Securing optimal deal outcomes for growing businesses and exiting shareholders
We lead transaction processes on behalf of our clients, providing end-to-end support and expert guidance. Our integrated approach combines deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and meticulous execution to maximise the probability of achieving optimal deal outcomes.
Our team works diligently, providing high-impact advice to our clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Caldera Capital specialises in guiding businesses through critical junctures in their lifecycle, from comprehensive +Strategy work, to creative +Grow initiatives, and the full range of +Exit options. The firm's team combines deep industry knowledge with a results-driven approach to help clients navigate these pivotal moments with clarity and thoughtfulness, transforming challenges into opportunities at every stage.
Defining the path through action-focused business consulting and transaction expertise.
Our approach begins with a thoughtful step back, as we work hand-in-hand with clients to reflect on the big picture. No effort spared.
Unlocking growth through capital raising, capital management, M&A, and partnerships.
Caldera Capital partners with ambitious businesses to unlock their full growth potential.
Maximising shareholder value through tailored exit strategies and exceptional execution.
Caldera Capital partners with management, majority shareholders, and key stakeholders to navigate the complexities of exit transactions.
One mission: Securing the best deal outcomes possible
At Caldera Capital, we are singularly focused on achieving the best possible deal outcomes for our clients. By combining global investment banking standards, extensive networks, and a multidisciplinary approach, we navigate complex transactions to unlock optimal value and maximise deal completion potential.
Maximising deal value and completion probability
At Caldera Capital, we go beyond simply presenting businesses as-is. Our multidisciplinary team leverages our management consulting capabilities to identify areas for strategic optimisation and growth, crafting a robust and compelling business case that highlights the full depth and potential of the opportunity.
Learn more (5 mins read)
Approach
Starting from the beginning
- We begin by gaining a clear understanding of the business's history, objectives, and market position.
- This context is crucial for framing our client's story in a way that resonates with the target audience.
- We meticulously examine every aspect of the business, identifying opportunities for improvement that could enhance its value and increase the probability of a successful deal.
Identifying low-Hanging fruits
- In the process of preparing for a successful transaction, we often identify opportunities for immediate improvements or "low-hanging fruits".
- These are actions or changes that can be quickly implemented to enhance the business's value and attractiveness before going to market.
- We collectively cover all aspects, from revenue and pricing models to operations, growth plans, customer relationships, and the team.
- Any areas that cannot be addressed prior to going to market are incorporated into the narrative, emphasising the business's potential and upside.
Positioning the business effectively
- Through our strategic optimisations and immediate initiatives, we discover ways to reframe different aspects of the business for stronger overall positioning.
- By carefully selecting the most appropriate perspective, we highlight the business's unique strengths, optimised financials, and strategic growth plans.
- This refined framing reflects the full potential of the business, making it more attractive to potential investors or acquirers.
Mapping out the path forward
- We explore all potential paths forward for the business, evaluating a range of growth strategies.
- Once we identify the optimal route, we translate this strategic vision into a comprehensive financial model that illustrates forecasted growth and value creation under different scenarios.
- This model serves as a roadmap, guiding the business toward its objectives and providing potential investors or acquirers with a clear understanding of the future potential.
Ensuring deal readiness
- Being ready to deal means having every aspect of the business in order, from legal and financial documentation to operational readiness and risk mitigation.
- We put ourselves in the shoes of potential counterparts, consider what could come up later in the process, and plan well for it.
- In parallel, we start preparing an information memorandum that serves as a narrative highlighting the company's strengths, strategic vision, and future growth potential.
Expertise
Corporate finance expertise
- Our senior deal makers bring deep transactional expertise, forming the core of our investment banking practice.
- This central expertise enables us to guide clients through optimal deal preparation and execution, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Management consulting approach
- We enhance our corporate finance capabilities with a management consulting approach, providing action-focused advice drawn from vast business experience.
- Acting as a strategic decision partner, we help clients navigate complex deal-making with a perspective that extends beyond traditional investment banking.
Tech and AI understanding
- By integrating our understanding of technology and artificial intelligence, we delve deeper into business dynamics.
- This tech-driven approach supports our advice and ultimately improves outcomes for our clients.
