Case Studies
Welcome to our case studies page. Raising capital for our clients is enormously satisfying and we are proud that every year we meet our expectations of the number of completions achieved.
In 2010 more than two thirds of our investment clients were offered funds from investors introduced by us. Over half of these have resulted in completions; to our knowledge these statistics are unmatched in our industry.
In these pages are a selection of case studies and testimonials from our clients.
Over the past 13 years we have covered almost every market sector in the SME community. If you are looking for a funding solution please contact us for a confidential discussion.
Fashion Designer
Our client is a young and talented British designer of bridal and eveningwear. In less than two years she has established a known brand, sold in numerous retail outlets, enjoyed global magazine exposure and her designs have been worn by celebrities and on national television.
Earlier this year however, the factory that produced the bridal collection closed down, leaving hundreds of dresses unproduced. Whilst these orders were fulfilled, working capital resources were seriously depleted leaving little room for error.
Beer & Young were introduced, quickly set to work and generated interest from eight private investors. Several meetings were held; one investor stood out and quickly offered terms. Within a further ten days shareholder agreements were signed and capital invested into the company account.
Our client was naturally delighted and offered the following comment:
“My business has been developing well for some time, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself needing urgent funding support. My bank wouldn’t support me so I turned to B&Y. Not only did they resolve my funding issues, they helped me through the process and made it all simple. I am truly grateful for their efforts and recommend any business owner to contact them”.
TH, Entrepreneur
Interior Design & Consultants
Our client provides high quality interior design and consultancy services primarily to the commercial market. The business owner has enjoyed success over a period of more than 20 years and has a customer list with a truly global reach. Post-recession, a number of client relationships have regenerated and an impressive order book has been built up.
In 2010 we introduced our client to investors and helped close the investment transaction. The investor concerned worked within the industry and this element was seen as crucial to the fit. Unfortunately, over a relatively short period of time, this relationship broke down and we were engaged for a second time to find a new investor.
In a very short timeframe, not only had we found and introduced a new investor – also an established individual within the trade, but we helped negotiate exit terms from the previous relationship. An amicable settlement was reached, leaving our client clear to enter terms with this new party.
“I was completely happy and satisfied with the service that we received from Beer & Young who clearly understood both parties’ needs and acted accordingly. They were always on the ball, reacted speedily to all situations and we are completely indebted to them for introducing us to an ideal investor partner enabling the business to survive and grow from a very precarious position and in addition complementing the investor’s business. I would have no hesitation in recommending Beer & Young to others”.
MO, Managing Director
Manufacturer & Supplier
We are delighted to announce a successful completion of a turnaround funding project that encapsulates all the reasons why we operate in this market.
Our client, regarded for more than a century as one of the foremost manufacturers in the world in its niche sector, had suffered a series of reversals of fortune not linked to our recession. Working capital and reserves had been exhausted, the bank – justifiably so – were unable to continue to offer the range of instruments necessary for the business to trade properly. The company had already entered into a CVA (110p in £ repayment!).
We were introduced by the bank to locate urgent funding. Without a quick solution the business would have failed. This would have been a complete tragedy, not least given that the level of signed orders already received by the company would return it to profit in 2011.
At the outset – some of the key factors:
- Annual turnover was down from a high of £12m to just £6m for 2010
- CVA liability exceeded £2 million
- Banking facilities crucial to foreign operations were no longer to hand
- Order Book for 2011 was already £10 million and rising
What was achieved – the deliverables:
- Seven qualified investors were introduced within 21 days of instruction
- Two offers of funding materialised – one from a private equity firm for £2m
- The other from a Canadian corporation introduced by one of our investors
- Business was acquired, working capital injection estimated at £2.5 million in 2011
- All jobs were saved
- The CVA was renegotiated – to £0.20 in £ repayment
Managing Director M F-R said, “Beer & Young came to the rescue in the 11th Hour … our cash situation was critical and we only had about two months left before closing the doors. They worked round the clock to introduce us to several real investors from which we were offered not one but two deals – either of which we could have gone with. We survived because of their dedication and expertise and I am most grateful”.
Architects & Designers
Our clients are Architects & Designers. They specialise in the administration and organisation of architecture and design modalities for high-end commercial developments.
When Beer & Young were approached the business had an order book running into seven figures, but a serious lack of working capital. The directors had committed significant personal resources but needed further external capital in order to secure enough time to deliver on their order book.
We introduced three investors in short order, one of whom stood head & shoulders above the others, as his core business is involved in our clients sector. In addition to the funding our investor has brought a wealth of experience and depth of respect within this sector.
As is typical with Beer & Young client situations, time was of the essence. Our investor was able to conduct his due diligence in a timely fashion and heads of terms were agreed in a matter of weeks.
We are delighted to confirm that the investment has now completed, enabling our client to move forwards with their plans and achieve their objectives.
Wholesale Distributor
Our client is a privately owned wholesaling distributor selling a variety of branded products to retail. Despite a history of profitable trading (peaking to date at £14 million turnover with £1.5 million pre-tax profits) they were in danger of going under largely due to a single unforeseeable event. This loss of business together with the general effects of the recession and banking crisis left them with no capital with which to trade.
They were nevertheless a very sound business with much potential. We organised two meetings for them in quick order – one with a private equity group and the other with an entrepreneur. Both parties indicated they wanted to fund and buy into the company. (We had three more investors lined up should they have been needed).
We are delighted that these investor offers gave the directors, our client, ‘ammunition’ and options when they confronted the other shareholders.
Below is an unsolicited comment from the Finance Director.
“The funding will see us through our immediate difficulties and will allow us to exploit the opportunities we discussed as part of our review of expected activity in 2011, however, and not wishing to tempt providence, if things do not work out as planned I would hope that you would be willing to assist us again in future if necessary, as both the Managing Director and I were truly impressed with the manner and speed with which you were able to identify and put us together with suitable new investors, and the options this gave us were very much instrumental in focusing our shareholders and prompting them to reinvest, although I realise that this is perhaps not the best financial outcome for Beer & Young”
