Proof Is In The Numbers
Mergers and Acquisitions
Think MarshBerry. Think Forward.
Sell Side Advisory
The decision to sell or perpetuate can be difficult. Knowing the buyers and finding the right fit is part of the magic at MarshBerry. You get the most experienced and #1 ranked M&A Sell-Side Advisory team in the insurance sector.
Time to Sell
MarshBerry will help you navigate the decision and the process with a balanced combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to maximize the return on all those years of hard work.
CREATING VALUE MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
MarshBerry helps you:
- Understand what your firm is worth
- Assess if/when you should sell your firm
- Evaluate options to transfer ownership within your firm
- Ensure there is a plan in place after the deal
Perpetuation
Perpetuation Planning is a continual process that enables a fluid transition of management, leadership, production, and ownership of your firm.
Preparing and executing a perpetuation plan tailored to the unique characteristics of your firm.
MarshBerry helps you with:
- Understanding the Insurance Environment
- Financial Guidelines
- Sales Management
- Legal Issues
- Methods
- Value Considerations
Buy Side Advisory
Acquiring an agency can be a means to drive growth, create opportunities and leverage economies of scale. MarshBerry’s M&A Buy-Side Advisory services brings you intrinsic expertise and market reach you can’t get on your own.
Time to Acquire
Growing your firm through acquisition requires a keen understanding of market conditions and trends. MarshBerry is the trusted advisor you need for finding the right agency to achieve your growth goals.
ACHIEVING GROWTH IS A FUNDAMENTAL CORNERSTONE OF CREATING VALUE.
MarshBerry helps you:
- Develop strategic rationale for acquisition
- Identify economies of scale and analyze book of business to determine profitability
- Structure the deal with accurate agency valuation
- Find the right agency fit
- Position your firm as a buyer; ensure Due Diligence and Quality of Earnings are included
- Leverage debt to acquire the firm and grow your business
- Complete the closing
- Develop Continuity Planning and Business Integration for post-deal management
STRATEGY
- Acquisition Planning
- Deal Return Modeling
- Strategic Options Analysis
- Alternative Buyer Comparison
- Capital Raising
EXECUTION
- Diagnostic & Confirmatory Due Diligence
- Intangible Asset Allocation for GAAP
- Fairness Opinion
- Definitive Agreement
ANALYTICS
- Market Comparables/Benchmarking
- After-Tax Return Optimization
- Return and Earnings Per Share Analysis
- Agency Fair Market Valuation
REPRESENTATION
- Buy & Sell Side Representation
- Buy Side Search and Screen
- Letter of Intent/Negotiation
- Creative Deal Structure & Alternatives
PREPARATION
- Sale Preparation Management
- Offering Memorandum Development
- Strategic Pitch Book Design
- Candidate Profile Creation
POST DEAL MANAGEMENT
- Post Closing Integration
- Goodwill Impairment Testing
- Peer-to-Peer CEO Exchange
- Earn-Out Maximization Consultation
Contact the Advisory Team
MarshBerry’s team of advisors are thought leaders and experts in the insurance brokerage industry. As a client, your firm benefits from their combined hands-on experience and professional designations in finance, accounting and economics. No matter what your needs are, they have the understanding to craft a personalized solution.
John Wepler
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
A vital resource in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as of December 31, 2017, John Wepler has personally advised on 207 M&A transactions since joining MarshBerry in 1991. He is an in-demand industry speaker because of his extensive knowledge in organic growth management, valuation enhancement strategies, business planning, perpetuation, financial management and M&A.
Phil Trem
President - Financial Advisory
As President of MarshBerry's Financial Advisory Division, Phil brings extensive knowledge in merger & acquisition (M&A) advisory and operations, specifically in the business and technology arenas and is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His experience encompasses the full life cycle of an M&A transaction, and he works hard to provide clients with a seamless, comprehensive experience.
Christopher Darst
Managing Director
Christopher Darst joined MarshBerry in 1998 as a Financial Analyst responsible for the preparation of business valuation reports, perpetuation plans, and general consulting projects. In 2001, he moved to California to help launch the Dana Point office. With increased experience and responsibility, Chris expanded his responsibilities to include merger and acquisition ("M&A") work for various MarshBerry clients.
Sarah Lucas
Senior Vice President
Sarah Lucas joined Marsh, Berry & Co., Inc. (“MarshBerry”) in 2006 as a Financial Analyst. She was promoted to Consultant in 2009, Senior Consultant in 2011, Vice President in 2013, and Senior Vice President in 2018. Sarah is a key contributor to the merger & acquisition and consulting practices of MarshBerry. Her primary responsibilities include merger and acquisition valuation and analysis, due diligence, document review, deal negotiation, integration planning and intangible asset valuation. Sarah is also the Due Diligence Practice Leader for MarshBerry.
Eric Hallinan
Director
Eric Hallinan joined MarshBerry in 2011, bringing with him significant experience in insurance firm operations, finance, and technology. He is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His involvement covers the full gamut of a merger & acquisition ("M&A") transaction, and he works hard to provide clients with a seamless, comprehensive experience.
Rob Hamilton
Vice President
616.723.8373
Rob.Hamilton@MarshBerry.comSend EmailRob Hamilton joined Marsh, Berry & Co., Inc. (MarshBerry) in 2002 as a Consultant. He was promoted to senior consultant in 2005 and vice president in 2007. Rob is a key contributor to the merger and acquisition and consulting practices at MarshBerry. His primary responsibilities include merger and acquisition valuation and analysis, due diligence, deal negotiation and integration planning.
