www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 2 2023 NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte: Multi-Award-Winning Lawyer Leads the Way
2 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 From our Editor Welcome to the February edition of Acquisition International magazine. Recognised as a voice of modern business, we are passionate about providing vital updates to corporate readers so they can always be one step ahead. As we enter the second month of the year, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the winter season; the sun is starting to stay out a little bit longer in the evenings and we know that spring is just over the horizon. It may still be chilly outside at the moment, but what could be better than sitting down in the warm with a cuppa and having a read through our latest issue? Take a moment to delve into our pages and explore the stories of our handpicked award-winning businesses who hail from a range of industries including law, accountancy, education, and dermatology. It is the passion of these companies for what they do and their dedication to staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional services that truly puts them a cut above the rest. We hope you find this issue to be insightful and inspirational, and here’s to a brilliant month ahead! We look forward to seeing you again for our March issue. Rebecca Scotland - Editor Contents 4 News 6 Multi-Award-Winning Lawyer Leads the Way NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte 7 Spectacular Standards from Seize A Solution Seize A Solution Limited 8 Prolific Services for Every Case Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm 9 A Law Firm Built on Ideas Gilbert’s LLP 10 Enhancing Education Chatsworth Schools 12 Helping Business Owners to Profit First Hetty Verney Accounting 13 M&A Advisory Firm of the Year 2022 - Western USA & Leading Software Company Sales Specialists of the Year 2022 Business Sales Group and My Biz Value No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editors Sofi Bajor, Senior Editor Rebecca Scotland, Editor Designers Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer 14 Leading the Way Sydney Criminal Lawyers 15 Aesthetics Acquisition of the Year 2022: Galderma / Alastin Skincare Galderma 16 Leading Procurement Law Firm of the Year - Italy Studio Legale Valaguzza 17 Most Trusted SME M&A Advisors 2022 - Germany Quaan Capital GmbH 18 Safeguarding Future Wealth Intercorp International Ltd 19 Winners’ Listings
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4 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 News: from around the world Ledgible Expands C-Suite Growing Institutional Cryptoasset Leadership Adds Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Institutional Product to Focus These Efforts Ledgible, the leading institutional and enterprise crypto tax and accounting platform, today announced the company added two new strategic executives, Paul Diegelman as Chief Revenue Officer, and Will Coleman as Head of Institutional Product. This expands Ledgible’s Institutional leadership with these two seasoned experts and underscores Ledgible’s commitment to Institutional and Enterprise digital asset tax and accounting professionals. As more enterprises and institutions enter the crypto asset space, traditional financial tools for tax and accounting are necessary to track and manage these digital assets. Coupled with the introduction of new regulations and guidance, there is significant demand for Ledgible, its crypto experts, and its accounting and tax platform technology. Ledgible is the platform to bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. “Recently we announced our first round of funding to expand our Professional Tax and Enterprise and Institutional Accounting teams to support an expanding number of institutional partners and accounting firms requiring expertise in the digital asset space,” said Kell Canty, CEO of Ledgible. “Today, we are introducing new executives and underscoring our commitment to service institutions with our crypto accounting solutions.” Paul Diegelman joins as the first Chief Revenue Officer from Fiserv, where he most recently served as Vice President, Head of BD and Partnerships for Data and Connectivity. He has decades of expertise in open banking, connected data, digital payments, financial services, and SaaS platforms. As a sales leader, Paul builds and leads teams, envisions and launches products, and delivers successful revenue growth. Will Coleman joins as the Head of Institutional Product. He was the principal architect of attest services to support cryptocurrency investment funds for Cohen & Company, the largest auditor of cryptocurrency investment funds in the U.S. He was also co-lead for the first collateralized stablecoin attest and technical lead for operation control reviews including SOC, due diligence and others for various digital asset custodians and blockchain service providers. The Ledgible Crypto Tax and Accounting Platform for tax and accounting professionals, enterprises, and institutions supports integrations across major blockchains, cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, and professional accounting tools. As the bridge between crypto assets and traditional financial accounting, Ledgible determines crypto tax liabilities and delivers that data to existing and novel TradFi accounting tools. The platform makes crypto data, Ledgible, across the entire crypto vertical, for institutions, enterprises, and large accounting firms.
