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Energy & Utilities
Our quickest growing practice is our energy and utilities M&A department. This has been an exciting industry for many quick-moving deals. Multiples in this sector are typically among the highest in the middle market. Moreover, the increasing political pressure to find cheaper, more efficient energy sources has led strategic buyers to pay handsomely for a piece of the action.
Research and development companies in this sector are also doing incredibly well, and demanding large multiples due to the fact that companies in this industry need reliable, efficient technology to continue their quest to profitability. In fact, for companies in the exploration and production arena, capital expenditures have increased (by 50% in 2007), yet production only rose by (4%). Thus, for companies with promising technology, many qualified buyers are willing to pay top dollar.
As with the biotech and pharmaceutical M&A activity, regulatory barriers play a huge role in energy and utility sector transactions. Buyers have focused on companies that have been grand-fathered in, are exempt, or have successfully utilized exceptions. In fact, many of the exit planning for utility and energy companies is focused on obtaining approvals, permits, and crossing other regulatory hurdles. These actions can have a huge impact on valuation.
Recent M&A Trends
The lower middle-market (deals under $100 million) has weathered the credit freeze and "Great Recession" better than the upper middle market has. The deal landscape for the middle market has changed as Wall Street has struggled, but so far, deals are getting done.
The biggest change has been in the deals has been valuations, reliance on debt and reliance on the seller to finance part of the deal. We have seen an increased use of earn-outs, which are typically used in periods where interest rates are high or credit is tight. Thus, PE groups have not stopped investing, and in fact are aggressively trying to deploy their capital into middle-market companies.
As profits are returning, many strategic buyers are more willing to use their cash reserves to purchase various technologies or intangibles that are of synergistic value to them.
Depending on your situation, now could be a good time to seek an exit or even plan for an exit several years down the road. For those that want top dollar for their company and know it will achieve strong, consistent growth for many years, now is definitely not the right time to sell. While valuations may be down, there are many creative ways of structuring deals that may not affect your end proceeds much.
Therefore, if you are a business owner looking to sell, do not avoid doing so due to market conditions. While current market conditions might require a more nuanced approach, the directors at Orion Capital Group have the experience to help you weather these current changes.
If you would like to learn more about Orion Capital Group, please contact us by your prefered means. Any mode of communication is held strictly confidential.
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