Growth to Exit Planning
Background
Apogee Engineering LLC partners with growth[period] as Sell-Side Advisor
Apogee Engineering LLC is a mission driven, multi-domain provider of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence solutions, weapons systems acquisitions expertise, and other innovative solutions, as well as expert program support services for both defense and civilian customers. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the company has extensive experience across several high-profile domains and prides itself in its ability to synergize defense, intelligence, and federal civilian missions through the introduction of new strategic solutions.
With several regional offices around the United States, Apogee is large enough to deliver on any mission and nimble enough to do so rapidly, effectively, and cost-efficiently. Apogee provides critical mission solutions under the following four portfolios: Digital Transformation, Adaptive Acquisition, Science and Technology, and Mission Operations.
Challenge
In early 2023, Apogee approached growth[period] seeking strategic guidance in the planned sale of the company. With two decades of experience navigating complex deals, the experts at growth[period] were tasked with the following challenges:
- How to roadmap strategic growth to assist Apogee in attracting the right buyer for the business.
- How to evaluate the impact of market conditions (micro & macro) on Apogee Engineering’s market position and valuation.
- How to eliminate risks that could impact the value of a future deal.
- How to prepare Apogee for the acquisition process, assuming the right market conditions and buyers are present.
One challenge in the sale of Apogee was deciding how best to present their business to potential buyers in a changing market. Additionally, finding a buyer does not guarantee a culture fit between the companies, an important factor in the long-term success of a business post-sale. Apogee recognized the need for a partner with expertise in navigating deals – on both the sell and buy-side of transactions - and chose to work with growth[period] based on our proven track record and extensive experience.
The growth[period] Solution
growth[period] worked collaboratively with Apogee’s leadership and was able to deliver comprehensive solutions:
- A comprehensive growth-to-exit strategy identifying key business practices and investment opportunities to strengthen Apogee’s market positioning.
- A top-to-bottom risk evaluation and gap analysis of Apogee’s business and personnel.
- Following the implementation of the previous recommendations, an in-depth confidential information memorandum (CIM) to present Apogee to prospective buyers.
In addition to these deliverables, growth[period] paid particular attention to the brand recognition of Apogee, spotlighting the importance of a cohesive branding message and set of offerings to its management. Regardless of industry, brand recognition plays a strong role in the ability to gain new work beyond an initial customer base and niche. Having a scattered image may distract from the high level of work done within an organization and can be detrimental in the selling process. By solidifying Apogee’s brand messaging, growth[period] was able to help its client stand out amongst its peers to both new potential customers and acquirers.
Within four months, growth[period] was successfully able to develop and deliver a comprehensive growth-to-exit strategy to Apogee Engineering’s leadership. The experts at growth[period] identified key activities and future business opportunities to bolster Apogee’s current and future earning potential. growth[period] was able to not only assist Apogee in finding work to expand their pipeline but was also able to identify work that spread the company too thin. The consolidation of business practices was key in amplifying Apogee’s strengths to the market. The in-depth brand-recognition roadmap developed by growth[period] experts for Apogee helped the company convey a comprehensive and cohesive message and value proposition across different platforms. The improvement of the brand’s image played a substantial role in finding a buyer interested in acquiring Apogee Engineering. Following the implementation of the initial strategies, growth[period] also assisted in the development of Apogee’s CIM, a key document used to represent the business to potential buyers. growth[period] worked collaboratively alongside Apogee leadership and the financial partner to tailor management presentations for potential buyers, and helped advise on deal strategies.
