Consistently exceeding client expectations for the last 34 years
GulfStar is one of the most transactionally active investment banking firms in the middle market. With over 34 years of experience and 750+ closed transactions, we get 100% of our clients by referral. When the time comes to act on mission-critical strategic initiatives, count on GulfStar to put our reputation and experience to work for you.
True price discovery and ideal transaction terms can only be achieved through a well-orchestrated process. Our highly tailored and individualized approach leverages thoughtful positioning, deep analytics, industry expertise and demonstrated global access to the best buyers, driving palpable competition and maximizing market value and process outcomes.
Sale to a strategic buyer
A 100% sale to a strategic buyer is often an ideal solution for owners seeking a full exit from the daily risks and obligations of business ownership, providing a complete monetization of their long-term investment. A strategic sale provides immediate liquidity, diversification of wealth and typically represents an end-point solution with limited or no participation in the future prospects of the company.
Sale to a private equity group
A sale to a private equity buyer typically takes the form of a recapitalization structure, whereby the business owner sells a majority position in the company and retains a minority ownership position, frequently continuing in the same operational role post-transaction. It is also possible to structure a recapitalization to enable a business owner to retain majority ownership. A recapitalization is an ideal structure for owners who have built concentrated wealth inside their business and desire to monetize a significant portion of their investment, while preserving meaningful future upside return potential through a second liquidity event. The second sale typically occurs three to five years after the initial recapitalization transaction.
Buy-side advisory
In a fast-paced M&A market, we help our clients to thoughtfully refine their growth objectives and confidently embark on strategic initiatives. Our buy-side advisory services are designed to focus the field of vision through the analysis and identification of truly impactful opportunities; enhance value capture through the achievement of greater integration efficiencies and realizable synergies; and maximize certainty of close and return on process investment.
We work hand in hand with your internal operational teams and other transactional advisors (e.g. Legal, Tax and Regulatory) to ensure highly coordinated and expertly managed deal execution. Whether you are a practiced corporate acquirer or you are assessing your first institutional transaction, GulfStar will partner with you to develop an actionable strategy and provide the critical advice and full-spectrum transactional support required to successfully execute the plan.
Our buy-side advisory services include:
- Market/Opportunity Evaluation
- Rigorous Criteria Development and Target Identification
- Experienced Process Management
- Target Approach and Negotiation
- Target Financial and Operational Diligence
- Transaction Financing Sourcing / Negotiation
- Negotiation of Key Transaction Agreements and Related Documentation
- Compliance and Closing