AI Magazine Issue 1 2018

Acquisition International - Issue 1 2018 43 Pure Focus. Premier Value. us to become the leading brand with a reputation for international scope and extraordinary results for clients.” Regarding the internal culture within Blaige & Company, Thomas explains how he ensures that all of his staff are in the best possible position to deal with any issues which may potentially arise, and answer queries from clients and customers. “Blaige & Company’s internal culture stresses the highest quality work. We are top heavy with a disproportionate number of senior staff and advisors, including entrepreneurs and managers. Our operational knowledge helps us unlock hidden strategic values, understand and position highlights, and mitigate risks. This focus on quality has resulted in a 10 to 20 percent premium for our clients.” Within the wide variety of industries that the firm operates, Blaige & Company has successfully completed dozens of assignments on behalf of a high profile global client base over the past 15 years. Blaige & Company’s clientele includes large international corporations, private equity investors, privately held, and family owned companies. Approximately 40% of transactions have involved an international buyer or seller. Interstingly, because the company works worldwide, North American specifics are less important than international trends: the growing importance of packaging, ecological concerns, and the globalisation of business. Operating within the plastics, packaging and chemical industries, means that work comes thick and fast for Blaige & Company, and Thomas is keen to highlight what techniques the firm employs in order to stay ahead of emerging developments. “The important ways that we stay ahead of emerging developments are by publishing industrial analysis reports and attending global industry shows. These allow us to keep updating industry dynamics and stay in touch with prospective clients worldwide which keep us from becoming U.S.-centric.” Ensuring all areas are covered and that staff are up to date with all the modern trends, the team at Blaige & Company has contributed more than 50 articles published by Plastics News, Plastics Today, Thermoforming Quarterly, Flexible Packaging Magazine, Modern Plastics, and other leading industry publications. Additionally, Thomas has presented at more than 100 industry events over the past fifteen years. Blaige & Company senior executives have also attended trade shows worldwide including Chinaplas, Korea Pack, Interpack, K Show, and Label Expo Europe. These international events are not regularly attended by most investment banking firms. Nearing towards the end of the interview, Thomas comments on what aspects of Blaige & Company help it to stand out from its competitors, enabling it to attract the best clients and business. Thomas notes that strict privacy and confidentiality procedures mean that banking clients are more attracted to the firm, as well as the company’s impressive track record. “Throughout the company, our ethics, boutique structure and involvement of the most senior bankers throughout the process ensure that confidential matters are treated as such. “Furthermore, clients are impressed by our flawless execution. We execute a carefully orchestrated process involving strategically positioning the opportunity to each prospect; successfully negotiating financial and non-financial aspects of proposals, and finally; proactively managing the process, particularly post-LOI, to ensure a successful closing and the maintenance of confidentiality.” “Finally, we are committed to the middle market. The team understands that many transactions in its target industries are middle market transactions and we find these transactions among the most interesting and rewarding opportunities in our field.” Boasting a wealth of experience, the team is confident that Blaige & Company possesses more experience in the selected markets than any other investment banking firm; therefore, its clients are ensured of receiving the highest caliber of investment banking services and senior level attention that other firms reserve only for their largest clients and transactions. With the combination of mostly experience and leading industry knowledge, Blaige & Company completed over 200 transactions with premium results in plastics, packaging, and chemicals. Furthermore, the company keeps efficient by preparing well ahead of the competition, and has instant market access due to proprietary systems and contacts, and maximum competition translates into maximum price and best terms. Ultimately, there looks to be exciting times ahead for Blaige & Company. Thomas concludes by outlining what the future holds for the firm, predicting more of the same, with the company maximize its potential and keeping client satisfaction levels at an extraordinary high level. “Moving forward, we believe that the future for our company is more of the same; utilizing our secret ingredient to maximize our results in a focused space. We know that many firms have an in-house investment bank that they use, but we believe that for any transaction in our space, we should be the go-to bank.”