Sales and marketing experience
- Our firm holds expertise in sales and marketing, allowing us to identify wider opportunities and craft comprehensive strategies.
- This sales and marketing knowledge complements our corporate finance and consulting capabilities, enabling us to provide holistic guidance to our clients.
Multidisciplinary synergy
- The synergy of our multidisciplinary team, spanning corporate finance, management consulting, tech, AI, sales, and marketing, is critical in today's market to achieve the best outcome possible.
- This unique combination of expertise allows us to approach transactions with a strategic perspective that fully unlocks value and optimises deal outcomes.
By combining our corporate finance foundation with management consulting, tech, AI, sales, and marketing expertise, we provide our clients with a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to deal-making. This multidisciplinary strategy enables us to identify and capitalise on opportunities that others might miss, ultimately maximising deal value and completion probability for our clients.
Beyond the traditional corporate finance
We believe relying solely on conventional corporate advisory can leave untapped value on the table. We recognise the relentless effort and dedication our clients have invested in their businesses, and our team spares no effort in exploring every possible avenue to help them realise the best possible outcome achievable in the prevailing market conditions.
First principles thinking
Breaking down matters to their core elements, questioning assumptions, and rebuilding from the ground up.
Multidisciplinary approach
Combining transactional expertise with insights from consulting, tech, sales, and marketing for holistic guidance.
Operator's perspective
Having run businesses, our senior deal team understands the real-world challenges of operating a business.
Execution focused
Crafting actionable strategies, not just theory. Working closely with clients to navigate the path to results.
Global investment banking rigour, boutique approach
At Caldera Capital, we bridge the gap between the small to mid-market and larger deals by applying high-end investment banking rigour to every transaction, regardless of size. We combine the best of both worlds by integrating the rigorous standards of top-tier investment banks with the agility and client-centric approach that can only be achieved in a boutique environment.
Beyond standard practice
- Caldera Capital takes preparation and deal execution to an entirely new level by leveraging our management consulting capabilities and examining more than just the corporate finance lens.
- We delve deeply into identifying areas for strategic optimisation and growth, crafting a robust and compelling business case that highlights the full depth and potential of the opportunity.
- This rigorous analysis and hands-on involvement significantly increase the probability of deal completion and maximise its potential value.
Examples of how we bring global investment banking rigour to small to mid-sized deals:
- Deal preparation at a different level: Ensuring businesses are presented with maximised potential by identifying areas for strategic growth and operational efficiencies.
- Robust process: Applying advanced, disciplined processes to meticulously handle every detail.
- Multi-track processes: Running different types of deals simultaneously to explore all potential paths.
- High-quality documentation and models: Preparing documentation and financial models that meet the standards of the highest end of the market.
- Comprehensive path analysis: Analysing all potential paths and types of deals to ensure the best outcomes.
- Global network: Utilising a robust network of international contacts to open up cross-border opportunities and partnerships.
- Innovative financing solutions: Crafting bespoke financing solutions that creatively address unique business needs and market circumstances.
- In-depth assessment: Conducting in-depth business assessments that go beyond the basics to reveal true business value and potential.
- Advanced risk management: Implementing sophisticated risk assessment and mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential deal pitfalls.
Examples of how we bring global investment banking rigor with a boutique approach:
- Senior-led approach: Each client works directly with experienced senior bankers who leads the critical work, ensuring no key deal aspects are delegated to junior teams.
- Focused attention: Limiting the number of active engagements allows us to dedicate more time and resources to each project, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
- Client-centric engagements: Providing bespoke advice that aligns with each client's strategic objectives and long-term goals.
- Long-term maintain mode: For our clients, we offer the option of continuing collaboration post-deal execution, ensuring that long-term objectives are consistently met.
- Aggressive market outreach: Leveraging an extensive network to proactively identify and contact every relevant party, leaving no stone unturned.
- Agile and adaptive: Able to pivot quickly and adapt strategies based on emerging insights and market conditions.
Examples of how we integrate management consulting with investment banking:
- Expertise beyond deals: Leveraging broader expertise in technology, operations, and market positioning to present businesses in the best possible light.
- Strategic optimisation: Identifying and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance value and operational efficiency.
- Market positioning: Refining the business's market positioning to highlight competitive strengths.
