal hurdles if, for instance, different standpoints exist at the headquarters and the operating companies. Mr Dannwolf stated that this is a very strong indication that the firm’s advice is trusted with its clients. He added that the firm has “worked hard to achieve this. It is a great honour for us to be involved at that depth”. Over the last year, the demand for quantitative risk assessments has increased. Mr Dannwolf explained that each commitment should be based on an assessment of the prospects of success, especially under the current challenging economic conditions. “Therefore, projects, companies and transactions benefit from a professional risk assessment as finding of true opportunities becomes more and more challenging,” he observed. “Clients want to know the financial risks before they investigate in a new technology and change strategies. “A good teamwork plays an important role in our company. Every team member has its own specialisation and working together and discussing ideas to come out with the best possible solution is very efficient,” he concluded.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Leading Adviser of the Year
- NBGI Private Equity backed McCambridge Group Holdings Cake Division MBO
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RP Advisory pick up a Leading Adviser of the Year award for their work on the NBGI Private Equity backed McCambridge Group Holdings Cake Division deal. Acquisition International speaks to them about this deal and what makes this company different. RP Advisory (“RPL”) has been trading as a commercial due diligence and strategic research consultancy for four years. The senior experience in the business is provided by the two directors, Geoff Rampton and Roger Penney, who between them have over twenty five years’ experience of providing commercial advice to private equity firms, banks and large corporates. Before forming RPL, Geoff was managing director of an independent commercial due diligence consultancy and Roger was a partner with KPMG Transaction Services. Between them, they have personally worked on almost five hundred transactions and strategic research projects. Since starting trading as RPL in 2009, we have worked on over sixty deals, over half of which have been repeat business. We believe our key differentiator is that our succinct reports provide clear and uninhibited opinions on the commercial basis of a transaction, backed up by evidence. Our clients do not want our conclusions to be surrounded by caveats or prevarication – they are buying our experience and expertise, not an insurance policy. Our role in a transaction is to understand the market, the competitive environment, customer relationships and the target’s strategy, often in a very short timeframe. The key output of our work is a reasoned opinion on the achievability of the target company’s revenue and gross margin forecasts.
We understand that sometimes our client simply wants comfort on key customer relationships and contracts, and on other transactions a full commercial due diligence scope. We are flexible enough to deliver value, regardless of the length or depth of the project. Our work on the cake division of the McCambridge Group for NBGI Private Equity’s £23.5 million MBI was a good example. The UK market for private label cakes is reasonably straightforward, although understanding the dynamics by product segment and what the competitors were doing was important. But the key to assessing the prospects of the business was to understand the strength of McCambridge’s key customer relationships with the major grocery chains. We met face to face with the category buyers at the leading multiple grocers, and asked them where McCambridge was positioned as a supplier. The feedback on these relationships, and the subsequent debates with NBGI about market capacity, innovation, growth and competitive positioning were important factors in NBGI’s investment decision.
Firm: RP Advisory Name: Geoff Rampton E: geoff@rpltd.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7802 567071 Name: Roger Penney E: roger@rpltd.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7796 337659 W: www.rpltd.co.uk
Relocation Firm of the Year - Germany
Helmut Berg is the Managing Shareholder and General Manager at RSB Deutschland GmbH. RSB Deutschland GmbH were positively surprised when they first heard the news that they had been awarded ‘Relocation Firm of the Year – Germany.’ AI catches up with Helmut Berg, Managing Shareholder and General Manager to find out how they came to be given this important accolade. From May 1987 to October 1990 Helmut was General Manager of PHH Homequity in Germany. PHH in Danbury/USA were the then leading Relocation Management Company worldwide. In October 1990 PHH divested from various activities in Europe and closed some offices, this was the time when Helmut became self-employed and founded RSB Deutschland GmbH. “As RSB we have almost 23 years of expertise in Destination Services along with other aspects of Mobility Management [and] the ability to deliver a wide range of services for inbound transfers as well as for outbound transfers. Further we are proud holders of the EuRA Global Quality Seal since 2008. The EGQS is the only quality accreditation for the Relocation Industry. Holding this seal is proof of the top quality we always strive to deliver. I had been serving 7 years on the board of EuRA (European Relocation Association), 3 years of which I was president. In 2009 and 2010 we really suffered by the reduced activities of the corporations and consequently by the weak economy.
The opportunities of the German labor regulations allowed us to work fewer hours without making people redundant. The government subsidized this program which allowed us to continue with the experienced and trained staff we had. When the economy started to come back we could switch to “full time” again without the need to hire and train new staff.” Over the last 12 months the firm has been able to boast a number of achievements. In April 2012 they were recertified for the second time with the EuRA Global Quality Seal, they renewed contracts with international co-operation partners as well as with national clients. Helmut Berg was also proud to be awarded the EuRA Inaugural Awards for Special Services to Relocation (in 2012) and the prestigious Re:locate Awards as Relocation Personality of the Year (in May 2013). Helmut comments how emphasis is placed on team culture within the business: “In order to deliver Relocation Services of highest quality a professional internal and external communication is a must. The basis for such a professional communication is mutual trust within the team as well as constant training and development in the quality of service delivery.” RSB Deutschland GmbH plan to intensify their outbound capabilities over the next 12 months especially in the field of immigration, as well as implementing a budget management tool that will perfectly fit their services.
Name: Helmut Berg Firm: RSB Deutschland GmbH Address: Dreieichstrasse 59, D-60594 Frankfurt am Main W: www.rsb-relocation.de E: helmut.berg@rsbrelocation.de T: +49-69-61 09 47 0
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Best Large Private Equity House of the Year – Russia Acquisition International is delighted to speak to Kirill Dmitriev, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and its recent success winning “Best large private equity house of the year – Russia”.
Name: Kirill Dmitriev Firm: Russian Direct Investment Fund W: www.rdif.ru
The RDIF was established in June 2011 to make equity investments primarily in the Russian Federation. RDIF’s mandate is to act as a catalyst for direct investment into the Russian economy and does this by securing co-investment from its partners that as a minimum matches the fund’s financial commitment in every deal.
In a global market the need for international presence is great. The RDIF has signed a number of landmark partnerships with other sovereign wealth funds and global investment organisations that offer the best access and exposure to global growth markets.
