What we do / how we do it?

Company Sales

Assisting in the sale, merger or disposition of middle-market companies--from the early stages of strategic planning through to the closing of the M&A transaction. We typically represent private company owners, private equity investors, and public corporations. In each assignment, we assist clients in thoroughly evaluating their strategic alternatives, assessing value on the basis of industry and market conditions, preparing detailed confidential offering materials, and identifying and qualifying the universe of potential buyers (or sellers) both domestically and across Central Eastern Europe, and of course, through our extensive network of M&A partners in IMAP.

Financial Restructuring and Recapitalization Transactions

When a cyclical downturn occurs in the economy or a specific industry, middle-market borrowers can quickly find themselves under-performing or over-leveraged with no easy solution in sight. Resolving such complex and often urgent situations requires a financial advisor that can rapidly develop and implement a game plan. Ascendant has the expertise to manage such situations on behalf of both debtor corporations as well as significant creditors. They have substantial experience in distressed company asset sales, distressed company financings including equity private placements and debt-for-equity swaps. Ascendant also provides fairness opinions, valuation analyses and expert testimonies in connection with reorganization plan approvals.

Corporate Acquisitions

Ascendant can create attractive acquisition opportunities for its clients by carrying out an exclusive search for relevant targets across the globe and the region. After research undertaken both internally and in conjunction with extensive personal contacts, Ascendant can produce a short list of relevant businesses. Ascendant values target companies dispassionately, taking into account the financial and commercial benefits to be gained, and recommend the most suitable way to structure a deal.

Management Buy-Outs

Ascendant and its related networks has extensive contacts with Private Equity houses, other investors looking for MBO opportunities and the parties providing debt and mezzanine financing. Based on our collective experience, Ascendant is in an excellent position to structure and negotiate even the most challenging deals to optimize the position of the Management Team.

Private Placement Transactions

Ascendant are leading providers of private placement services for middle-market companies that seek access to private or institutional capital. Because private placements can be completed in less time, at lower cost and often with greater predictability than public offerings, they can be a very attractive capital raising alternative. Frequently, the private placement market is the only practical source of capital available to a company. Ascendant is well positioned to execute Private Equity Placements for such transaction types as Growth Capital, Leveraged Buyouts, or Recapitalizations.

How we do it?

Our approach is to work closely with our Clients, collaborating to produce the best possible program of services. During the course of each project, we will actively outline and coordinate each step of the underlying process with the Client. We will be in regular contact with the appointed Client Contact, and will utilize project management tools, including a Timing and Responsibility Schedule and weekly Status Reports. We also typically schedule and coordinate Client Work sessions, which are centered around key milestones in any given project.

Sell Mandate Route Map

Buy Mandate Route Map

In any investment, the investor will conduct a due diligence process (in other words - a comprehensive review of all aspects of the target company).

1. The investor must have a high degree of certainty about all of the information upon which the investment decision will be based.
2. This process can be very extensive: the investor is willing to invest on the basis of past results and a future business plan, without the security of asset-backed guarantees or collateral. Preparation for Due Diligence is important.
3. Investors demand transparency.
4. Company information must be easily accessible and clearly presented.
5. Valuations are based upon return and risk. Information risk is a key component of any valuation. Less information risk = higher valuation.
6. Upfront preparation will save time and money later and will maximize the possibility for success.
7. Ascendant professionals possess years of experience performing due diligence programs on behalf of foreign investors.
8. We will assist the Client in conducting a thorough program of preparation for the eventual presentation of the company to potential investors.
9. We have developed a standardized approach towards due diligence preparation through a series of templates.