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 5 LegaMart, a global online network, has launched a mentorship program to empower women in the legal profession. With a current gender pay gap of over 25% in the legal industry, the mentorship program aims to empower lawyers with the opportunity to learn from experienced industry progressions. Hamid Bagherzadeh, Co-Founder of LegaMart said: “Whether individuals are preparing for their law school exams, interviewing for a firm, or choosing their future career path, the mentorship offers women a route to explore. We are keen to support the next generation of lawyers, particularly from diverse backgrounds, and our mentorship program allows us to make great strides within the industry. “There is no doubt that female attorneys are held back in this industry for a variety of reasons, including gender bias, stereotyping, and unequal pay for equal work. To combat this, we have implemented peer support, equal pay for cases, and preferred working hours to balance the obstacles female attorneys can experience in their legal careers. This is why we are looking forward to taking our mentorship program further in 2023 and hope to reach a wider audience to create a vast network of empowered lawyers around the globe” LegaMart is active in more than 100 countries with over 2000 lawyers within its network. The business has created a global online network where lawyers are paired with applicants utilising an algorithm that focuses on the client, job specification, and the lawyer’s practice area. LegaMart has celebrated securing funding of £1,700 in recent months through an angel investor, with plans to expand further in 2023 with further fundraising. This will support the brand in continuing to innovate and improve the strength of its online network. With research showing women in the largest law firms earn a fifth less than men, LegaMart is committed to offering the same cases to all lawyers in their marketplace, removing the gender bias which exists in the legal industry. Through machine learning and AI, LegaMart aims to facilitate equal pay for women in the network. Hamid Bagherzadeh added: “We know there is a significant way to go in the industry in order to ensure that women are receiving the same opportunities as men. With our mentorship, we have had more than 90 mentees participate Global law-matching marketplace aims to close pay gap in the legal industry in the program, where they are looking to build their academic path and focus on new areas of law. “The program allows for the combination of experiences, which is vital for women in the workplace. It means senior leaders can support the professional development of young lawyers, building their confidence and guiding them through challenges in their careers. Having a positive role model within your industry is an invaluable experience.”
6 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Multi-Award-Winning Lawyer Leads the Way ESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte is a pioneering law firm in Germany that is known for its strength and competency in the areas of press, copyright, music and media law, intellectual property, information technology, and other related areas of law. It advises businesses and individuals across all industries and sectors in a way that keeps them completely informed. Covering these areas of law, the team at NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte strives to obtain the best outcomes for its clients – no matter their level of understanding of the segments of law. As an expert guiding hand, NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte guarantees peace of mind and a professional service throughout. As a founding partner, Dr. Volker Knies has built upon his years of experience by setting up a reputable law firm to help those in need of legal advice. He is an expert in trademark law, competition law, copyright, design law, patent law and licensing agreements, and operates with his clients’ best interests at heart. By supporting a huge portfolio of national and international clients, Dr. Volker Knies has shown himself to be a shining example of how to apply wisdom to every problem – in order to align with legal requirements – and case. Furthermore, Dr. Volker Knies’ priorities are out-of-court and judicial enforcement and defence in cases of property rights infringements and competition disputes, in addition to sharing advice on license agreements. Recommended by “LeadersInLaw” as an attorney for trademark law in Germany, Dr. Volker Knies has become well known in the legal advice realm. He is amulti-award-winning individual who has also been selected by “Corporate INTL” as “Trademark Law Firm of the Year in Germany” in 2015 and 2017 and was named “Practitioner of the Year for Intellectual Property in Germany 2016 (Acquisition International Awards 2016). N Dec22469 As a member of GRUR (German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property and Copyright) and INTA (International Trademark Association), Dr. Volker Knies offers his expertise, respect, and professionalism to clients in a way that they can trust. He has now won Leading IP Lawyer of the Year 2022, Germany, in the Leading Adviser Awards 2022 from Acquisition International, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to congratulate him on all of his fine work. Contact: Dr. Volker Knies Company: NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte Web Address: https://www.nesselhauf.com/de_DE/ NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte supplies legal advice and works through cases of all sizes to ensure a safe future for all of its clients. And, of course, this wouldn’t be possible without a rich wealth of knowledge and many years of experience behind it. Here we learn more about one of the firm’s founding partners, Dr. Volker Knies, as he wins Leading IP Lawyer of the Year 2022 – Germany. Covering these areas of law, the team at NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte strives to obtain the best outcomes for its clients – no matter their level of understanding of the segments of law.