The fund uses a unique co-investment model to stand apart from the competition. RDIF co-investors gain increased access to Russia’s tremendous growth opportunities with the security of investing alongside a government-backed fund.
The RDIF’s partnerships include: • China Investment Corporation (CIC) • State Bank of India (SBI) • Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) • German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations • Caisse des Depots et Consignations • Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)
Specifically the RDIF offers: • A strong Russian partner - investing alongside the RDIF is effectively partnering with the Russian government. As an agent of the government, the RDIF can share investment risks and has interests that are aligned with those of its co-investors. • Access to large-scale investment opportunities – the RDIF’s links to the state and its experienced investment team combine to give it unprecedented access to large transactions, projects and assets. • The insights of an experienced, Russia-based investment team – essential for first-time investors • An additional set of eyes - the co-investment model means that at least two independent sets of investment teams, accountants and lawyers – those of both the RDIF and its international investors – will scrutinize all transactions. In this challenging market, the RDIF seeks to maximize returns by making investments in sectors across the Russian economy and internationally. The RDIF’s major investments – in Karo Film, MICEX, Medical Group MDMG and Russian Forest Products - were all underpinned by selecting companies in industries where our investment team identified growth opportunities despite negative wider economic trends.
The RDIF has seen demand for its services increase dramatically over the past year as it has raised the profile of both Russia as an investment destination and the fund. Likewise ongoing reforms in Russia which improve the country’s economic climate for businesses have also helped to encourage the RDIF’s partners to invest alongside or to enter into partnerships. Team culture is at the heart of everything the RDIF does. The strength of its judgments and investment decisions is based on the collective expertise of its investment team, supervisory board and international supervisory board. The RDIF is able to deliver the highest level of investment returns by leveraging the vast pool of knowledge and experience across the fund. The RDIF hopes to build on this years’ success at next year’s M&A Awards. The fund will continue to utilize its unique market position and the wealth of talent among employees and Board advisors to attract further global co-investors and to identify high growth investment opportunities both in Russia and internationally. Acquisition International certainly wishes them every success.
Full Service IP Law Firm of the Year - India The award goes to... Subramaniam & Associates (SNA).
Name: Hari Subramaniam Firm: Subramaniam & Associates (SNA) Address: E-556, GREATER KAILASH - II NEW DELHI-110 048 W: www.sna-ip.com E: sna@vsnl.com; sna@sna-ip.com T: +91 11 29210792; 29215603; 29216025 F: +91 11 29226005; 29226012
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Hari Subramaniam is an IPR attorney-at-law with a background in Biological Sciences. He has been in practice for 31 years and been involved in over 25,000 cases in India and abroad. He is a regular speaker at various workshops and conferences in Intellectual Property Laws worldwide including AIPPI, FICPI, APAA, IPO, C5, ABA, WIPO and US and European Universities. He has been acknowledged as one the best in prosecution and opposition. He has published several IP related articles in leading International books and journals. He has been an expert witness before the Parliament for amendment of Patent laws and has played a key role in the development of Patent laws in India. Voted as “Leading Asia IPR Lawyer” by Asia Law for eleven consecutive years, he is currently, a Councillor of Asian Patents Attorneys Association (APAA) and President of APAA, India Chapter. He has been voted as a leading IP lawyers by various law magazines such as “Managing Intellectual Property”, “Chambers Asia-Pacific”, “Asia Legal 500”, “IAMS” and “India Lawyers 250” and as IP lawyer of the Year 2013 by “Corporate INTL” and “Acquisition International (M&A)”. His Firm, Subramaniam & Associates (SNA), formerly Subramaniam, Nataraj & Associates boasts of a very impressive list of clients and represents several Fortune 500 companies, leading corporations, universities and law firms in the world. It also represents a large number of domestic corporations. Rated as a Tier two firm by all leading magazines, the firm is equipped to provide complete and highly cost effective services from drafting, filing and prosecution of applications to searches, oppositions and enforcement. It has an excellent network of
associates and correspondent counsels world-wide. SNA is one of the largest filers of PCT International Application from India and is regarded by the Indian Patent Office and the industry as a top IP firm in India. With representation in major cities of India such as Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai and long-established relationships with local counsel throughout the world – SNA is well positioned to serve their clients’ domestic and international needs.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
Dealmaker of the Year - Burger King Merger A worthy winner in the dealmaker of the year category is Tegris Advisors for their work on the merger between Burger King and Justice Holdings Ltd. Tegris acted as the exclusive M&A advisor for the $8.1 billion merger of Burger King Worldwide (NYSE: BKW) and Justice Holdings Ltd.; whereby BKW relisted on the NYSE on June 20, 2012 at $15.00 per share. Justice Holdings Ltd., (“Justice”) was a London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) listed Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) founded by William (“Bill”) Ackman, Nicolas Berggruen and Martin Franklin. The benefits of listing Justice on the LSE versus NYSE are a significant part of this success. At the time of Justice’s initial raise of £900 million GBP on February 14, 2011, the London market did not require the capital structure to include warrants alongside the sale of common stock. For NYSE listings, shareholders are more accustomed to receiving up to 100% warrant coverage. Consequently, Justice’s choice of the LSE was attractive to Justice and any merger target since it avoided post-merger dilution. There are additional benefits of an LSE listing. Had Justice been listed in the U.S., the NYSE would have required the Justice shareholders to approve the transaction. This process can take months and involves great uncertainty, whereas the LSE only requires approval of the merger by the independent directors, resulting in deal certainty for both parties. As a result, the LSE listing option significantly reduces both the timing to close while increasing pricing certainty to the seller. BKW’s owners wanted to partially monetize and mark to market the performance of their investment without getting bogged down
in traditional book-building processes which typically come with market volatility risks and pricing uncertainties. The Justice Founders and Tegris convinced 3G that the LSE-listed Justice structure avoided all of these issues and enabled the parties a high degree of control over the timing of the Closing. Another challenging aspect of the transaction was the need to move the merged company from the LSE to NYSE because BKW is a “household” U.S. name and its “natural” and “existing” shareholder base is predominantly in the US. Tegris and Justice needed to structure a deal that would be mutually satisfactory while simultaneously completing due diligence across 80 countries in a tight timeframe. It was Tegris’ job to align owners, management and even lucrative franchisor interests with Justice’s Founders and shareholders in order to complete the transaction. Tegris helped to successfully educate the public, reposition and re-introduce the newly improved Burger King to a public market still reeling from the Facebook IPO disaster. Since relisting onto the NYSE on June 20, 2012, BKW shares have increased to $21.00/share, up 40% versus 10.2% for McDonalds’ during the same period (as of June 18, 2013). In addition, BKW reported an increase in net income of 33.6% and comparable sales revenue jumped 3.2% for the full year 2012 with the help of strong North America sales. In the same time period, McDonalds’ reported an increase in net income of 1.4% and comparable sales revenue increased by 0.1%.
