Our approach / We always welcome the chance to talk to Chief Executives and Chairmen who may be interested in working with us, whether now or in the future.

Our network of contacts with managers is the lifeblood of our business and we work hard to develop and sustain relationships with potential partners.

But we have a very clear idea of the sort of investment opportunities that interest us.

What we do, how we do it

  • 1. Acquisition

    • Build contacts with CEO's and chairmen in core sectors, identify opportunities, particular outside auction.
    • Identify potential for accelerated growth and value creation.
    • Conduct detailed due diligence and negotiation.
    • Structure debt and equity for deal.

  • 2. Structuring the board

    • Work with CEO to assemble an ‘over resourced’ management team capable of accelerating growth.
    • Agree and clarify respective roles and authority limits for each member of the board team - management teams need to know that they have the right level of authority and freedom to move at place.
    • Appoint a Duke Street Operating Partner with sector expertise, usually as Chairman.
    • Identify need for other non-executive directors with specific expertise.
    • Appoint DS Investment partners to board.
    • Agree 100-day plan.

  • 3. Buy and build

    • Set KPI's and growth targets.
    • Improve operational performance.
    • Identify and pursue opportunities for follow-on acquisition.
    • Increase investment in key areas such as sales and marketing and R&D.
    • Hold regular strategic reviews to ensure that the company remains fully resourced to achieve plans.

  • 4. Exit

    • Work with management and advisers to educate potential buyers to create excitement, well in advance of a sale.
    • Track achievement of KPI's and targets.
    • Appoint adviser well in advance of exit process.
    • Work with management and Chairman to minimise conflicts over timing of exit.
    • Plan exit strategy and timing to achieve maximum value for all shareholders.