Corporate Finance/Capital Raising

Kent Group acts as an agent in placing senior, subordinated and mezzanine debt and private equity for companies in the agribusiness and food industries. We help companies raise capital to complete an acquisition, to recapitalize or to fund an organic growth opportunity. Our success lies in combining extensive knowledge of our specialty industries and financial markets with creative expertise in structuring transactions. A typical assignment includes the following steps:

• Create a detailed financial model
  The financial model we create ultimately sets the stage for the remaining steps of the capital raising process. We work closely with your key managers to analyze the value drivers of your business and develop a forecast for the business over the next five to ten years. This cashflow model is extremely important as potential lenders and investors test all the assumptions, set loan covenants and make pricing decisions based on this document. We spend a significant amount of time on the model so it withstands the intense scrutiny of institutional investors.
  
  
• Evaluate alternative capital structures
  Based on our knowledge of your business, your growth plans and the capital markets, we determine the most efficient capital structure for the company; one providing flexibility while minimizing your weighted average cost of capital.
  
  
• Develop descriptive placement memorandum
  In order to attract the largest possible group of qualified lenders and investors, we develop an accurate and compelling private placement memorandum to effectively convey the investment opportunity, industry, company's strategies and competitive environment. This document emphasizes the merits of a long-term investment in the company.
  
  
• Contact institutional investors and lenders
  We utilize our extensive industry knowledge and proprietary knowledge base to discretely contact investors and lenders who would be the best strategic fit for the transaction. This discrete approach creates a competitive environment and allows us to gauge the interest level prior to releasing the placement memoranda. We work hard to maintain transaction confidentiality.
  
  
• Analyze term sheets
  We gather and analyze all term sheets submitted by potential lenders and investors. Utilizing our experience, we perform a side-by-side analysis to ensure our clients obtain the best terms and pricing for the transaction.
  
  
• Documentation assistance
  Once an investor or lender is chosen, we work closely with your tax and legal advisors to ensure all the key points in the term sheet are accurately reflected in the final documents.