06/05/2020 - News

Clearwater International makes substantial investment in its International Special Situations team

Professional business meeting

The unprecedented period that we find ourselves in as a result of the global COVID-19 crisis has put many organisations under significant financial strain with many businesses closing their doors during the lockdown. Business plans are being revised and short-term stability has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, our experience as well as our many conversations with clients and investors, tells us that transactions will continue to happen.

Clearwater International has long maintained a strong, cross-border presence in advising clients during these more challenging times. Our Special Situations team are able to leverage our international sector expertise, with our senior, partner-led teams to find solutions to complex situations within tight timescales.

there are real opportunities to generate liquidity, create value, and secure the long-term viability of high-quality businesses

These complex and challenging projects cover a range of advice such as expediated, managed exit processes, recapitalising businesses through equity or debt fundraising, carve-outs or non-core corporate disposals, and very time-driven accelerated M&A. Clearwater International’s Special Situations team has a wealth of experience in all of these areas across Europe.

To better advise old and new clients Clearwater International has made substantial investment in this service line, bolstering its capacity and reach. UK lead Paul Jones commented: “ Our clients face challenging conditions in the current market but there are real opportunities to generate liquidity, create value, and secure the long-term viability of high-quality businesses. Our experience, sector knowledge and international reach makes us natural partners for clients at this time and as such we have bolstered our Special Situations team across Europe.”

We can help in these situations and would urge these businesses to work with us.

James Barraclough, UK partner, further commented: “ Many businesses are suffering from stress, driven by factors outside of their control, such as a COVID-19 shut-down, elongated supply chain or loss of key customers. Whilst this can have a material impact on value it doesn’t necessarily mean that the business doesn’t have tangible options to secure its future. We can help in these situations and would urge these businesses to work with us. There are viable options in the market from investors and funders with available funds or strategic acquirors. Acting quickly with an experienced advisor can make all the difference to ultimate success.”

These complex and challenging situations are not limited to the UK, nor is Clearwater International’s ability to help clients. Markus Otto, Sector Head based in Germany commented: “Many of our clients operate cross-border so it is natural that Clearwater International is able to advise these clients across geographical borders. Our international team can react quickly, to offer the best advice to businesses who find themselves in these challenging situations. “

Clearwater International’s Special Situations team operates on a Pan-European basis with dedicated senior resource in the UK, Germany, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Sweden.

With a long heritage of helping our clients succeed Clearwater International is committed to advising new and existing clients during these difficult times. Our expanded Special Situations team is just one part of our offering and is primed to help our clients navigate this market and find appropriate solutions across all sectors and geographies.

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