- Growth strategies: Developing actionable growth strategies that are appealing to potential investors or acquirers.
- Post-transaction integration: Offering support beyond deal closure, including integration planning and execution to ensure seamless transitions and sustained growth.
Comprehensive and bespoke partnerships
- Caldera Capital offers a comprehensive range of services that mirror those provided by larger investment banks, yet are customised to meet the unique needs of small to mid-market businesses.
- Our comprehensive approach ensures that every client receives unparalleled partnership-level support throughout the entire transaction lifecycle and beyond.
- The firm's bespoke engagement approach, led by experienced directors, is meticulously structured to deliver high-value solutions that address the specific needs of each business we work with.
Proven processes, unmatched expertise, and successful outcomes
- At Caldera Capital, we uniquely combine three critical aspects—high-end investment banking rigour, a client-centric boutique approach, and deep management consulting capabilities—to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
- With over 15 years of experience, Caldera Capital's processes are not only refined but also proven.
- Our track record of successful engagements highlights our relentless dedication and unmatched expertise, allowing us to apply the highest standards of rigour and precision, ensuring that each transaction is executed with the greatest possible probability of success.
Extensive local and international network, relentless outreach
At Caldera Capital, we meticulously map out the universe of potential targets, ensuring that each transaction approach is thoroughly prepared. Whether it is an M&A, capital raising, strategic partnership, or an exit, our process involves extensive research and market sounding through our network to stay ahead of trends and adjust our strategies as needed.
Caldera Capital has one of the strongest networks in the market; however, we don't confine ourselves to existing connections. We proactively identify and contact every relevant party possible for each transaction, leaving no stone unturned.
Mapping out the universe of potential targets
- Preparation: Each transaction approach requires identifying different sets of potential parties, and this preparation phase is given as much attention and diligence as other aspects of deal preparation.
- Market sounding: Sounding the market through our network and thorough research helps us stay ahead of emerging trends, understand the landscape, identify key players, and adjust our approach as necessary.
- Expanding the search: We collaborate with industry experts, our clients, and key related parties to build a comprehensive approach, leveraging specialised knowledge and minimising the risk of overlooking potential opportunities.
Tailoring the outreach
- Understanding the market and framing the right angle: We take the time to understand what potential partners, acquirers, or investors are looking for, ensuring that our outreach is relevant, targeted, and strategically framed to optimise success.
- Relevant messaging and targeting: We go beyond helping parties see why the transaction makes sense to them; we help them see the potential synergies and strategic alignment, customising our approach to address the unique interests and incentives of each party.
Executing the outreach process
- Strategic contact points: If we have an existing connection, we carefully consider who the best person is to reach out to, leveraging established relationships for efficient and effective communication.
- Leveraging extended networks: When a direct connection is lacking, we tap into the networks of our network to extend our reach, significantly broadening our access to potential parties.
- Direct outreach: For potential contacts beyond our immediate and extended networks, we proactively approach them, reaching out directly while being careful with the information shared to protect our clients' interests.
In summary, if we don't know them, someone we know likely does. If not, we don't stop there; we find a way to connect and reach out, leaving no stone unturned. Through this exhaustive approach, we maximise opportunities and uncover the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Unwavering focus on execution: Driving tangible results
Caldera Capital goes beyond strategic advice. The firm's senior deal makers work hand-in-hand with clients to turn insights into action and deliver concrete outcomes. From capital raises to business exits, our team meticulously manages every stage of the process, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the best deal outcome for our clients.
Capital Raising
Strategic capital raising enables businesses to unlock growth potential, accelerate expansion, drive innovation, and seize new market opportunities.
Caldera Capital specialises in helping clients navigate this complex process to achieve the best transaction outcomes possible, followed by providing ongoing support to ensure the business is on track for its next strategic move.
Scaling tech platforms and infrastructure
Invest in cutting-edge technology, expand platform capabilities, and ensure seamless scalability.
Exploring and funding strategic acquisitions
Pursue acquisitions to expand market share, add new capabilities and know-how, and unlock synergies.
Expanding and entering new markets
Fund expansion plans, establish presence in new geographies, and capture untapped opportunities.