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 7 ISO Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) and ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) are technical languages used on mechanical engineering drawings and 3D CAD models to define design intent to be understood by engineers from concept to assembly of mechanical products. Applying its knowledge to a range of industries, Seize A Solution Limited offers services to a plethora of clients who require expert guidance and support within such a niche area. We are delighted to present Seize A Solution with the title of Leading Specialist GD&T & Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022 – United Kingdom. Dec22443 ith over 35 years of experience in mechanical production engineering consultancy, Seize A Solution Limited has grown to provide an impressive range of clients with innovative solutions. It is result-driven and client-centric, making it a company that knows how to serve and succeed. Specialising in training, adoption, and consultancy in ASME GD&T and ISO GPS. This expert knowledge and its application are accumulated over time and can prove to be incredibly complex, which is why Seize A Solution’s expertise is so highly regarded. Seize A Solution’s mission is to “provide clients with applicable solutions to adopt and initiate GD&T and ISO GPS into their current working company standards so that they can install a uniform communication understanding throughout.” Managing Director, Eustace Caesar, tells us, “Our active worldwide client portfolio is truly diverse, ranging from aerospace, defence, automotive, building and construction products, Formula 1, healthcare, and even bi-folding doors, pet care products, and more. Our reputation is our greatest marketing asset. 95% of our new clients come from referrals from satisfied customers.” Striving to meet all industry standards, such as the ASME and ISO, Seize A Solution works tirelessly to go the extra mile for its clients, “so that they can challenge themselves to be better at what they do.” The company instils confidence in its clients and does so with a vast amount of respect for them. The collective experience of Seize A Solution amasses over 60 years of professional development and passion for the industry, resulting in seamless operation and a dedicated attitude. Eustace shares, “Our trainers are active members of the Technical Product Realization (TPR) BSi Committee responsible for creating and developing BS8888 Technical product documentation and specification. We are also active members of the various ISO Technical Committees responsible for creating the Geometrical product specifications (GPS) ISO Standards.” Seize A Solution has partnered with a variety of businesses such as the British Standards Institution, Majotech Partnership, OnePLM, Simsol and Siemens Digital Industries Software. It has also recently W Spectacular Standards from Seize A Solution partnered with PLM Central, so that it may “support clients to get the best out of PTC Creo and expose current and new customers to all PTC software available regarding ISO GPS and ASME GD&T.” Being recognised as the leading Specialist GD&T & Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year 2022, United Kingdom, is just another step in Seize A Solution’s journey to unbeatable success. For now, it is focused on strengthening partnerships to provide the best solutions possible, with the future looking at driving expansion, to deliver exemplary service to existing and new clients and partners. Contact: Eustace A Caesar Company: Seize A Solution Limited Web Address: https://www.seizeasolution.co.uk/
8 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Dec22572 Prolific Services for Every Case Multi-award-winning Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm battles cases and provides legal advice for a diverse variety of clients spread across the globe. Working in many areas of law such as civil, commercial, property litigation, competition law, business law, and more, Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm covers a monumental amount of legal matters. Here we learn more about the firm as its very own Dimitrios Klidaras wins Leading Criminal Law Attorney of the Year 2022 – Greece. aw can seem extremely complex and difficult, which is exactly why we need entities like Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm to take the load. Making everything run smooth and look easy, the firm has caught our eye. As an impressive boutique law firm with a seasoned team of experts, Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm has become known overseas, as well as locally, for its effectiveness and client-centric approach. Offering a competent, trustworthy service is the very crux of the business – and this has continuously levelled up the business up year on year. Having a background in specialised branches of law including criminal law and financial crime, Dimitrios Klidaras, of Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm, has been elevating the firm’s status since the very beginning. As a prominent and passionate attorney in many areas of the legal sphere, Dimitrios has steadily become one to watch in the industry. The culture at Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm is centred around achieving the best outcomes for clients in the most time-efficient and costeffective way. It applies its team members’ experience on a daily basis, so that clients can achieve their desired results and get the L help they deserve. Teamwork and professional development is held high at the firm, which cultivates an ever-evolving atmosphere that inevitably keeps the team in high spirits. Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm’s core values are held high by the entire team. They believe in bridging the gap between courts and enterprises, so that they can learn from each other. Handling everything in a professional, confidential, and respectful manner, Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm has made an incredible impression on its clients – and us at Acquisition International. The firm won Leading Construction and Property Litigation Law Firm of the Year – Greece in Acquisition International’s Leading Adviser awards in 2021, and has been sharpening its skills ever since. Now, we are pleased to announce that its very own Dimitrios Klidaras has been awarded with the prestigious title of Leading Criminal Law Attorney of the Year 2022 – Greece. By consistently changing and advancing in the industry, Dimitrios is able to help a vast collection of clients to receive justice, therefore steadily building an enviable reputation that will stand the test of time. Congratulations! Contact: Xanthippi Mikrou Company: Mikrou-Klidaras Law Firm Web Address: mikrou-klidaras.gr
