STRATEGY

CRITERIA

One of the most stimulating aspects of our business is on a daily basis getting to experience the amazing spectrum of small companies that drive our economy. Our strategy at Bel Air is to facilitate ownership transitions of those businesses that we believe align with our values and where our expertise and resources can make a difference.

CRITERIA

Broadly speaking, we seek:

EBITDA

$500,000 to $5,000,000

SECTORS

Specialty Services and

Manufacturing

LOCATION

Midwest and

West Coast focus

While we look primarily at how a business is positioned in its market segment vs. particular sector, some common features of historical investments include:

Identifiable growth opportunities
High margins (20%+ gross margins; 10%+ EBITDA margins)
Engineering component
Consultative go to market selling process with customers
Regulatory dimension

Bel Air invests in businesses that range from fast growing companies looking to the next phase of expansion, to managers looking to acquire the business they run, to retiring owners.

Please see Investments section for examples of companies in which we’ve invested previously.

TRANSACTION TYPES

BEL AIR GROWTH PARTNERS ARE EXPERTS IN OWNERSHIP TRANSITION.

Whether acting as a business buyer or capital partner to management—whatever your transaction type—we can help.

Private Company Sale (a buyout)

When owners desire to sell and retire from their company, we act as the buyer. We partner with incumbent management or recruit new management if there’s no succession team in place.

Private Company Recapitalization

Owners who desire to:

Diversify their estate with significant cash liquidity (typically 70% - 90% of company value)
Retain ongoing ownership (typically 10% - 45%)
Retain operating control of their business
Gain outside resources for growth

We help you achieve these objectives through a recapitalization with Bel Air. Such transactions enable owners to shed bank guarantees and facilitate ownership for managers.

Family Succession

We provide capital and advice, partnering with family members who seek to buyout ownership positions held by active or inactive shareholders.

Divestiture

We buy business segments (with or without management) that no longer fit within an existing organizations’ operations.

Acquisition of Competitor

We have the financial resources and expertise to make the acquisition of a competitor a reality.

Growth Financing

In select situations, we facilitate expansion financing for companies experiencing rapid growth.

TRANSACTION TYPES

INVESTMENT STEPS

WE PARTNER WITH YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS.

The Transaction

As experienced investors, we understand the importance of addressing the needs of all constituents in a transaction. We are sensitive to the delicate, time-consuming and often emotional nature of a business transition. A typical transaction takes approximately 90 days from letter of intent to closing.

The Investment Period

We operate principally from a board of directors’ level at companies in which we invest.

Collaboration

We collaborate to ensure support for the strategic initiatives of management who run day-to-day operations.

The Sale

Market trends, financial performance and situational dynamics affect the duration of an investment. Generally, Bel Air Growth Partners pursues a long-term approach.

INVESTMENT STEPS