Firm: Tegris Advisors Address: 400 Park Avenue, Suite 1510, New York, NY 10022 W: www.tegrisadvisors.com E: tegris@tegris.com T: (212) 488-5320
Turkish Finance Provider of the Year Garanti Bank – Leading Project and Acquisition Finance House in Turkey
With a history of 67 years, Garanti is Turkey’s second largest private bank with consolidated assets exceeding USD 104bln. Garanti is the first Turkish bank to establish a dedicated project and acquisition finance division and leads the market with ~20% share. Current staff of 29 professionals including MBAs, economists, lawyers, civil and environmental engineers work under 6 dedicated teams: energy, acquisition finance, infrastructure, portfolio monitoring, sustainability and legal. Since early 2000s, Garanti has financed almost all landmark acquisition and privatization deals, BOT, TOR, infrastructure, energy and greenfield projects supporting local and international PE firms and strategic investors in Turkey. Acquisition finance in Turkey is a relatively young, yet fast developing market. With total commitment of USD 4.0bln, Garanti is a market leader. Garanti has been a mandated lead arranger in all large-ticket deals such as the acquisition of the number one local supermarkets chain Migros by BC Partners the largest PE led buy-out in Turkey, privatization of Tupras refineries to Koç Holding, acquisition of UN Ro-Ro by KKR, privatization of Petkim petrochemicals to SOCAR& Turcas Petrochemical, privatization of Turk Telekom via acquisition by Saudi Oger Group and the privatization of Tekel Alcoholic Beverages to Mey İçki later followed by the acquisition of Mey İçki by TPG. Garanti has also solely arranged or participated in financing of other deals such as the acquisition of minority shares by Bridgepoint in a vehicle inspections business, acquisition of Balnak Lojistik by Borusan Group, acquisition of Acıbadem Hospital Group by Abraaj Capital and the acquisition of partial shares in the second largest domestic pharmaceutical producer in the country. Lately, small to midsized acquisitions are more common. Such trend will continue, while large deals will come again to market with new privatizations and exits of PE firms from large-ticket investments. On the project finance side, energy sector will continue to be a key growth market. Garanti leads the energy financing market with total commitment of USD 7.6bln. Currently, Garanti has 25% share in 26,000MW new projects which have received financing
and are under construction. Historically, Garanti financed 79 power generation projects with 10,200MW installed capacity, where Garanti’s share was 5,300MW. So far, Garanti provided around USD 3,0bln financing to 67 renewable projects with 3,300MW installed capacity including the largest private HEPP, Boyabat. Garanti has a strong foothold in WEPP financing with 35% market share in the currently operational wind farms as of 2012YE. Recently, Garanti is growing its portfolio in thermal projects having provided USD 2.6bln to 12 projects with 6,900MW installed capacity, where Garanti’s share is 3,100MW. Besides energy, mega size infrastructure projects such as toll roads, bridges, ports and new airports will be the new trend. Another growing market will be PPP projects, such as hospitals, schools, universities in social infrastructure sector. To date, Garantibank has committed more than USD 2.0bln to infrastructure projects in Turkey and its exposure will increase with these trends. Garanti’s commitment to project and acquisiton finance has been recognized by awards such as Turkish Finance Provider of the Year, Best Project Finance House in CEE, Best Energy Finance Provider, Best Bank in Real Estate Finance in Turkey, Best Bank for Sustainability, and more than 20 deal of the year awards. Market players appreciate Garanti Bank’s dedicated and experienced team, solution oriented and creative approach and fast response times. Investors value the extensive knowhow and tailor made financing structures Garanti offers them. Backed by the sovereign credit rating upgrade, investor appetite for the Turkish market will increase. As the forerunner in the Turkish project and acquisition finance market, Garanti will continue to lead with its proven track record, sector expertise, financial strength and long-standing relationship with local and international PE firms and strategic investors operating in Turkey.
Name: Emre Hatem, Senior Vice President, Project & Acquisition Finance Firm: T. Garanti Bankası A.Ş. Address: Levent Nispetiye Mah. Aytar Cad. No:2 Beşiktaş 34340 İstanbul W: www.garanti.com.tr E: EmreHa@garanti.com.tr T: 00 90 212 318 1342
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
US Leadership Improvement Consultancy Firm of the Year D. Kevin Berchelmann is the CEO of Triangle Performance, LLC. Founded in 2000, Triangle Performance, LLC was created to provide “the edge” to those organizations around the globe that understand the impact of their people, particularly those in charge. We believe that senior leadership and executive management determine the ultimate success of a company.
Recent successful engagements and projects include creating and implementing a Partner Development Plan, accomplishing leadership and human capital-side due diligence for multiple firms, and providing advice and consultation for numerous operating companies within the PE and investment banking world.
Business success for our clients can often be boiled down to investing thought, time and effort into those people. The right people.
Our relationships are deep, and the best testament to our work is the nearly 70% of our firm’s revenue derived from existing and prior clients. Face it: you don’t rehire if a firm or consultant was less than wildly successful for your needs.
By developing, motivating and improving existing human capital to drive an organization to new heights, any company can become more efficient and more effective. However, to achieve real, sustainable success, Triangle Performance combines leadership development strategies with productivity and performance improvements, human capital strategy, and uniquely developed leadership and executive management programs to enhance and/or refine existing skills.
