“Corporate transactions are often a foreign experience at a crucial time in the growth of smaller companies. Identifying the 'right' strategic and financial investors under optimal terms permits management to focus on operations into the future”
Clients and Case Studies > Corporate Finance and Transaction Advisory
Client: Thirty Bench Vineyard and Winery
Situation:
A Boutique winery in Southwestern Ontario in a "crisis" state as poor harvests and declining sales had financially hampered the business and damaged its future prospects.
Our approach:
GEP was engaged in November 2004 to conduct a business review of the company and the industry it participated in, outline a set of actionable strategic alternatives, and lastly identify GEP's preferred recommendation based on the over-riding objective of protecting shareholder value. We executed on our suggested course of action for the company upon approval of the full ownership group - approximately 30 people - and managed the primary lending relationships and other key constituents to ensure the continuity of the business during a sale transaction process.
Impact:
In May 2005, GEP sold 100% of the interest in the vineyard and winery to Andrew Peller Ltd., formerly Andres Wines (TSX:ADW.A), which retained the brand name, the wine makers and provided the necessary capital to continue the brand's success and guarantee the longevity of Thirty Bench.
Testimonial:
"GEP was able to look at all the alternatives available to us and quickly determine that the best option available to the limited partners was an eventual sale. Through the sale process, Ken and Tony were able to navigate the limited partnership, maximize the value returned to all of us and ensure an efficient process as time was of the essence during early growing season. We are thankful for all of their efforts for without them the future of Thirty Bench would not be secure!"
– Yorgos Papagiorgiou, Wine Maker and General Partner