Sectors
At Meridian we know that every business is unique even if classified within the same industry. We consider ourselves to be generalist corporate finance advisors working in a large variety of industry sectors, but with some in-depth knowledge of certain sectors. Examples of our main areas are listed below.
Aerospace & Defence
Confidentiality and discretion are key in this sector which is at the forefront of the latest lean manufacturing techniques and supply chain procurement processes. Meridian has significant experience in dealing with prime contractors and their decision makers, particularly in the UK, Europe and the US i.e. the regions that account for the majority of corporate related activity for the defence sector. Meridian has undertaken a number of confidential mandates in both civil and military applications.
Technology & Biotechnology
Understanding the application of technology and not the intricacies of the detail are highly important. Very often the overall value of technology is as much a reflection of the distribution channels to market rather than the technology per se. Valuation methodologies are also different to conventional business models and a good appreciation of the wider market is crucial in examining strategic investment opportunities and exits. Meridian has a significant track record in technology related businesses.
Telecommunications
This sector moves extremely rapidly in terms of both technology and business model. Meridian has dealt with leading manufacturers of equipment, operators and service providers. We also have first class relationships with telecom investors. Telecommunication plays an increasingly important role in business generally and a good understanding of the application of the telecoms market, in delivering efficiencies is important to understand where the Return on Investment case if both investors into and purchasers of telecoms businesses.
Oil and Gas
In recent times, the rise in overall commodity prices has lead to unprecedented levels of profitability within the oil and gas sector in particular. The recent recession and accompanying decline in wholesale gas prices has necessitated oil and gas companies to look at their supply chains more closely and to seek efficiencies in this area.
Meridian has extensive experience within the oil and gas market, providing both MBO advice to clients and trade sales to larger corporates.
Fast Moving Consumer Goods
A highly successful company within the FMCG marketplace is characterised by a low operational cost base and a solid distribution network. Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and cost conscious in their purchasing decisions, which has lead to retailers and supermarkets forcing price reductions further down the supply chain.
Having previously worked for Kellogg’s, Mike and Meridian have built up a wealth of deal experience within this sector and have achieved significant strategic premium for business owners in sales to larger corporates.
Insurance
Insurance is one of the most competitive sectors within financial services where major insurers are pressurised from all areas. Premium rates are falling as a result of greater competition in the marketplace; a trend exacerbated by the proliferation of price comparison sites where consumers have more choice and information that ever before. In addition, higher claims rates are pushing up insurer costs, particularly in the current economic climate, where there has been a marked increase in the rate of burglary.
These competitive pressures have lead to insurers collaborating with their supply chain partners in more innovative ways, such as outsourcing a greater proportion of the overall claims process. Meridian have extensive experience of working with outsourced partners, in both claims handling and supply chain management, having completed a number of high profile transactions with FTSE250 plc's in this market space.