Name: D. Kevin Berchelmann, CMC Firm: Triangle Performance, LLC Website: www.triangleperformance.com E: kevinb@ triangleperformance.com T: +1 281-257-4442
Advocates and Counsellors-at-law
Triangle Performance thrives on successful, measurable results and won’t settle for anything less. The firm’s international clientele includes industries such as manufacturing, industrial services, construction and business services (call centers, support, etc.). Client companies range from small, growing firms to the U.S. Fortune 100. During the past several years, we have worked with multiple Private Equity firms on both internal (Partner) development processes as well as leader development, coaching, and human capital strategy for portfolio companies and platform acquisitions. Though international in scope, Triangle Performance has been recognized twice (2008, 2011) as one of Houston’s “Fast 100,” fastest growing privately held companies.
D. Kevin Berchelmann, CMC, is the firm’s President and principal consultant. His background includes 20+ years in progressively responsible executive roles, including EVP and GM assignments in industrial services and manufacturing. Kevin has advised hundreds of executives—investment and strategic—and is comfortable with the stress of post-acquisition and dynamic change efforts. His key competency is usually the ability to frame challenges, situations, and environments in simple, actionable terms. An acclaimed speaker, Kevin is known for his presentations on strategy, leader impact and development, and change management. The Harvard Business Press has called Kevin “... a human capital expert.” The Association for Quality’s Journal for Quality and Participation said, “Kevin... is a prominent strategist and thought-leader in effective human capital strategy.” Kevin has been on multiple Boards of Directors, and acted as human capital and/or compensation advisor to many of them. His education includes undergraduate degrees in aerospace and business, and holds an MBA with a concentration in Management.
Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Jennifer B. Tumbuan is the Managing Partner of Tumbuan & Partners (Jakarta). Tumbuan & Partners (“T&P”) is a law firm of Indonesian advocates and capital market legal consultants in Jakarta, which is headed by Fred B.G. Tumbuan as Founder and Senior Partner and Jennifer B. Tumbuan as Managing Partner. Since its establishment in 1981 T&P specializes in various aspects of corporate and business law and has over the years built a reputation of being able to provide legal services in the fields of corporate and business law, many of which includes major transactions and highly complex deals. “We are delighted to have won the award as this is the result of our hard work done and dedication shown by our team to our clients,” said Ms Tumbuan. In order to address the increasingly global market for M&A services, T&P recruits lawyers with good English speaking capabilities who have graduated from different universities in Indonesia as well as overseas. With an extensive network and a well established reputation, the firm reaches clients from many parts of the world.
Name: Jennifer B. Tumbuan Firm: Tumbuan & Partners Address: Jl. Gandaria Tengah III No. 8 Kebayoran Baru Jakarta Selatan 12130, Indonesia W: www.tumbuanpartners.com E: jennifer.tumbuan@ tumbuanpartners.com T: +62 21 722 7736, 722 7737 +62 21 720 8172, 720 2516
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Discussing trends in M&A, Ms Tumbuan explained that, in the beginning, transactions were mostly local. However, foreign investors have steadily entered the Indonesian market, initially by way of direct investment. “However, the last years, more and more foreign investments are done through Indonesian private equities with international clientele and through the capital markets,” she explained. The demand for T&P’s services increased in 2012 and Ms Tumbuan noted that, throughout the year, T&P rapidly expanded to
a solid team consisting of around 25 lawyers and is considered as one of the strongest Indonesian teams in the legal services market. New hired include two partners: Endang Setyowati who has been in practice since 1997 and Debby Sulaiman who has been in practice since 2004. T&P’s current area of practices include: Capital Markets; Banking & Finance; Mergers & Acquisitions; General Corporate; Debt & Corporate Restructuring; Bankruptcy & Suspension of Payments; Mining & Energy; Investment; Project & Natural Resources and Commercial Arbitration. With the new partners entry into the firm, T&P has expanded its areas of practice by adding Islamic Finance and Commercial Litigation & Anti-Trust. “In order to ensure that 2013 is another successful year, we will continue to maintain our highest standards of professional integrity and excellence in the practice of law in providing services to our clients,” said Ms Tumbuan. “We will also look at what we have done in the past and maintain the positive aspects of it. Our firm will also find ways to make improvements or innovations in order to better serve our clients. “Our ambition is to maintain the success that we have achieved so far and work on more M&A deals which will enable us to improve our M&A practice and obtain more experience in order to better serve our clients in the future. Our long term goal is to be Indonesia’s and South East Asia’s number one law firm in M&A,” she concluded.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013
M&A Due Diligence Provider of the Year – UK Adding value throughout the entire transaction cycle
Nicholas Howard is the Transactions Practice Leader and Industrial Transactions & Compliance National Team Leader at URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited.
Name: Nicholas Howard Firm: URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited W: www.urs.com E: nick.howard@urs.com T: +44 (0) 161 237 6050
URS’ award-winning UK Transactions and Compliance team has over 20 years’ experience providing environmental, health and safety, sustainability, technical and operational due diligence support services for a wide range of transactions worldwide, from small-to-mid market deals to multibillion Euro acquisitions.
compliance issues, as well as advising on liabilities, associated costs, risk mitigation approaches and technologies during transactions and post deal completion. We help clients integrate newly acquired businesses into their existing operations and manage residual liabilities associated with divested or acquired businesses and assets.
Working predominantly for industrial and financial clients across the full range of industrial and commercial sectors, we are recognised for our breadth and depth of technical knowledge, our pragmatic, business-focused approach and for our rapid turnaround of individual assets and global portfolios during the due diligence programme.
Building on our extensive experience of providing due diligence services across Western Europe, North America and China, URS has seen a rapid increase in demand for due diligence support services from clients investing in the growth economies of Eastern Europe, South America and India. URS supports clients by assessing the impact of different or emerging legislation and regional variances in approaches to risk management, particularly in the context of integration into an existing global business. We also support the informed purchase, value-added and clean exit model of our financial clients.
