SPARK CONTENT MANAGEMENT ACQUIRED BY MCMURRY

THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MCMURRY SAID:

"Mark looks under every rock, knowing that something special may be discovered. In fact, he imagined our Phoenix-based content marketing firm might be a fit for a New York born-and-breed video production company that he was representing on the sell side. It was a great insight, as we ended up acquiring that company in a process that Mark managed masterfully. It's never easy to broker deals and carefully bring two parties together through a complex, challenging process that leaves both ready to roll up their sleeves as partners when the ink is dry. Mark did all that and more, and this deal was one of a handful that led to our company's emergence as the leading content marketing firm in the U.S"

SPARK CONTENT MANAGEMENT ACQUIRED BY MCMURRY

THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MCMURRY SAID:

"Mark looks under every rock, knowing that something special may be discovered. In fact, he imagined our Phoenix-based content marketing firm might be a fit for a New York born-and-breed video production company that he was representing on the sell side. It was a great insight, as we ended up acquiring that company in a process that Mark managed masterfully. It's never easy to broker deals and carefully bring two parties together through a complex, challenging process that leaves both ready to roll up their sleeves as partners when the ink is dry. Mark did all that and more, and this deal was one of a handful that led to our company's emergence as the leading content marketing firm in the U.S"

NEWAGE TESTING INSTRUMENTS ACQUIRED BY AMETEK

WHAT THE SHAREHOLDERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE OF SELLING THEIR COMPANY

"Selling your business is a stressful, complicated process. The prospect of continuing operations, while seeking prospective suitors in a clandestine manner, is more than a bit daunting if not overwhelming.

Recognising that, my partner and I were fortunate in meeting Mark Sapsford. Mark directed a team of M&A pros with aplomb. He not only prepared us to sell, but kept us intimately informed as the process progressed. Mark made sure that no detail was left to chance. He skilfully assisted me in putting together a presentation for prospects that would pique their interest, and enable them to see the value of the company.

Mark presented us with 10 capable prospective buyers. He lead the meetings in a comfortable, professional manner. When it was time to tender offers, Mark acted as our negotiator.

We were fortunate in having two large multinational firms put forth offers. Quite frankly, both offers, as initially received, exceeded our expectations! Mark skilfully worked these two and got them to increase their offers by approximately 25%!!

Once we made our decision, Mark reviewed and made suggestions on the sales agreement. Additionally, Mark counselled us on holdback and post sale owner consulting.

At the end of the day, We feel that Mark minimized the disruption of our day to day operation, and minimized my partner and my stress levels. Additionally, Mark found a great match in the buyer, ensuring the longevity of our company. Equally important, Mark represented our company in a manner that maximized our return!!!

I sincerely recommend Mark to assist with procuring suitors, and maximizing the return on your business.

Sincerely, Douglas McGhee Happily Retired!!"

NEWAGE TESTING INSTRUMENTS ACQUIRED BY AMETEK

WHAT THE SHAREHOLDERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE OF SELLING THEIR COMPANY

"Selling your business is a stressful, complicated process. The prospect of continuing operations, while seeking prospective suitors in a clandestine manner, is more than a bit daunting if not overwhelming.

Recognising that, my partner and I were fortunate in meeting Mark Sapsford. Mark directed a team of M&A pros with aplomb. He not only prepared us to sell, but kept us intimately informed as the process progressed. Mark made sure that no detail was left to chance. He skilfully assisted me in putting together a presentation for prospects that would pique their interest, and enable them to see the value of the company.

Mark presented us with 10 capable prospective buyers. He lead the meetings in a comfortable, professional manner. When it was time to tender offers, Mark acted as our negotiator.

We were fortunate in having two large multinational firms put forth offers. Quite frankly, both offers, as initially received, exceeded our expectations! Mark skilfully worked these two and got them to increase their offers by approximately 25%!!

Once we made our decision, Mark reviewed and made suggestions on the sales agreement. Additionally, Mark counselled us on holdback and post sale owner consulting.

At the end of the day, We feel that Mark minimized the disruption of our day to day operation, and minimized my partner and my stress levels. Additionally, Mark found a great match in the buyer, ensuring the longevity of our company. Equally important, Mark represented our company in a manner that maximized our return!!!