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 9 hen Tim Gilbert founded Gilbert’s LLP armed only with his briefcase and cell phone, it would have taken a leap of imagination to predict where the firm would be today. Working with a range of clients from start-ups to multinational corporations and governments, Gilbert’s boasts a team of more than 20 legal professionals. As the company’s founder, mentor, and gallant leader, Tim has taken on some of Canada’s largest disputes in the pharmaceutical and technology industries, while acting as a trusted advisor to major companies and investment funds across the country. Tim is renowned for his creative approaches to complex legal problems. As well as being a qualified litigator, he his constantly seeking to create value by monetising IP assets through licensing, joint ventures, or – where necessary – litigation. When in litigation, Tim strives to find innovative ways to fund matters, whether that’s by having skin in the game or by coming up with unique funding models. The acclaim Tim receives extends to his regulatory work as well, where he has successfully advocated for his clients’ interests before Canadian and US legislators, the US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, the Competition Bureau, and the US Federal Trade Commission. This respect extends beyond the border, too; while Canadian at heart, Tim has acted and continues to act on major cross border litigation. Also, with a strong knack for entrepreneurship, persuasion, leadership, and design, Tim is the former Chair of the Design Exchange, Canada’s national design museum, and he teaches at OCAD University. In terms of his firm, Gilbert’s, its creative solutions have carved out an international reputation, working with clients in industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, technology, entertainment, media, and energy. The firm’s award-winning Slingshot programme exists to help startups, growing companies, and non-profits get access to the critical legal help they need. Clients have access to practical legal advice in areas such as raising funds, incorporation, and the sale of a business. The subscription-based model recently received an award as Canada’s Most Innovative Service Offering. We ask Tim about the firm’s core values. He says, “Our core values are honesty, integrity, and respect. Our business is also guided by goals of fun, profitability, and excellence.” Many of Gilbert’s’ lawyers come from diverse backgrounds such as science and engineering. This familiarity with clients’ industries W gives the firm a head-start when dealing with business concerns. The team is quick to decipher the issues and motivations of its clients and opposing parties, helping to speed up the process of finding practical solutions. So what’s the internal culture at Gilbert’s like? Tim explains, “We involve our professionals in all aspects of sourcing cases and delivery of services. We meet weekly in an office-wide “huddle”. We share the progress and status of cases and encourage input from our crosssection of professionals. “We have a horizontal internal culture. Everyone feels connected to the core business of the firm. It’s a casual environment but we’re all serious and diligent about our work. When recruiting, we look for bright and engaging individuals who don’t fit a mould. They shouldn’t be afraid to take the lead on complex projects. Our screening process involves answering the question: ‘How can you make us better?’” From the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilbert’s has embraced a hybrid working model where staff are able to work from home. The firm also encourages staff to work from the office on a regular basis, enabling that all-important in-person collaboration to take place. Tim tells us, “Recently, we moved into our new signature premises at the Waterfront Innovation Centre on the waterfront in Toronto. It’s a dynamic location with access to many amenities close to the downtown core. The Innovation Centre is a hub for a diverse and dynamic set of global companies.” Now, Tim and his team are excited about what the future holds and are ambitiously looking ahead, having announced the addition of more new lawyers to the partnership. Gilbert’s is also expanding its legal services offering for indigenous communities, organisations, and enterprises. This will ensure the benefits of major infrastructure projects flow to the communities they impact. Boutique Toronto law firm, Gilbert’s LLP (Gilbert’s) has been helping creative businesses thrive for over 20 years. The firm, founded by Tim Gilbert, is passionate about innovation and empowers its clients to grow their businesses in a fair and sustainable way. Now, Tim has been recognised as our Leading Pharmaceutical IP Litigator of the Year – Canada, so we speak to him to find out more. Sep22252 A Law Firm Built on Ideas Contact: Chad Betteridge Company: Gilbert’s LLP Web Address: www.gilbertslaw.ca Nov 5 9 When Tim Gilbert founded Gilbert’s LLP armed only with his briefcase and cell phone, it would have taken a leap of imagination to predict where the firm would be today.
10 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Dec22251 Enhancing Education Award-winning Chatsworth Schools entered the private schools group market in 2018 with a passion for schools as learning communities and a commitment to excellence. It strives to nurture and promote the learning and welfare of pupils and staff to enable outstanding futures for the whole school community. Recently recognised as Education Provider of the Year at the 2022 Education Investor Awards for the second year running, Chatsworth Schools has also just been named Most Outstanding Education Group 2023 – UK by Acquisition International magazine. ounded by CEO, Anita Gleave, who is not only a qualified educationalist but someone who has over 30 years’ experience in schools as well as in corporate, Chatsworth Schools has a truly unique edge in the education sector. Having worked as both a teacher and in head office, Anita understands how schools operate, what teachers need to do their job, what parents want, and fundamentally, what the priorities for all children should be – namely, that learning should be at the centre of all actions and that the wellbeing of children should be the starting point of all conversations. Chatsworth Schools is an education business, not a business that happens to be in education. Its’ belief is that world-class schools enable children to become world-and work-ready, confident, wellrounded individuals. Focused on learning, the group is committed to core values of integrity, resilience, and passion. Having entered the private schools group market in September 2018 with its first acquisition, Hall School Wimbledon (HSW), Chatsworth Schools has since expanded to 15 schools and nurseries: Hall School Wimbledon, Benedict House Preparatory School, Crown House Preparatory School, Griffin House Preparatory School, Duchess Nursery Parsons Green, Pattison College, The Village Prep School, Swinbrook