Our team of around 1,000 professionals is supported by URS’ global network of scientists, engineers and experts across all major disciplines. We support and resolve transactions and
Growth Development Software of the Year - France Acquisition International Interviewed Philippe David, CEO of Welcome Real-time about his M&A award for Growth Development Software of the Year - France and what this accolade means to him. Hi Philippe David, you are CEO of Welcome Real-time, a French software company based in Aix-en-Provence (south of France) and you just won the title of: “Growth Development Software of the Year - France”. I was delighted and very proud of receiving this award. The entire team has worked so hard to design and build this software, which brings value to both merchants & banks. That is quite unique! So we are grateful the M&A Awards understand and value our expertise. How does your company distinguish itself from its competitors? A trend occurring in the acquiring market is addressing the needs of small and medium-sized merchants. Welcome has been dedicated to tailoring particular services for SMEs, however the solutions are also complementary to large retailers’ existing loyalty programs: “The loyalty Impact At Store”. This service is offered to acquiring banks that have established relationships with merchants. How has Welcome Real-time adapted to the challenging current economic conditions? Name: Philippe DAVID, CEO Firm: Welcome Real-time Address: Europarc de Pichaury, 550 Rue Pierre Berthier. 13855 Aix-en-Provence Cedex3 France W: www.welcome-rt.com E: p.david@welcome-rt.com T: +0033 (0)4 42 97 58 9
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By focusing on two decisive points: value added services to merchants and moving towards the SaaS business model.
Have there been any particularly significant events that have impacted your business? European regulations. Pressure on interchange and merchant fees have pushed players to reconsider the value they can bring to their partners! How much emphasis is placed on team culture within your company? As CEO of the company, I appreciate the professional commitment and the customer-oriented spirit of each of our staff. The distance between subsidiaries (Singapore, Aix-en-Provence, Sao Paolo) strengthens collaborative efforts. What are you doing to ensure that 2013 is another successful year? Always put yourself in the customers’ shoes. We often brainstorm and challenge ourselves with innovative ideas. We are also finalizing major partnerships with prominent members of the payment ecosystem such as terminal vendors, processors, and new entrants (mPOS, wallet).
What have been your greatest achievements in 2013?
Do you have any predictions relating to your company or M&A activity for the next 12 months?
In the last six months, we have signed three new clients to our latest solution: “The Loyalty Impact At Store”. It shows confidence in Welcome, and I believe it is a big success.
In Q4 2013, we will launch our At Store solution in SaaS model; it should help us attract several customers, as well as sign key partnerships!
Have you recently noticed a mindset evolution by the merchants and acquirers?
Do you have any advice for the other nominees for your award?
There has been a lot of change in the last 12 months where both acquirers and merchants concluded that decreasing merchant fees is not the “Holy Grail”. It is more crucial to integrate value added services (VAS) such as CRM, loyalty, and interaction with customers.
Keep it simple. Merchants already have hundreds of concerns; solutions should be merchant-oriented, bringing real value.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 DIRECTORY
Company: Aviva Investors Global Services Limited Email: Phil.ellis@avivainvestors.com Web: http://www.avivainvestors.com Address: No 1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ Telephone: + 44 207 809 6870 Case Study: Aviva Investors is a global asset manager operating across 15 countries, with assets under management of over £287 billion. Aviva Investors Real Estate Multi Manager (REMM) has been providing indirect real estate solutions to clients since 1997, since when we have grown our assets under management to over £5 billion. We believe that a broad macroeconomic view, wide-ranging real estate expertise, and a rigorous due diligence process undertaken by locally-based investment teams, provide the highest opportunity to achieve superior investment returns. Our 22-strong REMM investment team has average industry experience of 12 years and delivers an onthe-ground presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We provide solutions to government and corporate pension schemes, and financial institutions, through pooled funds and segregated accounts, with both absolute and relative return targets. We offer single country, regional and global investment strategies, as well as thematic approaches, including emerging markets, recapitalisations and opportunistic investing.
Company: Asamura Patent Office, p.c. Email: asamura@asamura.jp Web: http://www.asamura.jp Address: Tennoz Central Tower, 2-2-24 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 140-0002 Telephone: +81 3 5715 8651 Case Study: ASAMURA PATENT OFFICE, p.c. is the oldest and the best intellectual property firm in Japan. Asamura was established in 1891. Asamura is specializing in everything from biotechnology to fine chemistry and everything in-between, i.e. mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
Company: Pegasus Intellectual Capital Solutions Contact: Charles Smith - Managing Partner Email: csmith@PegasusICS.com Web: http://www.pegasusics.com/ Address: 70 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602-4270 Telephone: 312-951-0100 Case Study: Pegasus Intellectual Capital Solutions is a boutique investment bank dedicated to corporate finance: mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, restructuring and workouts, and maxi¬mizing shareholder value. The firm specializes in understanding the enhancement of Enterprise Value via the creation of Intellectual Capital which it sees as critical in the Knowledge Era. Its M&A practice is augmented by its Intellec¬tual Capital Audit TM, knowledge management audit of value creation methodologies within the company, which also identifies possible disruptive technologies. The firm also integrates licensing into its practice as an alternative to traditional M&A.
Company: Koep & Partners Email: pfk@koep.com.na Web: http://www.koep.com.na Address: 33 Schanzen Road P.O. Box 3516, Windhoek, Namibia Telephone: (+264 61) 382800 Case Study: Koep & Partners is one of the biggest commercial and litigation firms in Namibia. The firm is well known for its work in top-level mergers and acquisitions, finance, mining and oil and gas matters. The firm represents leading mining companies in their activities in Namibia and has been involved in some of the largest project financing transactions and mergers and acquisitions in Namibia.
We welcome a challenge! Services: • • • •
Koep & Partners has a strong commercial litigation and arbitration department that is frequently involved in cases before the High and Supreme Courts of Namibia. Some of the lawyers have participated in matters in the courts in South Africa.
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IP Prosecution; IP Invalidation Trial; IP Lawsuit; and Trademark Search.
Case Study: De Metz Advocaten was set up in 1997 as a boutique law firm by a team of lawyers with years of experience in one of the largest international law firms in the Netherlands. The firm’s lawyers have extensive international experience in corporate and financial law and general commercial practice. We offer high level expertise to our clients, including many national and international corporations, financial institutions and private equity investors. We have acted on many M&A transactions, joint ventures, management-buy-outs/ins and investorbuy-ins in various shapes and situations including share and asset deals and (legal) mergers.
The firm covers all manufacturing and distribution companies, but is acclaimed in the Food & Ag, and Health Care industries. Geographic coverage is global, with clients in Asia, Europe and Africa. The firm assists companies rang¬ing in size from Fortune 1000, middle/ lower middle market, and late stage start-ups.