New products and revenue potential through R&D
Drive innovation, develop cutting-edge products, new revenue avenues, and maintain a competitive edge.
Working Capital
Optimising working capital enables businesses to enhance liquidity, improve cash flow management, and secure the financial flexibility needed to seize opportunities and navigate challenges.
Caldera Capital specialises in helping clients identify and implement effective working capital solutions, ensuring they have the right financial foundation to support their operational and strategic objectives. Our team provides ongoing support to maintain optimal working capital efficiency as the business evolves.
Bridging cash flow gaps
Ensure liquidity to cover short-term operational expenses and maintain smooth business operations.
Financing inventory purchases
Secure funding to manage inventory levels efficiently, improving cash flow and operational flexibility.
Preparing for seasonal demands
Obtain the necessary capital to meet increased seasonal demands, ensuring readiness and operational flexibility.
Supporting growth while maintaining liquidity
Secure working capital to fund growth opportunities, such as new product lines or market expansion.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) enable businesses to accelerate growth, expand market share, acquire new capabilities, and unlock synergies. Mergers allow companies to combine their strengths, resources, and expertise to create a stronger, more competitive entity, while acquisitions offer the opportunity to quickly gain access to new markets, technologies, or talent.
Caldera Capital specialises in guiding clients through the complex M&A process, from identifying strategic targets to negotiating fair terms and ensuring seamless post-transaction integration. Our team provides ongoing support to maximise value creation and position the business for long-term success, whether through a merger, acquisition, or a combination of both.
Expanding market share and geographic reach
Identify and acquire competitors or complementary businesses to grow market share and/or enter new markets.
Acquiring new technologies and intellectual property
Pursue acquisitions to gain access to cutting-edge technologies, proprietary IP, and accelerate innovation.
Entering new markets or industry sectors
Acquire a company in a new market or industry to diversify the business and tap into new growth opportunities.
Vertically integrating the value chain
Acquire suppliers, distributors, and/or other similarly aligned businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the overall business model.
Recapitalisation and Hybrids
Strategic recapitalisations and hybrid financing solutions enable businesses to optimise their capital structure, enhance liquidity, and fund growth initiatives. These transactions provide opportunities for companies to realign their debt and equity mix, secure growth capital, and allow key shareholders and founders to realise a portion of their investment while continuing to drive the business forward.
Caldera Capital specialises in guiding clients through the complex landscape of recapitalisations and hybrid financing, providing expert advice and support from initial strategic assessment through to transaction execution and post-deal optimisation. Our deal team crafts bespoke solutions that address each client's unique capital needs and align with their long-term objectives.
Partial shareholder exits and liquidity events
Enable select shareholders, such as founders or early investors, to realise a portion of their holding while remaining actively involved in the business.
Growth equity injections with secondary sales
Secure primary growth capital to fund expansion initiatives while providing liquidity to shareholders through a targeted secondary sale process.
Debt restructuring and equity infusions
Optimise the capital structure by restructuring existing debt obligations and injecting fresh equity capital to strengthen the balance sheet and support growth.
Balance sheet optimisation
Realign the debt and equity mix to optimise the cost of capital, enhance financial flexibility, and fund strategic initiatives such as acquisitions or capital expenditures.
Business Sale and Divestments
Business sales and divestments enable companies and shareholders to optimise their holdings, reallocate resources, and unlock value. These transactions present opportunities for businesses to refocus on core competencies and for key shareholders and founders to realise the rewards of their entrepreneurial efforts. Whether pursuing a full exit or a targeted divestment, these decisions allow companies to adapt to evolving market dynamics, raise capital for new ventures, or transition ownership to well-positioned buyers who can take the business to new heights.
Caldera Capital specialises in guiding clients through the intricate process of business sales and divestments, providing expert advice and unwavering support from initial strategic assessment to final transaction execution.
Full trade sale to a strategic acquirer
Identify and engage with strategic buyers who can realise synergies, accelerate growth, and deliver maximum value for exiting shareholders.
Sale to a financial buyer or private equity firm
Position the business to attract private equity interest, highlighting growth potential, strong cash flows, and value creation opportunities.
Divestment of non-core divisions or assets
Streamline the corporate portfolio by identifying and executing strategic divestments, reallocating capital and management focus to higher-growth areas.
