Pre-sale Preparation: Our philosophy is to invest considerable upfront resources early in the process, to give us the opportunity for maximum impact and client satisfaction.  The importance of early and open communication ensures that we fully appreciate your transaction objectives.

Identifying Prospective Buyers: Using First Key’s industry knowledge base, we draw on our global list of contacts while simultaneously undertaking market research collaboration to identify and rank the most suitable purchase candidates. We present you with a rational business case for each candidate while giving consideration to your objectives. Our goal is to provide an impartial, expert opinion on the pros and cons associated with each candidate so that your decisions are based on sound business judgment and thorough understanding of all implications of the deal outcome. 

Valuation and Pricing Assessment: Using International Valuation Standards, and our experienced financial and technical consultants, we develop a credible presentation on the value potential of the assets for sale.  We apply financial modeling techniques and scenario analysis for deal optimization. For example, our dynamic spreadsheets are automatically updated as new financial and capital market data is released. This enables us to make rapid last minute changes which greatly improves our client’s negotiating position and reduces transaction risk. 

Preparation of Confidential Information Memorandum:  We provide significant input on drafting this vital document, and are pleased to assume full ownership over its development, or if preferred, collaboration with your legal advisors.   

Buyer’s Due Diligence Process:  We dedicate one consultant to control, document and facilitate the exchange of appropriate confidential information between the parties to the transaction.  This requires a careful balance of professional judgment while facilitating the legitimate concerns of the parties. 

Deal Structuring and Negotiations:  Our close involvement in the processes described above provide dividends at the deal structuring and negotiations stage.  For example, the knowledge gained from in depth participation at the front end provides appreciation of the personalities, key motives, sensitivities, and potential deal breakers of each candidate.  These insights, combined with our professional experience, enable us to provide critical advice on negotiating positions, and to suggest strategies to bridge gaps and facilitate deal momentum, while avoiding unmet client objectives, last-minute surprises, or worse, deal collapse.

Documentation & Closing:  First Key consultants will be committed, leaving nothing to chance until the purchase agreement is finalized and the deal is closed. 

Why First Key?

Industry Specialization:

First Key is an international business consulting firm (with Canadian headquarters) specializing exclusively on the brewing industry. Over the last 25 years we have provided a wide range of services to many brewing companies around the world.  This dedication to a single industry has enabled us to develop a brewing industry knowledge base and global network of contacts unmatched by any of our competitors.  Our web site describes the comprehensive services we offer, as well as a client list of industry leaders, large and small.  First Key is also the selected advisor to the Government of Canada with respect to mergers and acquisitions.   

Independence and Objectivity:

First Key is purely a consulting firm, independent of any brewer or supplier to the brewing industry.  As a “truly independent” consultant with absolutely no conflicts of interest or ties to interested groups or potential buyers, First Key is able to provide highly objective transaction advice with a genuine goal of maximizing the deal outcome for our clients.  They value this independence and transparency as much as our deep industry knowledge and vast network of industry contacts. We believe these intangible assets and resources assets would serve you well to deliver maximum value from your divesture plans.