The firm also plays an active role in the development of law in the oil and gas sector by advising a major corporate client involved in the industry. The lawyers at Koep & Partners also regularly advise clients on environmental regulation, especially in respect of mining and oil and gas.
Asamura is your best friend in the IP field!
Company: De Metz Advocaten N.V. Contact: Peter Visser Email: peter.visser@demetz.nl Web: http://www.demetz.nl Address: Paulus Potterstraat 38, 1071 DB Amsterdam Telephone: +31203053636 Fax: +31203053639
Company: The Wilhelm Law Firm Contact: Edward M. Wilhelm Email: pfk@koep.com.na Web: http://www.wilhelmlaw.net Address: 1703 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 (USA) Telephone: (512) 236 8400 Fax: (512) 236 8404 Case Study: The Wilhelm Law Firm is a boutique Austin, Texas, firm that focuses on oil and gas law. We assist operators and investors in their acquisition and divestiture of properties, and in their development of oil and gas properties and related facilities. We are a full service firm, offering transactional services, representation before local and federal regulatory agencies, mediation and arbitration services, and civil litigation defense. The Firm offers special assistance to foreign investors and operators. Our attorneys are licensed in 4 states within the United States, including Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, three of the largest oil and gas producing states in the United States. As well, our lawyers have direct experience dealing with clients from Western Europe and the Far East. The firm is a founding member of Austin ADAM, Inc. (Austin Acquisitions, Divestitures, and Mergers Trade Association).
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 DIRECTORY
Company: MIAC - Mortgage Industry Advisory Corporation Email: circulation@miac-acadametrics.co.uk Web: http://www.miac-acadametrics.co.uk Address: 3rd Floor Regal House, 70 London Road Twickenham, London TW1 3QS Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3397 4904
Company: RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP Contact: Christabel Lim Email: christabel.lim@rhtlawtaylorwessing.com Web: http://www.rhtlawtaylorwessing.com/ Address: Six Battery Road, #10-01, Singapore 049909 Telephone: +65 6381 6986
Company: SecurIT Contact: Marc Vanmaele, CEO Email: marc.vanmaele@securit.biz Web: www.securit.biz, www.trustbuilder.be Address: Franklin Rooseveltlaan 349d B-9000 Gent, Belgium Telephone: +32-9-265 02 70
Case Study: MIAC | Acadametrics is an independent provider of valuation and consulting services covering all mortgage-backed and other fixed-income asset classes in the financial industry across Europe, and the U.K. delivering the same capabilities as the parent company MIAC in the United States. Using our proprietary valuation software, MIAC Analytics™, and leveraging the firm’s combined international experience, MIAC | Acadametrics is ready to assist your institution in understanding the value- and risksassociated with key assets or liabilities whether on your balance sheet, or for buy/sell requirements. Delivering an independent review of core/non-core assets inclusive of stress testing is one of the core services we provide.
Case Study: As a law firm that delivers international capabilities locally, RHTLaw Taylor Wessing’s clients can expect intelligent and innovative legal and business solutions from a team that is attuned to the nuances of working in Asia, with the added perspective and expertise of an international firm. Our model is driven by the focus on helping clients succeed, which translates to clear and precise solutions with high level legal and commercial insights.
Case Study: SecurIT is a specialized System Integrator in the field of IT Security, in particular in the Identity & Access Management domain, targeting large organizations.
Based in Singapore, we offer clients access to a network of over 900 legal professionals across 22 offices in Asia, the Middle East and Europe via our membership with Taylor Wessing group. We are also the exclusive Singapore member of The Interlex Group, a global network of 46 leading law firms in 60 countries and 154 cities. Our main Practice Areas are in: 1. Banking and Finance 2. Corporate and Securities 3. Litigation and Dispute Resolution 4. Intellectual Property and Technology 5. Real Estate
Company: Bay Trust International Limited Email: Amanda@baytrustbelize.com Web: http://www.offshoregroupbelize.com Address: P.O.Box 2130, The Matalon Business Center, 5th Floor, Suite 500, Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize C.A. Telephone: +(501) 223 1756 Fax: +(501) 223 1775 Case Study: Belize is now a well established trust jurisdiction with experienced trust professionals to assist in finding the best solution for a client’s needs; it has the most aggressive asset protection provisions to give clients the comfort they need. Bay Trust International Limited, a fully licensed trust company, is one of these professional trustees which offer a full confidential trust service to individuals throughout the world. Specializing in pension trusts we work closely with pension experts to give a comprehensive administration service. In addition to trust we can offer Foundations under Belize Law and other vehicles to assist with asset protection. Let us preserve your assets for the future.
The company also markets its own software solutions TrustBuilder and D-Man on a worldwide basis through subsidiaries in The Netherlands and USA and via a partner network, in close cooperation with IBM. TrustBuilder is a compelling solution in the area of user’s identity assurance, supporting virtually any mechanism in the market today, including electronic identity cards, one-time passwords, mobile tokens and biometrics. An organization’s policy can easily be realized and adapted whenever required through its user-friendly workflow interface, a must-have in today’s rapidly changing environment. SecurIT’s solutions are in use at many large organizations across the globe, including large financial institutions, telecom providers and government agencies.
Company: Ligerion Group Contact: Andrey Shakhovnin, Partner Email: Andrey.Shakhovnin@Ligerion.com Web: http://www.ligerion.com Address: 12 Krasnopresnenskaya nab. Moscow 123610, Russia Telephone: +7 (495) 210-31-23
Company: Oussi Law Firm Contact: Gabriel Oussi Email: go-law@oussico.net Web: http://www.oussilawfirm.com Address: Salhiye – Shouhada, P.O Box 2506 Damascus – Syria Telephone: +963 11 33500090/1
Case Study: Ligerion Legal is a Russian law firm specializing in legal consulting with focus on oil&gas, metals, IT, retail acquisition, project finance, due diligence, forensic issues, litigation, arbtration and dispute resolution.
Case Study: Firm Activities: Administrative Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Financing Law, International Law, Trademark Law, Patent law counterfeiting & Infringement Law, Labor Law, Tax Law, Debts Collection, Banking Law, Construction Law, Insurance Law and Business Consultancies.
