"Strategic Buyers Only"

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In addition to accessing the most active online network of business buyers, Searchfunder licenses research that is simply not cost effective for individuals. Access over 15,000 industry reports and 50,000 transaction financials. You also get monthly credits for contact information for your company sourcing campaign with the option to purchase more at drastically discounted rates. Searchfunder has pre-purchased access from these data providers in order to empower individual buyers and to help searchers level the playing field versus private equity.

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While a large number of our members come from dedicated programs at Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth, and other top programs, searching is no longer reserved for the elite. With the current abundance of dry powder in private equity, and an increasing number of business owners reaching retirement age, good deals rarely go unfunded.

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by a searcher from IESE Business School
in Houston, TX, USA

1yr ago

"Strategic Buyers Only"

I’m currently evaluating a deal where the broker has indicated I’m being taken out of the process in favor of “strategic buyers only.” Context - I’m a committed, hands-on Independent Sponsor with operational and corporate experience in the industry. - I also have another live deal in another industry ( in which I also have experience) with this broker, still evaluating which one pursue further after I am able to talk to the owner of the Chemical/Plastic company Any advice on how to reframe my value or re-engage with the broker to stay in the race? Do you ever bring in minority strategic partners to help break into deals like this? Appreciate any insights or experiences, I can DM you if you prefer.

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reply by a searcher 1yr ago
from Georgetown University in New York, NY, USA

Do you have off the shelf materials that describe what you/your firm does? Experience in industry? One of my clients (independent sponsor) is bidding on an asset and is in somewhat of a similar spot. But his success will hinge on very clear credibility in the industry, pointing to his track record. If you're coming across as a plain vanilla IS there is probably a bias towards "this guy is a value investor, we want that "strategic" multiple". Your step forward should be clear that you're an industry operator, if you actually are.

reply by an intermediary 1yr ago
from University of Toronto in Toronto, ON, Canada

Thanks for the tag, Luke. We like to be transparent to bidders when the deal is clearly not a fit (expecting above average multiples, owners hoping to become part of a larger platform, looking for strong investor track record, etc.)