House Nursery School Marylebone, Highfield Preparatory School, Beech Hall School, and Broughton Manor Prep School. Most recent is Broughton Manor, with the group being delighted to have added this school to the Chatsworth Schools family in December 2022. Unlike many groups, schools wishing to join Chatsworth Schools do not have to make a certain level of profit, they do not have to have a certain property ownership or footprint, they do not need to cover a certain age range, and they do not need to be “Outstanding”. For Chatsworth Schools, the criteria for success is ‘enabling outstanding futures for all our children’ . This is not a tick box exercise, but a constant journey of challenge and improvement. There are several ways in which Chatsworth Schools continue to work to meet this criteria everyday to enable extraordinary outcomes for their school communities. Outstanding Exam Results The Village Prep School – In February 2022, The Village Prep School in Belsize Park announced fantastic Year 6 results, including 10 scholarships from a class of only 13 girls, at an impressive range of leading day schools. The scholarships included two major academic scholarships, a performing arts scholarship, and a music scholarship. Benedict House Prep School – In 2022, Year 6 pupils achieved F the best ever 11+ pass rate in the history of the school, with 100% passing the Kent test and 80% passing the Bexley test. Inspection Reports Highfield Prep School – In the most recent Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report in March 2022, Highfield Prep was found to be ‘Excellent’ for every single element inspected by the ISI. The ISI found that “Throughout the school, pupils develop excellent knowledge in all areas of learning and acquire a high level of skill in literacy, numeracy, and ICT which they confidently apply across the curriculum, successfully meeting the school’s aims”. Innovative Changes Creation of the Chatsworth Schools Tapestry – Chatsworth Schools has designed a unique learning framework that ensures every one of its schools can deliver a truly bespoke education tailored to every child’s needs. This bespoke framework is called the Chatsworth Tapestry and consists of six strands: mindset, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, global, and digital literacy. Each Chatsworth School is weaving these strands differently to adapt their learning to their children’s unique talents and needs. Enabling Entrepreneurship – Chatsworth Schools recently launched an innovative partnership with international award-winning education company 8billionideas and in December 2021 appointed David Harkin, the founder and CEO of 8billionideas, to the newly created position of Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The partnership is designed to help Chatsworth Schools staff and pupils share ideas for improving school life on a day-to-day basis, push the boundaries of innovation within education, and help pupils realise their entrepreneurial potential. The Chatsworth Schools Jubilee Leadership Awards – As a part of the Chatsworth Schools Jubilee celebrations and through its work with the 8billionideas platform, in April 2022 it launched a new series of awards that celebrate leadership from its inspiring children across the Chatsworth Schools family. It launched these special awards to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and Chatsworth Schools featured in the official Her Majesty’s Commemorative Platinum Jubilee Album. Protecting and NurturingTomorrow’s Minds – Chatsworth Schools have partnered with Happy Space UK to support all its school and nursery pupils with their mental health and wellbeing. For every child that benefits from this mental health partnership at Chatsworth Schools, a child at a state school will be given the same access to resources and mental health support from Happy Space UK.
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 11 Enhancing Education Commitment to Training and Funding Commitment to Funding – Chatsworth Schools recently secured the future of Benedict House School in Sidcup on an enlarged site, more than double the size of the existing school and is now investing in a programme of refurbishment. This work will see the creation of new subject specialist learning rooms and improve the outdoor spaces at the school with the addition of a floodlit all-year synthetic turf pitch, a Forest School, and an extended play space including multi-activity areas and a jungle gym. The Chatsworth Schools Foundation – The Chatsworth Schools Foundation, a registered charity continues to advance education for the public benefit and support of children of all abilities who may be disadvantaged or otherwise prevented or hindered from achieving their highest potential due to their personal circumstances or background. Chatsworth Schools Leadership Programme – In this year-long programme, senior leaders are welcomed to Chatsworth Schools HQ on a monthly basis to cover a programme that introduces them to all aspects of school leadership with a keen focus on curriculum, pedagogy, coaching, compliance, HR, and operational management, as well as more holistic points around public speaking and a healthy approach to wellbeing. As part of the programme, leaders also design and implement a school-wide project that directly impacts on the experience of all children in their school. International Growth Chatsworth Schools has continued to expand its international offer through its dedicated international school arm, Blenheim Schools, which is re-imagining international education for investors and school owners around the world. Blenheim Schools has been established to support and assist schools outside the Chatsworth Schools group who find themselves in difficult situations and in need of support. This support can be light touch or in depth for as long or little as needed, as every school is different and requires an individual approach. Blenheim Schools is growing and looking to make the same impact on children internationally that Chatsworth Schools is doing for thousands of children at its UK schools already. Ultimately, Chatsworth Schools believes it stands out for its innovation, creativity, dynamism, and most importantly for being child-centred and learner-led. All the schools in the Chatsworth Schools group are non-selective schools and by being nonselective, each child is able to strive for and be the very best they can in any given sphere of school life, whether that be on the sports field or in the classroom. So, what’s next for Chatsworth Schools? Committed to enabling outstanding futures for all its children, it will continue to fulfil this objective in 2023. The group also has an active pipeline of future potential acquisitions for 2023, which Anita Gleave is leading on. Company: Chatsworth Schools Contact: Andrew Elias Email: [email protected] Website: www.chatsworthschools.com