Distressed or accelerated sale process
Manage compressed timelines and stakeholder concerns to secure the best possible outcome in a challenging or time-sensitive situation.
Proactive planning: The key to significantly better outcomes
Initiating discussions about corporate finance transactions can be challenging. Doubts, competing priorities, and various reasons for delay may arise. However, Caldera Capital firmly believes that proactive planning and early consideration of options are among the most crucial factors in achieving better outcomes. Experience has shown that allowing more time for execution can make a significant difference in the success of a transaction.
A continuous, evolving partnership
When approaching a significant transaction, the balance between speed and precision is crucial. Acting swiftly while maintaining a strategic approach enhances the likelihood of securing optimal terms, successful outcomes, and sustained success post-deal.
Strategy and planning
Develop a comprehensive strategy that aligns business objectives, stakeholders’ interests, and market opportunities, ensuring a clear path to success. This stage involves a careful assessment of market conditions, financial strategy, and target identification and analysis to set the foundation for a successful transaction.
Key considerations mentioned earlier are just a few of the many variables and levers our team evaluates during this phase.
Additionally, we identify “low-hanging fruits” and other strategic initiatives to maximise deal value and completion probability before going to market. (For detailed insights, read more here).
Time Estimate: on average 1 - 12 weeks
Business and deal preparation
Prepare the business for the transaction process by refining financials, crafting a compelling business case, and ensuring readiness for external scrutiny. This phase involves a meticulous understanding of every aspect of the business, identifying opportunities for improvement, and creating a robust information memorandum.
Key considerations mentioned earlier are just a few of the many variables and levers our team evaluates during this phase.
We take preparation to the next level by meticulously understanding every aspect of the business, identifying opportunities for improvement, and crafting a compelling information memorandum. (For detailed insights, read more here).
Time Estimate: on average 2 - 12 weeks
Going to market
Launch a targeted outreach campaign, leveraging our network and engaging with potential parties who align with the transaction thesis. Manage communications, addressing concerns and feedback while maintaining momentum. Further, we adapt the approach as needed based on market conditions and feedback.
Key considerations mentioned earlier are just a few of the many variables and levers our team evaluates during this phase.
We leave no stone unturned by meticulously mapping out the universe of potential targets and counterparties, and leveraging our extensive networks for relentless outreach. (For detailed insights, read more here).
Time Estimate: on average 2 - 24 weeks - dependent on market feedback
Transaction execution
Execute the transaction with diligence, facilitating a smooth due diligence process, structuring the deal, and negotiating favourable deal terms. Coordinate legal, financial, and regulatory aspects of the deal, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders. Plan for post-transaction integration and value creation initiatives to hit the ground running.
Key considerations mentioned earlier are just a few of the many variables and levers our team evaluates during this phase.
We apply global investment banking rigour combined with a hands-on boutique approach to ensure meticulous attention to detail and optimal transaction outcomes. (More details here).
Time Estimate: on average 2 - 14 weeks
Maintain and grow
When applicable, provide ongoing support to ensure seamless integration and sustained success. Continuously identify new opportunities for the next phase. Implement effective post-transaction integration plans to realise the full potential of the transaction while keeping doors open for future opportunities.
In partnership with management, we continue to reflect on performance and proactively identify new growth opportunities to drive continued success.
Time Estimate: Ongoing
Bespoke engagement approach
Our team understands that each business is unique, with their own set of challenges, goals, and opportunities. The firm's bespoke engagement approach, led by experienced directors, is meticulously structured to deliver high-value solutions that address the specific needs of each business we work with.
Prepare and execute a specific deal
We ensure optimised deal preparation and expert execution, guiding our clients to the best possible outcomes.
Year-round advice and deal execution
Working hand-in-hand year round, from strategy to planning and executing the optimal deal at the right timing.
Strategic growth advisory and execution
Ongoing support in crafting and implementing comprehensive strategies for sustainable, long-term growth.
Advisory board guidance without execution
Ongoing strategic advice and support as a trusted advisory partner, without direct involvement in deal execution.
We're here to help
At Caldera Capital, we respect and value every enquiry we receive. We will do our best to assist you or, at the very least, guide you in the right direction.
