A transparent, efficient and straightforward process.

Our Focus

Industry

We are looking for profitable businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, business services or technology sectors.

Structure

We make majority equity investments coupled with a prudent amount of leverage to acquire a controlling interest in our companies.

Horizon

We build long-lasting businesses, with sustainable competitive advantages. We do not have a defined investment timeline which allows us to support long-term value creation and product innovation with our companies and partners.

Size

We purchase businesses that generate $2M - $5M of EBITDA.

The Northbank Difference

Ownership Mindset

Our preferred approach is to purchase businesses and take on direct day-to-day management roles in the business. When this is not possible, we have a deep pool of executives that can step in to management roles within our companies. We are firm believers in putting in the work ourselves to bring industry-leading products and services to market.

Tailored & Flexible Approach

We understand that each business and the needs of each entrepreneur are different. We take pride in our highly flexible approach to each transaction. We do not have a strict set of rules when it comes to acquiring businesses, which allows us to work with entrepreneurs on the most effective succession plan for them.

Experience

We have a wide range of experience running businesses across multiple industries. From executing sales strategies to hiring key team members to providing financial expertise and resources, we have done it all.

People

Trust and integrity are the core tenets of our organization and we like to do business with people who share these values. Given our years of experience, our team members have wide-reaching networks that they can draw upon for support and sharing of new ideas and resources for growing our businesses.

Long-Term Growth

We are patient investors with long-term capital. We do not purchase businesses with the intent of cutting costs and selling quickly. We build businesses with sustainable competitive advantages that stand the test of time.

Our Investment Process

  • An initial call with the purpose to learn more about you, the history of your business, and what your expectations are in terms of future involvement and time horizon. We are happy to share more information about Northbank, how we think we can add value to your business, and answer any questions you might have. If we agree there is a mutual fit, we can take the next step.

  • In this phase, we execute a confidentially agreement or non-disclosure agreement (“NDA”) and begin collecting information from you so that we are able to provide you with the price we would be willing to pay for your business. This information may include some of the following items:

    • Historical financial statements

    • Sales reports broken down by customer, geography and business unit segment

    • Information about you and your management team

    • Information about the size and makeup of your workforce

    There is no issue if some of the above information is not available. We are happy to work with you during this process to gather what we need.

  • From the time we have received all of the information requested, we will take one to two weeks to conduct our internal analysis and draft a preliminary Expression of Interest (“EOI”). The EOI will include the price we are willing to pay for your business and other pertinent details related to the transaction. If the EOI is acceptable, we will conduct a more thorough review of your business.

  • This phase of the process is a more detailed review of the information provided in exploratory phase and also an opportunity to meet in person. Members from the Northbank team will come to meet you in person and tour your facilities. During the tour, we can be as discrete as you need so as to not reveal why we are there to any staff members.

  • Following the review of the information received during due diligence, we will be in a position to deliver a definitive offer. This usually takes another one to two weeks. Northbank prides itself in being consistent and transparent throughout the information gathering and negotiation process. Our definitive offer will be provided in a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) that includes a price and precise details about the transaction structure including terms of future employment, and what our plans are for your business. If our LOI is acceptable to you, we will move to final closing matters like drafting a binding legal agreement.

  • Once all legal documentation has been finalized and the transaction is closed, your funds with be transferred and we will begin working on the next chapter of your business.

Let’s Start A Discussion

If you’re approaching retirement, looking to sell your business, or require a partner for growth, we’d like to hear from you.