Ligerion’s team of legal and financial experts combines extensive knowledge of cross-border and local specifics with many years of experience representing client interests on the Russian and CIS markets. Ligerion’s team advised largest in volume transactions in Russia combining legal advice in corporate law, M&A, finance, tax, litigation or dispute resolution. Ligerion offers extensive services and fully fledged solutions in M&A such as developing acquisition strategies for the whole deal cycle, with a proven track record in the real estate, IT, oil and gas, metals and retail spheres. Ligerion assists in the management of business and legal protection of shareholder interests as well as the sale of the Russian assets.
The firm offers a full range of legal services and its associated with a comprehensive network of distinguished lawyers experts and consultants in the field of business management and economic feasibility studies. The firm activities are conducted by several professional reputable lawyers dedicated to serve their clients the very best of legal services. Moreover, reliable contacts are maintained with other firms in Syria, Middle East, Europe and USA. Rewards : Several Awards have been granted to my firm: World Bank for Doing Business – Legal 500 has recommended my law firm in 2011&2012 for M&A & corporate law, several letters of appreciations from UIA. I am very glad to announce that my son Louay joined the firm beginning of this year.
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ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 DIRECTORY
Company: JM Financial Institutional Securities Pvt. Ltd Contact: Adi Patel - Managing Director & Co-CEO Email: adi.patel@jmfl.com Web: http://www.jmfl.com Address: 141, Maker Chambers III, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021, India Telephone: +91 22 66303195 Case Study: JM Financial, one of India’s leading financial services groups, offers an array of services to corporations, financial institutions, high net-worth individuals and retail investors. The group is known for its diverse financial services such as Investment Banking, Institutional Equity Sales, Trading, Research and Broking, Wealth Management, Equity Broking, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, Commodity Broking, Non Banking Finance Company (NBFC) activities, Private Equity, Real Estate fund management and Asset Reconstruction. Over the years, JM Financial has partnered with several leading Indian and International corporate houses and earned their trust and confidence. The Group’s well established processes ensure total confidentiality for all clients, thereby giving them absolute confidence on conflict management and maintenance of confidentiality. A people-focused organisation, JM Financial has a rich mix of professionals from diverse background who bring varied talents, knowledge and experiences to the workplace, thereby helping business to grow to the next level.
Company: AFSCHRIFT Law Firm Contact: Spyridon CHATZIGIANNIS Email: spyridon.chatzigiannis@afschrift.com Web: http://www.afschrift.com/ Address: Avenue Louise, 208, 1050 BRUXELLES Belgium Telephone: +32 2 646 46 36 Case Study: Afschrift Law Firm is a lawyer association specialized in fiscal right, defending the taxpayers in their relationships with tax administration. Afschrift Law Firm is settled in Brussels and also has offices in Madrid, Geneva and Luxemburg. Afschrift Law Firm was created in 1994, on the initiative of Thierry Afschrift and partners. It is a lawyer partnership specialized in tax law, meant in the widest sense of the term. These specialists are aware of the importance of what is at stake in the numerous cases they are treating. These cases entail rapidity, confidentiality and efficiency. As lawyers, they are bound to a mastery of law procedures which allows them to defend to the best of their ability taxpayers in their lawsuits with tax administration. Afschrift Law Firm is settled in Brussels, yet has offices in Madrid, Geneva and Luxemburg which allow the lawyers to meet their clients all over Europe.
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Company: Immigration Solutions Lawyers Pty Ltd Contact: Anne O’Donoghue Email: anne@immigrationsolutions.com.au Web: http://www.immigrationsolutions.com.au/ Address: Suite 1304, 87-89 Liverpool St, Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 9264 6432 Who’s who profile: http://www.whoswholegal.com/ profiles/41931/0/o%27donoghue/anne-odonoghue/ Case Study: Australian migration law is complex and constantly changing. In fact there are presently over 500 sections in the Migration Act alone. That’s why it pays to get advice from the experts at Immigration Solutions Lawyers (ISL). Our lawyers continually monitor the law for changes, while observing the political climate to anticipate factors that can affect you now and in the future. We specialise in working visas while providing sound advice regarding Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme, state sponsored migration, business and investment linked migration as well as the new significant investor visa. ISL also consults with mining and energy companies in all areas of corporate migration, particularly those wanting to sponsor skilled workers on the 457 visa. We pride ourselves in explaining complex issues in a clear, concise and jargon-free manner. Our expertise allows you to focus on your business, not on complex migration law and corporate legalese.
Company: WCA Chartered Accountants Email: admin@wcagroup.com.au Web: http://www.wcagroup.com.au/ Address: PO Box 198, 158 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480 Telephone: +61 02 6621 2581 Case Study: WCA Chartered Accountants is a full service firm providing accounting, auditing, taxation advisory services and IT services to corporate and business enterprises. WCA Chartered Accountants was founded in 1922 and has grown in both size and reputation to become a large regionally based accounting services firm in Australian. Our firm has developed extensive knowledge and wide spread firsthand experience in understanding many businesses, in many sectors, that operate regionally, domestically and internationally. It is with this understanding and our forward thinking that encompasses our Solution Driven approach which is evident whilst working with our clients, their executives, other professional advisors and counter parties facing a business challenge. By providing relevant and reliable information to act with certainty and confidence we ensure we are creating value in bringing a competitive advantage to our client’s interests to produce successful outcomes.
Company: Quadriga Capital Email: contact@quadriga-capital.de Web: http://www.quadriga-capital.de/ Address: Hamburger Allee 4, 60486 Frankfurt/Main Telephone: +49 (69) 79 50 00 0 Case Study: Quadriga Capital is one of the leading Private Equity companies specializing in the acquisition of midmarket companies in Germany and its neighboring countries. Quadriga Capital is focusing on the transformation of businesses: By working closely with investee company shareholders and managers, Quadriga Capital combines the best aspects of mid-market and family-owned businesses with a systematic approach and a detailed and funded strategy to create long-term value. With more than 20 years of experience in the German speaking private equity market Quadriga Capital has developed a comprehensive corporate memory addressing the impact of economic cycles, the challenges of changing mega trends, the institutionalized transformation within organizations, the shift in capital and debt markets as well as the need for permanent alignment towards increasing investor requirements. With a clear strategy towards the “Mittelstand” and a sustainable profile Quadriga Capital is positioned as the “natural buyer” for midcap enterprises.
