Business development

Strategy review and commercial, operations and financial improvement support for a technology start-up in Cambridge, UK

Situation

A technology startup company based in Cambridge, UK, required support to improve its operational and financial performance in order to enhance profitability and speed up business growth.

Approach
We have undertaken a strategic analysis and a commercial, operational and financial assessment of the company. Based on this an improvement plan has been established jointly with the founder of the startup. We have supported the implementation of this plan in a subsequent project phase.

Benefits
This brief project has led to improved profitability. It provided the company with visibility about its operational and financial performance through easy to follow, simple KPIs and streamlined processes.

Strategic and Operational m&a

Carve-out strategy, planning and execution in the IT industry in Scandinavia

Situation
The client organization (a technology company based in Scandinavia, private equity owned) decided to spin off one of its business areas in order to focus in the most profitable business activities of the company and required support to develop and implement a carve-out strategy.

Approach
We have supported the definition of the carve-out strategy working jointly with the client organization. The collaboration included the definition of the operational perimeter for the spin-off, the definition of service level agreements both for the transitional and post-merger environments and the estimation of carve-out related costs (one-off, running and stranded).

We have also supported the implementation process once the transaction has been closed.

Benefits
Reduction of operational risks (pre and post-merger) through the definition of a sound carve-out concept and related planning and execution.

The transaction value increased through the documentation of the carve-out strategy and plans and the incorporation of these in the information provided to potential buyers.

The open approach and clarity of plans helped to maintain key resources in the company.

Operations Management

Working capital improvement in the German auto-parts industry

Situation
A “Mittelstand” company in the German auto parts industry, needed to release cash from Operations in order to improve its liquidity position.

Approach
An initial assessment of opportunities was undertaken covering receivables, inventory and payables. Based on this we have defined an improvement plan including actions in the short, medium and long term.

We have supported management with the implementation of this plan. This support included, amongst other aspects, providing strategic guidance and negotiation tools for the improvement of payment terms with suppliers.

Benefits
Working capital and liquidity improved within six months. Increased visibility of working capital performance was achieved through the implementation of dashboards including operational KPIs. The improved operational processes ensure that these achievements are sustainable.