199
According to my firm’s database, the number of PCB companies in North America is now down to 199. This is a psychologically significant number for the industry. To clarify how we count companies, we are counting only PCB fabricators (excluding pure importers or assembly shops), and each company counts as one (e.g., TTM counts as... Read More →
Preparing for Life Post-transaction
Congratulations! You have punched out! Now what? Hopefully, you have thought about this subject sometime before the day after closing. Most owners have at least a vague idea of what they want to do, and many have a second life all planned out. Being prepared for life after a transaction is a good idea not... Read More →
Why buy a North American Manufacturer such as a PCB/PCBA Shop?
Last month, the IPC (PCB Industry group) came out with very positive statistics about the North American PCB market, including sales growth, a healthy book-to-bill ratio, and other indicators. Overall, the US economy is strong, and manufacturing has seen a resurgence over the past decade. Still, the overall trend for investors and small company buyers... Read More →
Lessons From Recent PCB/PCBA Buyers
I’ve reached out to several of our buy-side clients as well as others who have recently made acquisitions in the PCB and PCBA sectors. Here are some of their thoughts on what went right, what went wrong, and what they would do differently next time. To avoid any misunderstandings, I have not disclosed any names,... Read More →
Trust Is a Major Factor in M&A Transactions
Trust is critical in M&A transactions. Both parties are naturally suspicious of each other, and tensions run high even in the smoothest of deals, so any small molehill can be magnified into Mt. Everest. Buyers worry that they are paying too much, there are hidden problems with the business, and that they will be taken... Read More →
What Goes Into the Confidential Memo?
One of the key materials used in the business sale process is the confidential memo or book, which is essential if an owner is considering a sale of the business. Even if you are considering a sale in the future, it is good to have a basic book ready in case an unsolicited buyer comes... Read More →
Mid-2019 PCB and EMS M&A Round-up
There have been quite a few deals in North America in the PCB and EMS spaces over the past 12 months. I have attempted to track down a fair number of these deals and list them, but many are not publicized. For example, our firm has completed five deals in 15 months in these sectors,... Read More →
SlingShot Assembly, LLC Acquires Jade Electronics, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE SlingShot Assembly, LLC Acquires Jade Electronics, Inc. Thursday, August 1, 2019 (Denver, CO and Kenosha, WI) SlingShot Assembly is pleased to announce its second acquisition in two years. To continue its quest to provide industry-leading customer experience in the PCB Assembly sector, SlingShot has acquired the assets of Jade Electronics of Kenosha, WI.... Read More →
Why Can’t You Sell Your Business on eBay?
Wouldn’t it be a lot easier if we could buy and sell companies online? Owners could avoid a lot of trouble and fees as well as get deals done quicker. Imagine going to a 55-year high school anniversary and finally deciding to retire. The next day, simply put your business up for sale on eBay,... Read More →
Exit Planning 101
As an owner, you’ve spent perhaps 20–30 years building your business, so it’s important to spend a little time to prepare it for sale. Proper exit planning is essential to get the most for the business, increase the amount of cash at closing, help ensure a smooth transaction, get more in after-tax proceeds, and make... Read More →