Company: Baspinar & Partners Law Firm Email: info@baspinar.av.tr Web: http://www.baspinar.av.tr/ Address: Misir Apartmani, Istiklal Caddesi 163, K:6, D:23&24, Beyoglu, 34433, Istanbul Turkey Telephone: +90 (212) 465 66 99 Case Study: Baspinar & Partners is dedicated to helping clients manage risk, maximize opportunities and move their business forward. Our attorneys are nimble, creative and pragmatic, working tenaciously to protect and promote our clients’ interests in and around the area. At Baspinar & Partners, you’ll find a collective determination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We’re business-oriented lawyers equally comfortable in the boardroom and the courtroom. While we handle some of the largest cases on record, we also work with individuals and investors leading the way in the Turkish market growing rapidly.. We advise local and international companies on public/private enterprises and help emerging companies grow. From critical regulatory and compliance matters to deals, transactions, and high-stakes litigation, we’re prepared to do what it takes to defend and protect our clients’ interests. Within the firm, we encourage collaboration across practices and industry teams, ensuring the most integrated, solutions-oriented results for our clients. Efficiency and effectiveness are the highest priority for us, and we continue to look for ways to partner with clients in identifying new strategies, new approaches and different ways of working together to optimize results.
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL M&A AWARDS 2013 DIRECTORY
Company: CIG Micro-finance Ghana Contact: Marian Yabe Email: marian.yabe@cigmicrofinancegh.com Web: http://www.cigmicrofinancegh.com/ Address: Box GP21861, Accra, Ghana Telephone: 0302-942874 Case Study: CIG Micro-finance Ghana Limited is fully licensed and regulated by the Banking Supervision Unit of the Bank of Ghana per the new banking supervision and regulations for ‘’Tier 2’’ of the banking hierarchy. We at CIG Micro-finance Ghana Limited pride ourselves with highly skilled, young and energetic professionals working in various departments. Our clientele base cuts across both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. Our primary goal is to ensure that, the expectations of our clients are met exceedingly. Currently, our stated capital stands at two million cedis (¢2 000 000.00), thus a little above one million dollars ($ 1 000 000.000). Since its inception on the 11th day of February 2009, CIG Micro-finance has grown impressively winning the heart of many customers. CORE VALUES: Our Core Values which is embedded in the acronym (TIP) are: TEAMWORK - We partner our customers to create wealth. INNOVATION - We provide Constant life improving products that can stand the test of time. PASSION - We are a caring and committed team of professionals.
Company: Akira Partners Email: info@akirapartners.com Web: http://www.akirapartners.com Address: Akira Partners, 24 Ladbroke Gardens, London W11 2PY, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 207 565 0808 Case Study: Akira Partners is a specialist, independent Mergers & Acquisitions advisory firm with a particular strength in the telecoms, media and technology sectors. It was founded by Andre Sokol in 2007 with a vision to provide innovative and independent M&A advice to corporates, financial sponsors and ultra high net worth individuals. The firm has executed transactions worldwide, with particular expertise in Europe and emerging markets. It differentiates itself by its senior banker coverage, its extensive experience in complex transactions in key sectors, the ingenuity of its thinking and the commitment and energy the team brings to its clients. Andre Sokol previously worked as the head of M&A at Vodafone Group. David de Lanoy Meijer, ex head of telecoms in Europe at Credit Suisse, joined as a partner in 2013, and Panos Metsis joined as a partner from JPMorgan in 2012. The rest of the team comprises bankers from UBS, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank.
Allan & Ogunkeye Company: K-SAN Law Firm Contact: Charles Owusu Juanah Email: c.juanah@k-sanchambers.com Web: http://www.k-sanchambers.com/ Address: Anona House, C125 Subukwe Close Off Farrar Avenue, Adabraka Accra, P. O. Box GP21820, Accra Telephone: +233 (0)30 224 779 Case Study: K-SAN LAW FIRM uses a multi-disciplinary approach to legal practice. With a substantial corporate client base the firm is committed to the protection of the interests of its clients. We advise corporate clients on a variety of issues in a wide range of areas of law. K-SAN is setting the model and structures for modern legal practice in Ghana that other serious members of the profession will use as the benchmark for their own practices.
Company: Allan & Ogunkeye Contact: Mrs. Marlies Allan Email: m.allan@allanogunkeye.com Web: http://www.allanogunkeye.com Address: Western House (7th Floor), 8/10 Broad Street, Lagos, P.O. Box 51769, Ikoyi, Lagos State Telephone: +234(0)1 2716910 Case Study: Allan & Ogunkeye is a commercial law/ corporate services firm in the areas of preparation and perfection of financial and security documentation including services in the areas of Debenture documentations; Mortgages; Risk and Loan participation agreements; Assignment of loan and loan participation agreements. The firm undertakes litigations in insolvency, asset and debt recovery and security enforcement.
Company: Ernst & Young Name: Emad Ragheb Email: : emad.ragheb@eg.ey.com Web: : http://www.ey.com/me Address: Ring Road,Zone #10A - Rama Tower, P.O. Box 20 Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt Telephone: +202 27260260 Case Study: Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization. The MENA practice of Ernst & Young has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 85 years, we have evolved to meet the legal and commercial developments of the region. Across MENA, we have over 4,200 people united across 20 offices and 15 Arab countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Axios Investments Corporation Company: Axios Investments Corporation Contact: Nicholas Katsepontes Email: npklaw@corpweb.net Address: 9400 Henri Bourassa West St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1N8 Canada Telephone: +1 613 286 1224
Allan & Ogunkeye has established itself as a foremost intellectual property services firm in Nigeria with recognized expertise. Services in the intellectual property area includes: Trademarks, Patents and Industrial Designs registration, maintenance, protection and enforcement; copyright protection and enforcement; trademark and trade description protection and enforcement; franchising documentation. In 1985 the firm secured the first search and seizure order (i.e. Anton Piller Order)to be granted by a Nigerian court in a copyright infringement action. In 1989 the firm pioneered in Nigeria the procedure in court for constituting large number of persons into a defined class, procuring leave of court to sue in a defined class and obtaining a class injunction against them.
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