What We Do
Every transaction is different. That’s why we’ve structured our services around three clearly defined areas; each with its own logic, approach, and expertise.
01 Sell-Side Advisory
Flexible sell-side advice for owners of medium-sized businesses
Before launching any divestment engagement, we take the time to understand the business our client is considering to sell, as well as the client’s personal objectives and timing considerations. We quickly develop a thorough understanding of the company’s business model and relevant industry dynamics, allowing us to assess their implications for any contemplated transaction.
Based on this analysis, we define the optimal approach to address the specific characteristics of the business and the owner’s objectives. We then design a tailor-made divestment or succession process that positions the company in the best possible light for potential buyers – such as synergistic local or international industry peers, financial investors, or members of the management team.
Through our own network and through Advior International, we maintain access to a broad range of Swiss and international buyers and investors. Drawing on our extensive transaction experience, we can anticipate their perspectives and, where appropriate, discreetly test their interest on a confidential basis.
Depending on the circumstances, we organize full-fledged auctions, confidential processes with a narrowly defined group of preferred buyers or purely bilateral discussions. Where beneficial, we enable our clients to flexibly switch between prepared divestment strategies during the process.
02 Buy-Side & MBO Advisory
Acquisition and financing advisory, e.g. for Management Buyouts (MBOs)
Thanks to our longstanding market presence we have in-depth access to Swiss mid-sized companies held by entrepreneurs and institutional investors, as well as an excellent understanding of the dynamics of the Swiss M&A market.
Together with our clients, we can develop the most suitable approach to initiate a project, whether it involves an acquisition or an MBO. As project manager (e.g., during due diligence), we are efficiently coordinating with the client’s own team and its other advisers (such as lawyers and fiduciaries).
Drawing on our 25 years market presence, our relationships with private equity investors (both domestic and international), and our insights into the Swiss corporate banking sector, we design financing structures that are both suitable and feasible; whether for a management buyout/buyin or a suitable corporate acquisition.
Over our careers, we have examined the pricing of hundreds of privately held Swiss companies from multiple perspectives. This enables us to bridge the gap between theoretical desktop valuation models and real market prices.
03 Special Situations
Special situations, turnarounds and emergencies
If the environment becomes challenging, business owners can quickly find themselves isolated; especially when clients, key employees, or fellow shareholders begin to defect and financing partners (such as banks) become increasingly demanding.
In such special situations, it is often far from clear if and how an acceptable outcome can be reached. We support business owners in developing pragmatic and workable solutions, including unconventional or out‑of‑the‑box approaches.
We also recognize that distressed businesses are often unable to absorb significant advisory fees, at least in the short term. Provided there is a visible turnaround path, we may structure fee‑sharing arrangements with other stakeholders and/or base our compensation fully or partially on success.
Advisory Mission Statements
We collaborate closely with our clients’ trusted advisors who already provide tax, legal, accounting, or other qualified services throughout the transaction process as their partner, not competitor. Alternatively, we can introduce experienced and independent specialists whenever needed.
Our fee structures are tailored to the specific circumstances of each project, considering the client’s preparatory work, the roles of other advisors, and the responsibilities assigned to us. Depending on the nature of the engagement, we often work on a success basis or with a combination of fixed and contingent fees to prioritize the client’s success. We only charge hourly rates when required by the client, but then, of course, on a fully transparent basis.
As an independent advisory boutique, we do not face the typical conflicts of interest of accounting firms or banks. We devote our full attention to the needs and interest of our client and never compromise or client’s goals. We only accept mandates when we know that we can deliver on the expectations.
