Corporate Finance Every corporate finance deal brings a specific set of challenges requiring specialist knowledge and experience. HLB International member firms provide businesses with corporate finance advice and support across a range of issues, drawing on the resources, expertise and experience from around the world. Choosing the right adviser to execute a corporate finance assignment efficiently, while protecting confidentiality, is the key to success. Clients need a full range of services - from company valuation to identifying and screening prospects. Knowing the pitfalls and potential problems, spotting and capitalising on strengths - while safeguarding against weaknesses - can make the difference between a successful and a poor deal. HLB International member firms have considerable experience of selling businesses. They know how sensitive a disposal can be. Added experience as fund managers and corporate advisers, helps greatly in knowing what investors want to see in a proposal. Specialists from within the HLB International network can identify investors and work with local or foreign advisers to conclude a transaction. They can also advise on the most suitable source of private equity and ensure support from foreign investors. Initial Public Offerings – IPOs - Advising on the benefits and duties on raising capital from a regulated stock exchange - Advising on secondary markets such as NASDAQ in the USA, The AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Europe, Neuer Markt Germany, The Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other markets in key financial centres. - HLB International's global coverage means that a member firm leading an IPO, can work with member firm colleagues across the world to execute transactions where understanding and knowledge of the local stock exchange is vital. International Merger, Acquisition and Joint Venture Activity Sale of business: Getting the best price is frequently the primary consideration, although of increasing importance are issues such as strategic fit, long term growth and sustained employment. Acquisition: Corporate acquisitions are time consuming and therefore effective planning is the key to success. If the target business has not been identified, access to an effective database and local knowledge is important. Joint Venture Partners: Completing an agreement with a foreign JV partner demands knowledge of local laws and customs as well as verification of the integrity and substance of potential partners. HLB International's global network of independent member firms can provide these services around the world. Fundraising From within its network, HLB International can help with: -Start-up or Early Stage Funding -Development Capital -Replacement Capital -Management Buy-Outs -Management Buy-Ins -Turnaround Management and Corporate Recovery Due Diligence All aspects of corporate finance involve due diligence when operations and management are examined and material facts verified. Member firm specialists regularly undertake due diligence for clients. Approach Understand the organisation Establish relationships Involve senior personnel Employ qualified and experienced specialists Apply the latest technology Work with specialist alliance partners, where appropriate Provide a complete service, or work in a partnership with client personnel Transfer skills Provide value for money Clients Member firms have a wide range of clients, covering: - Multi-national commercial and industrial groups - Small and medium sized businesses - Private individuals with significant wealth and cross border issues - Local and national government departments HLB International Formed in 1969, HLB International is a world-wide network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers. The network comprises member firms in over 100 countries who, collectively, have more than 1,750 partners and 13,400 staff in over 440 offices.