I sincerely recommend Mark to assist with procuring suitors, and maximizing the return on your business.

Sincerely, Douglas McGhee Happily Retired!!"

SPORTSAFE ACQUIRED BY ABEO GROUP

THE SHAREHOLDER OF SPORTSAFE COMMENTED:

"I first met James when in 2017 when he acted as the deal leader for the sale of my business. It was an important choice as you are putting your life's work in someones else's hands. James has an ability to remain calm under pressure, stay focused when the going gets tough and be strong enough to stick to his guns to get the results for his clients. He is good fun to work with and I would not want to have gone through a business sale with anyone else. At all times it felt like we were in control and he could calm a tense situation putting his clients needs first. James has transferable skills and his ability to quickly understand a business and in depth accounts was a huge advantage. I would highly recommend anyone looking to sell their business to get in touch with James for a chat"

SPORTSAFE ACQUIRED BY ABEO GROUP

THE SHAREHOLDER OF SPORTSAFE COMMENTED:

"I first met James when in 2017 when he acted as the deal leader for the sale of my business. It was an important choice as you are putting your life's work in someones else's hands. James has an ability to remain calm under pressure, stay focused when the going gets tough and be strong enough to stick to his guns to get the results for his clients. He is good fun to work with and I would not want to have gone through a business sale with anyone else. At all times it felt like we were in control and he could calm a tense situation putting his clients needs first. James has transferable skills and his ability to quickly understand a business and in depth accounts was a huge advantage. I would highly recommend anyone looking to sell their business to get in touch with James for a chat"

COX AGRI ACQUIRED BY ALLFLEX (BACKED BY BC PARTNERS)

WHAT THE SHAREHOLDER OF COX AGRI SAID ABOUT WORKING WITH ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF CAPEQ:

"James was fantastic to work with. We shared a sense of humour, which really helped us hit it off. That meant that throughout the sale, we had constant outbursts of laughter. In fact the harder things got, the more one of us would interject with a funny comment, and there was an immediate release of tension. That was crucial. This applied to the buyer too – we all got on well, and we actually had some three-way conversations on the phone where there was a lot of laughter.

Looking back, it was brilliant the way James smoothed the deal. He pre-empted problems, flagged up potential difficulties, and forewarned me of any major issues, which of course meant they became much less momentous later on. Those interpersonal, management skills were decisive.

James has worked on many, many deals – and even sold a company of his own – and I really felt his experience on my side, always."

COX AGRI ACQUIRED BY ALLFLEX (BACKED BY BC PARTNERS)

WHAT THE SHAREHOLDER OF COX AGRI SAID ABOUT WORKING WITH ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF CAPEQ:

"James was fantastic to work with. We shared a sense of humour, which really helped us hit it off. That meant that throughout the sale, we had constant outbursts of laughter. In fact the harder things got, the more one of us would interject with a funny comment, and there was an immediate release of tension. That was crucial. This applied to the buyer too – we all got on well, and we actually had some three-way conversations on the phone where there was a lot of laughter.

Looking back, it was brilliant the way James smoothed the deal. He pre-empted problems, flagged up potential difficulties, and forewarned me of any major issues, which of course meant they became much less momentous later on. Those interpersonal, management skills were decisive.

James has worked on many, many deals – and even sold a company of his own – and I really felt his experience on my side, always."

VEGETARIAN EXPRESS ACQUIRED BY BRIDGES VENTURES LLP

"James was the Deal Leader in the sale of my majority shareholding in Vegetarian Express Ltd concluded in September 2016. He guided us through face to face meetings with multiple interested parties, and led the final negotiations with short-listed bidders with great professionalism. I owe the optimisation of deal value to his great skill and experience in M&A, and prior understanding and experience in working with SME"

EGETARIAN EXPRESS ACQUIRED BY BRIDGES VENTURES LLP

"James was the Deal Leader in the sale of my majority shareholding in Vegetarian Express Ltd concluded in September 2016. He guided us through face to face meetings with multiple interested parties, and led the final negotiations with short-listed bidders with great professionalism. I owe the optimisation of deal value to his great skill and experience in M&A, and prior understanding and experience in working with SME"