12 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Helping Business Owners to Profit First hen asked to conjure up an image of a small business owner, many of us will imagine someone who’s passionate about what they do, but who also works all the time – and often doesn’t have much to show for it. Learning the importance of managing cash flow and finances is something that many businesses do as an afterthought. But putting the cash, and yourself first can be the catalyst to astonishing change. The team at Hetty Verney Accountants subscribes to a method known as ‘Profit First’. The system, invented by American small business author, Mike Michalowicz, is designed to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. By sharing information, tools, and systems, Profit First helps business owners understand and manage their finances to transform their business from ‘a cash-eating monster to a money-making machine’. Hetty tells us, “We’ve used the Profit First system to run and maintain the business for the last five years, and we’ve helped others to do the same. We work with coaches, consultants, and small business owners. We teach them to understand and recognise the power in their figures. We want their businesses to be a success so that they can live the lives they dream of.” Hetty is a Certified Profit First Professionals, one of only a handful in the UK. She regularly speaks at mastermind events and to companies and groups about the benefits of Profit First. Hetty says, “We’re passionate about teaching our clients about their figures and what they mean. We approach things in a very different way from most accountants. Our core values of professionalism, responsibility, and personable service underpin everything we do. We’re here to understand the heart of each business and help our clients navigate tricky terrain with confidence.” Based on the core principles of Profit First, Hetty has launched her own online course, ‘Cash Management – A Fresh Perspective’. The six-week self-study course teaches business owners how to optimise the management of their finances. As well as the course materials, students get a 90-minute one-to-one consultation with Hetty herself. She explains, “I designed the course to benefit Limited Companies, sole trader business owners and those new to handling finances. It provides a fresh perspective on how to manage cash and understand the role of cash management as a core business activity.” W Dec22560 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hetty’s business has seen an enormous increase in its client base. She tells us, “A lot of it was due to businesses not being able to get hold of their accountants. They needed help understanding what assistance they were eligible for. It gave us an opportunity to set up many webinars and Zoom calls for both clients and non-clients.” Going forward, Hetty and the team will continue to spread the word about Profit First by working with other accountants and training companies and coaches to help their own clients. By 2030, Hetty Verney Accountants aims to have helped over 1,500 businesses to switch to Profit First. Contact: Hetty Verney Company: Hetty Verney Accounting Web: https://hettyverneyaccounting.co.uk/ Hetty Verney has been an accountant for over 25 years, but she has a higher calling. When Hetty meets with a client for the first time, she tells them “Forget everything you know about accountants; I’m not like them.” Not only does she ensure her clients’ figures add up, but she proactively helps them to achieve business growth. In 2020, her company, Hetty Verney Accounting, branched out into financial mentoring services and it hasn’t looked back. We speak with Hetty, our Leading SME Accounting & Business Advisory of the Year 2022 - UK, to find out more.
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 13 With extensive experience positioning businesses correctly to optimize selling price, Rick Krebs and his team have closed nearly 100 transactions. They have had recent experience successfully selling SaaS companies, making them a leader in selling tech companies which is why Business Sales Group was awarded M&A firm of the year for the Western United States for 2022. Dec22046 usiness Sales Group is a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory and business brokerage firm specialising in selling companies with values between $2 million and $30 million across the United States. Running a hybrid sales process, BSG optimises the selling price for sellers, focusing on selling ‘hidden champions’ which are companies with high growth potential and scalability. Being industry agnostic, the team at BSG sell companies across a broad range of industries including most recently, SaaS, technology, ecommerce, internet marketing, security, industrial, manufacturing, commercial and residential construction, restaurants, and healthcare. As a group of professionals who are deal guys, the knowledgeable and skilful team at BSG are experienced in manoeuvring through the “shark filled” waters of selling a business, helping and enabling sellers in every way, from getting ahead, and staying ahead, of potential obstacles to closing sales transactions. Owner, Rick Krebs is a known expert in selling businesses. In fact, he also wrote the number one new release book on selling businesses, which can be found on Amazon. As an experienced M&AProfessional, CPA and Certified Exit Planner (CEPA), Rick brings a unique blend of sales, entrepreneurship, and financial sense to BSG. He graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Utah State University and began his career as a CPA, working in Nevada and Utah, where valuable financial experience was gained. As a business owner, he started Liberty Mortgage, a mortgage bank licensed in 23 states nationwide. He eventually sold the successful company to an investor from California and has since been in the M&A space helping people sell their businesses. Quoted by Forbes as an expert sales-side advisor who helps vendors avoid the pitfalls of selling a business, Rick now utilises the skills and knowledge he has gained from his career on a daily basis to drive his company forward. “Our services are unique in that we focus on deal size, not specific industries,” he explains. “The reason for this is our pool of buyers are not necessarily specialists. They seek opportunity across industry sectors.” With a buyer pool consisting of more than 2,000 buyers who are actively looking for businesses to buy, Rick and his dedicated team at BSG do not simply list businesses for sale, they actively launch them for sale. “This means we get the teaser in front of thousands of buyers within the first 48 hours of listing it for sale,” he enthuses. “We also don’t just B M&A Advisory Firm of the Year 2022 - Western USA & Leading Software Company Sales Specialists of the Year 2022 specialise in selling businesses, we help business owners prepare for an