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Deal Maker of the Year Awards 2013 WINNER - DAVID SCHOFIELD & ADRIAN WILLIAMS
DEAL: DPE acquires majority stake in SLM Solutions
NAME: David Schofield & Adrian Williams COMPANY: Future Materials Group TEL: +44 (0)1223 421025 EMAIL: info@futurematerialsgroup.com WEBSITE: www.futurematerialsgroup.com
DEAL OVERVIEW Q
Please summarise the transaction
Early in 2013, DPE Deutsche Private Equity successfully completed a multi-million pound growth capital investment in SLM Solutions GmbH (SLM).
SLM Solutions is a leading pioneer of the emerging laser- based technology “Selective Laser Melting”, a patented process well suited to short series production of highly complex metal components. With an already strong presence in the field of research and development, SLM’s Additive Manufacturing technologies, are seeing rapid growth in production applications across the aerospace, automotive, tool engineering, dental and medical sectors. DPE Deutsche Private Equity, founded in 2007 provides growth capital to companies in sectors with good long- term prospects, has an initial committed capital of €250m, and operates in German-speaking countries.
Q What was your role within the transaction
Future Materials Group (FMG) worked closely with SLM Solutions’ owners to define the company’s growth strategy and then design, launch and manage the capital raise; this included corporate finance strategy, valuation, preparation of the investment memorandum, investor communications and negotiations and due diligence. The process was jointly led by FMG Managing Directors Adrian Williams and David Schofield.
Q
How were the challenges or difficulties overcome
SLM Solutions had shown great innovation and acumen in developing their additive manufacturing product, market position and sales pipeline. In addition there was a lot of positive expectation for the additive manufacturing market,
however quantifying and communicating
this potential and SLM’s capability to monetise this opportunity was a big challenge. FMG helped SLM develop a detailed bottom up business plan and prepared extensive and intensively researched supporting documentation and data to address this.
Common to any deal of this type, the long terms success is very dependant on finding a good match between the
Schofield and William’s combined track-record of formulating powerful strategies for sustainable growth ensures that FMG is well-placed to provide advisory and practical services of the highest calibre for companies at every stage of their development, from start up to multi-national.
The company’s multi-disciplinary approach is channeled to deliver heavyweight transaction support, with the planning and networks to convert compelling opportunities into actual revenue, market share and long-term value.
owner and investor. FMG worked closely with the owners to clearly understand their needs and motives to define the key drivers that would ensure good alignment. We then undertook a careful screening and selection process to ensure potential investors would be a good fit for the owners.
Q
What are your thoughts and predictions for 2014 and beyond
The future continues to be very uncertain and economic conditions remain difficult. However indications are that corporate M&A activity is increasing, IPO’s on the upturn
FIRM PROFILE
Cambridge (UK) -based consultancy Future Materials Group (FMG) is the brainchild of David Schofield and Adrian Williams, both well-known and highly experienced veterans of the Composites /Advanced Materials sectors.
The company operates globally, providing clients in the Advanced Materials and High Value Manufacturing sectors with respected CXO and Board-level support to achieve their ambitions for growth.
From growth strategy development and growth acceleration planning, to managing mergers and acquisitions, developing strategic partnerships and mobilising finance for growth, FMG’s expertise is underpinned by deep understanding of the sectors in which the company and its clients operate.
With 25 years in Advanced Materials, David Schofield has worked internationally in both executive and non- executive roles, for Ciba-Geigy, Huntsman and Gurit AG, among others, providing extensive advice on strategy, marketing, business development and acquisitions for multi-nationals and SMEs.
Adrian Williams has held a number of senior executive positions in the UK, Europe and North America, specialising in growth strategy and implementation for Advanced Material companies at every stage of their development, from start up to large, multi-nationals around the world.
and debt markets more supportive, which all bodes well for an increase in deals for 2014. Furthermore there is no shortage of corporate M&A opportunities to generate above trend growth and great opportunities for GP’s, if you know where to look and carefully evaluate targets.
Underlying these cyclic trends, in our sector of advanced materials we are seeing a significant and growing number of business owners with strong technology based businesses in high growth sectors across North America and Europe, who are faced with crucial business transition decisions, which in many cases will conclude with a full or partial exit to strategic buyers or private equity.