Presentation
to
Thursday 13th October 2005
axiom-e’s view
All organisations need to have:
• a clear and realistic strategy,
• the financial resources, controls and systems to see it through and
• the right management team and processes to make it happen.
Our view
Strategic financial management is:• the application to strategic decisions• of financial techniques in order • to help achieve management objectives.
How we deliver
axiom-e was established to:• provide strategic financial management advice to • fast growing companies via• Director-level support.
The problem
The absence of relevant financial support can prove costly.
Early assessment of requirements and appropriate input is necessary.
Our view
An axiom-e portfolio Director
providing high-level support is
• essential for companies without a full-time FD and
• useful for those with one.
Achievements – Recent clients
• High-tech University spin-out - £3.8m VC funding• Manufacturing company - acquisitions• Leading regional recruitment company - expansion• Internet companies• Publishing company -DTI SFL• Electronic products company - DTI SFL
Achievements – Recent activities
• Advised on acquisitions for growing manufacturing company• Working with a University spin-out to raise further VC funding• Raised DTI-supported funds for various start-ups• Refinanced established company• Prepared Business Plans and arranged finance for start ups• Established legal and administrative structures for start-ups • Helped set-up and launch internet company• Acted as interim/part-time Finance Director
Achievements – Consultants
• Acquiring companies– Over 30– Due diligence– post-acquisition integration
• Selling companies– to national & international acquirers
• Fund-raising– Angels, banks & VCs - various amounts up to £5m+
• Flotations– On-Line Travel Corporation – sold to Lastminute.com– IT IS Holdings - £28m raised on AIM (valued £186m)
axiom-e supports its clients by:
• acting as their Finance Director
• providing consultancy for one-off projects
• negotiating on their behalf with third parties.
What we offer
depends on each client’s
Business Strategy
Functional specialisms
• Board-level involvement• Corporate Management/Company Secretarial• Grooming companies for sale/flotation• Acquisitions• Business Financing Advice• Business Planning & Control• Management Accounting• Systems Analysis and Development
axiom-e’s qualified staff have:
• as Finance Director, brought about change in many companies
• helped to start several businesses
• successfully managed companies with turnover from £2m to £500m pa
• acquired or sold more than 30 businesses
• negotiated high-value deals and contracts
• raised £ms in finance
• ensured compliance with good corporate practice and regulations associated with legal, tax & company secretarial work.
How we can help – Experience
• Wide knowledge of business
• Understanding of biotech, high-tech and manufacturing sectors– Technically & scientifically qualified– Fund raising and cash management
• Experience of the Finance Director’s role–Former Finance Director of several companies
• Understanding of early stage companies– Helped fund and launch several start-ups– Tight cash management and investor/bank liaison– Systems implementation
How we can help – Business Development
• Started several companies
• Developed small companies – 3-fold growth in 2 years (£2.6m to £8m turnover)– Initiated control & reporting framework– Improved professionalism of Board/Management Team– Negotiated with 3rd parties over financial/commercial issues
• Acquisitions
How we can help – grooming for sale
Increase the chance of a successful sale through:• strategy development
– business planning – acquisitions
• project work necessary to achieve the objectives– axiom-evaluation (business health check)– implement recommendations– follow-up projects
• axiom-exit
How we can help – axiom-exit
• Preparing the Memorandum of Information • Ensuring financial history and forecasts are supported • Preparing additional financial data for purchasers • Developing financial models to assess the value of deals • Negotiating with potential acquirers and their advisors • Managing the professional advisors and the process • Assisting the legal process by reviewing contracts • Ensuring that the business systems are robust • Helping to ensure the company continues to function!
How we can help – Our approach
• Adding value – the reason for working• Cost-effective – lower charges than expected • Flexibility – work undertaken when required• Professionalism – experienced and capable• Experienced – hands-on Finance Directors• Honesty – fundamentally necessary from both parties • Integrity – working for the client’s interests• Commitment – see tasks through
How we can help –Advisors
axiom-e has close working relationships with leading: • Auditors and Tax advisors • Banks • Business Angel Networks • Consultants covering other functions• Corporate Finance Houses • Lawyers • Venture Capitalists
How we can help – Benefits
• High-level financial management skills– used when required– paid for when used
• Coherent business strategy– clarity – financial evaluation and risk assessment – basis of control and monitoring performance
• Improved focus on financial health– reduce unnecessary expenditure– focus on maximising added value
How we can help - The Next Steps
• Arrange a meeting to identify potential projects and/or
• Undertake an axiom-evaluation
• Prioritise projects
• Undertake initial project
• Agree additional projects
• Agree longer-term advisory role