exit.” As a Certified Exit Planner, as well as president and co-founder of the Utah Chapter of Exit Planners, Rick is committed to changing the outcome for middle market owners looking to grow, transition, or exit their businesses. “Exit planning is a community, not a competition,” Rick states. “Collaboration amongst advisors and partners is critical when helping a business owner build transferable value while aligning their business, personal, and financial goals.” Rick is already a busy man, however, he also owns another company, My Biz Value, which goes hand-in-hand with BSG by putting the power of selling a company into the vendor’s hands by delivering accurate, speedy, and affordable business valuations. Known for his dedication to accuracy and deadlines, Rick takes extra time to ensure clients thoroughly understand their business valuation report. This extra-mile mentality has been further instilled in the entire My Biz Value team, with each My Biz Value report utilising three national databases of sold businesses, and pulling data fromover 50,000 business sale transactions. From there, every report is then checked against the top valuation methods to ensure the most accurate value is assigned. “With My Biz Value, you’re getting the Ferrari of business valuations at the price of a Toyota,” Rick laughs. “Rock-solid numbers at incredible rates. That’s our obsession because we love helping people discover how business value is determined and how to make that number work in their favour.” Inside both of Rick’s businesses, the company culture is one of true professionalism, with the staff all being carefully hand-selected for business acumen, financial background, and people skills, with each having skills that are unsurpassed and unique to selling businesses. It is due to this fine collaboration of leadership from Rick, and a loyal and hardworking team, that saw both BSG and My Biz Value recently named in the M&A Awards 2022 and clinch not one, but two, prestigious accolades: M&A Advisory Firm of the Year 2022 - Western USA, and Leading Software Company Sales Specialists of the Year 2022, respectively. And now, it’s safe to say that the future for Rick and his team is looking very bright indeed! Contact: Rick Krebs Company: Business Sales Group and My Biz Value Web Address: www.Bsalesgroup.com Business Sales Group and My Biz Value
14 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 Dec22357 Leading the Way With offices in nine locations across the Sydney metropolitan area, from Bombala to Broken Hill, Sydney Criminal Lawyers’ representatives appear in courts throughout New South Wales and across Australia for Commonwealth cases. We find out more as the firm is bestowed with the title of Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year 2022 – NSW. ith a proven track record of exceptional results, Sydney Criminal Lawyers® consistently achieves outcomes which are in the highest percentile of the Judicial Commission’s sentencing statistics for criminal cases. “Our entire firm is exclusively dedicated to criminal law – which makes us true specialists,” explains Ugur Nedim, the company’s Principal Lawyer. “All of our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in criminal cases, and our principal has been certified by the Law Society of NSW as an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 2005.” An ‘Accredited Specialist’ is a lawyer who has practised for at least five years in a particular field of law (such as criminal law), has passed a rigorous assessment process conducted by the Law Society of NSW, and has been selected by the Specialist Accreditation Committee of the Law Society as an expert in the field. Accredited Specialists are required to undertake more training each year than other lawyers and must be successful in having their accreditation renewed every year. Specialist Accreditation is the mark of a true specialist. The firm’s legal team devises effective case-strategies and fights hard to have cases dropped entirely or charges downgraded – saving clients the time, expense, and stress of a defended hearing or jury trial. Sydney Criminal Lawyers® has the best and most comprehensive client review record of any law firm in Australia, with regular communication, accessibility, and quality service are the team’s highest priorities. “We are committed to thoroughly explaining all steps involved in the criminal law process, providing regular updates throughout the proceedings, and making ourselves accessible and responsive,” Ugur elaborates. “We are passionate about providing an exceptional level of service to our clients, and we fight hard to achieve optimal results in the shortest period of time.” Priding itself on being open and transparent, Sydney Criminal Lawyers® likes it clients to know exactly how much their cases will cost from the very start. That’s why it was the first criminal law firm in Australia to publish ‘fixed fees’, back in 2004. Today, it offers fixed fees for most types of criminal cases and services. Unlike many other law firms, these fees are published on the website to ensure transparency and certainty. The company also offers a free initial consultation with one of its Senior Criminal Defence Lawyers for those who are going to court, as well as to those who have received an unsatisfactory result after being represented in court by another law firm, or after representing themselves, and wish to appeal. “We can also guarantee that only lawyers with substantial criminal defence experience will work on your case and appear for you W in court,” Ugur continues. “This ensures our clients receive the highest quality representation from an experienced, specialist criminal lawyer.” The entire team at Sydney Criminal Lawyers® is passionate about achieving results, and unlike many other law firms, its lawyers do not have monthly financial ‘budgets’ to meet. This absence of budgets means the lawyers are entirely focused on achieving optimal results in the shortest space of time; whether by getting charges dropped or downgraded at an early stage or having cases ‘thrown out of court’. It also means the team is not under pressure to engage in unscrupulous practices such as unnecessarily adjourning cases. “No budget encourages regular consultation between lawyers within the firm – promoting an ‘open door’, team environment where lawyers bounce ideas off one another, formulate case strategy together, and benefit from each other’s specialised experience, methods, techniques, and insights.” The result is a firm which delivers optimal outcomes in the shortest time periods, at the least expense and stress to its clients. Furthermore, clients benefit from the pool of knowledge that only an extensive team of experienced criminal defence lawyers can provide, and Ugur tells us that this team approach is particularly important when it comes to serious criminal cases such as murder, commercial drug cases, serious