Our Big Picture We get excited about well-established companies that have been run by good people. Business metrics are important; we value integrity above all else as it is at the core of every good business transaction.
We also recognize that considering the sale of a long-held business can be a major life decision. It is often an emotional one too. There is a reason that many entrepreneurs postpone for years the planning that their professional advisors and family members urge them to do. As business owners ourselves, we respect and understand that.
Long Investment Horizon Alder Bay is not a fund of pooled investor capital. As such, we do not have a requirement to return capital to investors through the resale of the businesses we acquire. Accordingly, we do not require excessive leverage or cost-cutting to maximize short-term returns. We like businesses that we can help grow steadily for the long-term.
Aligning Interests Just as every business is unique, we believe that every entrepreneur’s ownership succession priorities are unique. Some business owners value their financial bottom line at the sale above all else. Many require comfort in knowing that their long-tenured managers, employees and company culture will thrive. Still others are principally concerned that their family business legacy grows under new ownership.
We like to listen to what’s important and, where there is a mutual fit, agree on a deal that aligns the interests of all parties.
Nimble Team We are a small, experienced team with the flexibility to act quickly and decisively. Our board of directors and principals have extensive experience in operations, law, mergers & acquisitions, strategy, and growing private companies. We are not in this business to renegotiate deals, endlessly nickel and dime, and distract from the ongoing operations of the companies we seek to acquire.
And importantly, we do what we say we will do.
Confidentiality When selling a business, we understand that confidentiality is critical. Unplanned word of a potential sale among employees, customers or suppliers can create undue uncertainty about a company’s future. That perceived uncertainty can be damaging to any business. We take confidentiality seriously.