ABOUT
Laurel Street Capital is an investment firm formed for the sole purpose of identifying and acquiring a privately-held business with the objective that the Managing Member will transfer into a full-time owner-operator position.
We will respect and enhance the legacy of the business founders with the aim of providing a path to succession and building upon their accomplishments.
We believe human capital is a key ingredient for business success and will provide an environment for personal growth and financial alignment for employees.
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We will ensure continuity for employees, customers, and brand as we embark on the next leg of growth.
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We will be 100% focused on delivering a successful future for the acquired business.
Criteria
We recognize that the search for a great business is more than a box-checking exercise, and great businesses have unique characteristics. These criteria provide a guide to some of the attributes we are looking for.
Industry
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Growing
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Fragmented
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Low capital intensity
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B2B or B2C services
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Light manufacturing
Business
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US-based
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Culture of integrity
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Partial recurring revenue
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Avenues for growth
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Strong product/service offering
Financial
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$4-10M in annual revenue
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$0.8-2M in EBITDA
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Min. profit margin of 15%
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3 yr reliable profitability
Deal Process
We aim to provide a smooth, transparent and timely deal experience for sellers. This graphic outlines the broad steps to expect.
Introduction
Confidential introductory phone call to establish interest in the business and a mutual connection with each other
Due Diligence
A Letter of Intent is submitted. If agreed, operational, legal and financial due diligence follows, including independent QOE report
Financials & Valuation
NDA's are signed and financials are disclosed to enable preliminary business assessment to be undertaken
Deal Agreed
Following due diligence, terms are finalized and the purchase agreement is signed. Funds are transferred
Follow-up & Site Visit
Follow-up discussion to review questions. A site visit may be requested at this time
Ownership Transition
Succession is secured and ownership transition occurs in accordance with the agreed terms
Team
James Crouch
Founder & Managing Member
After an accomplished career in the finance industry, I founded Laurel Street Capital to fulfill a life-long passion for developing small businesses.
For the past 18 years, I worked in the Institutional Equity Division of Morgan Stanley, where I held a number of executive positions. Most recently, I served as Global Head of Business Development and Revenue Management, leading a 20 person global cross-functional team. Before this, I was Head of International Equity Product Sales for the West Coast region in San Francisco, advising asset and hedge fund managers on international public equity investments. Additionally, I guided public companies in accessing reliable sources of primary and secondary capital funding from institutional investors.
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I began my career as an equity analyst on a diverse range of industries. I also worked with equity capital markets on strategies for initial public offerings of small businesses on the London Stock Exchange.
I currently serve as an Advisory Board Member for an AI start-up, and have served as a Trustee on the Board of Scripps College, holding seats on the Financial Stewardship, Risk and Compliance Committees. Additionally, I served as an Advisory Board Member for a product-specific group within IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global). As a Candidate Selection Board member, I evaluated applicants for Morgan Stanley's Multi-Cultural Innovation Lab, a minority-owned business start-up incubator. I have a certificate in Private Company Governance and am an active member of the Private Directors Association.
I have recently completed an Executive CFO Program at Columbia Business School and attained a certificate in AI Applications for Growth from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
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If you are a business owner that is considering selling your business or represent a business that is currently for sale and which may fit our criteria, we would love to hear from you.