and sexual assaults, large-scale fraud, robbery, and other ‘indictable’ cases. “With lawyers regularly consulting one another to stay ‘ahead of the pack’ in the ever-changing field of criminal law – constantly devising, refining, and implementing specialised techniques, clients can rest assured that the best possible outcome is achieved,” he says. “In such matters, clients reap the benefits of several lawyers devising and executing case strategies which maximise the chances of having cases dropped or downgraded at an early stage, or ‘thrown out of court’ – often saving clients a great deal of cost, time, and anxiety.” For its attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and stellar track record, Sydney Criminal Lawyers® has received more awards and accolades than any other criminal law firm in Australia, most recently being named Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year 2022 – NSW in the Leading Advisor Awards. Understandably delighted, Ugur enthuses, “The awards recognise our exceptional track record of results, our outstanding client service, the high level of satisfaction we achieve, the affordability of our services, and our overall excellence.” Contact: Ugur Nadim Company: Sydney Criminal Lawyers Web: www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au
Acquisition International - Issue 2 2023 15 ith a unique legacy in dermatology as well as decades of cutting-edge innovation, Galderma delivers a science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that spans the full spectrum of dermatology. As the pure-play dermatology category leader, the company is advancing dermatology for every skin story. “We are strategically positioned in attractive, consumer-driven segments of the dermatology market, characterised by high growth fundamentals,” explains Kristen Slaoui, who has been the Chief Corporate Development Officer at Galderma since 2020. “Through trusted partnerships with healthcare professionals, we ensure to meet individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes.” Kristen earned her Bachelor’s degrees in both Biology and Classical Studies from Gettysburg College, and her PhD in Physiology from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as well as completed an NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. After her term in Seattle, she accepted a position in respiratory drug discovery at GSK plc, but continued her commitment to academic research by spending over a decade as an adjunct assistant professor at her alma mater, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD. Since joining Galderma, Kristen has overseen a number of significant transactions including the acquisition of Alastin Skincare in 2021, adding to Galderma’s premium portfolio. “Consumer interest in and acceptance of aesthetic procedures is increasing rapidly, and the addition of Alastin’s synergistic portfolio and expertise in science-based skincare will increase Galderma’s ability to serve the needs of both consumers and professionals,” she continues. “This acquisition will enhance Galderma’s integrated dermatology platform with a comprehensive collection of scientifically proven products for daily skincare regimens and peri-procedural use, and underscores the company’s commitment to be the partner of choice for aesthetic professionals.” Innovation is the cornerstone of Galderma’s commitment to advancing dermatology. The company stands out as one of few that are capable of inventing, developing, and bringing to market truly innovative dermatological solutions for consumer and patient needs, with bestin-class innovation capabilities benefiting from a common platform, cross-fertilisation, and balanced risk profile. W “We believe our unique, Integrated Dermatology Strategy is a key differentiator for Galderma by creating greater consumer, patient, and healthcare professional engagement, generating better customer insights and delivering continuous innovation,” Kristen elaborates, speaking of what distinguishes the company from its competitors. “We operate as a simple, coherent, and integrated dermatology company that is unique in our ability to reach the whole spectrum of consumers and healthcare professionals through a truly omnichannel, go-to-market strategy.” Healthcare professionals and customers are a key partners for Galderma, both in terms of engaging in responsible business and also increasing the reach of the firm’s products and its philosophy. Galderma is now aiming to be at the forefront of medical education and training. With approximatively a 1,500 highly specialised global salesforce, and digitalisation at the core of its strategy, Galderma offers industryleading engagement with approximatively 180,000 targeted healthcare professionals. In 2021 alone, it trained more than 100,000 healthcare professionals through its Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network. Aside from a key focus on education and innovation, Kristen is keen to point out that the dedicated team behind the scenes are just as important, calling them “a key pillar of our success”. These team members include Germain Wong, Grant Reidesel, Felix VonMoos, and Jean-Romain Falconnet, who each play their own crucial role in the company’s success. Across the company, Kristen and the firm’s management embrace diversity and respect the dignity, privacy, and personal rights of every employee. “We are committed to keeping our workplace respectful and inclusive, free of discrimination of any sort,” she states. “We expect all employees to respect the dignity and the physical and psychological integrity of our patients, consumers, colleagues, and our business partners. We are proud of our dedication to diversity and inclusion. We want to ensure that the people we do business with are aware of, share, and uphold our standards.” It was due to all of these contributing factors that enabled Galderma to recently be recognised in the M&AAwards 2022 and named Aesthetics Acquisition of the Year 2022: Galderma Skincare. Regarding the future, Kristen and the committed team now intend to continue to build the broadest portfolio of flagship brands in dermatology. “We invest in innovation and we are focused on accelerating the development and commercialising our late-stage product candidates to bring new solutions to market even faster, in line with our bold ambition to be the leading dermatology company in the world.” With the ambition to become the world’s largest independent dermatology company, Galderma has, since its inception in 1981, been a firm driven by complete dedication to dermatology. We find out more from Kristen Slaoui, a member of Galderma’s management team as the company is named within the M&A Awards 2022. Aesthetics Acquisition of the Year 2022: Galderma/ Alastin Skincare Nov22510 Contact: Kristen Sloui Company: Galderma Web Address: www.galderma.com
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