Auspex Capital

Auspex Advantage

In the ultra competitive restaurant business an ill advised acquisition, a flawed capital raise, or a poorly executed divestiture can mean the difference between a company’s success and failure. With so much at stake, the restaurant entrepreneur must be very careful to select the financial advisor that will best represent his interests. We at Auspex think that there are five critical factors that the business owner must take into consideration to make the right call on an advisor:

Does the advisor have a track record of success executing on the transaction I am contemplating?
Does the advisor truly understand the restaurant industry?
Does the advisor have the network and critical relationships to ensure that the very best resources are available to me?
How quickly and comprehensively will the advisor come up to speed on the details and nuances of my company?
Does the advisor have the time, energy, and resources to ensure my deal is a priority?

We are highly confident that if a restaurant company owner evaluates a potential financial advisor based on these five factors, the decision to select Auspex Capital will be an easy one. Here’s why:

1. Extensive Transaction Experience: Over the last four years, there is no question that Auspex Capital has been one of the restaurant industry’s most active financial advisors. The firm has a prolific debt placement business and a very active M&A advisory practice. Since 2004, Auspex has raised in excess of $500 million of senior debt for 50+ restaurant companies and has been involved in more than 40 M&A transactions. The company’s roster of restructure and strategic advisory clients now numbers more than 30. Auspex has also structured and placed 14 sale lease back transactions and completed 17 bridge/subordinated debt deals. This vast transaction experience should give the perspective client the comfort and confidence that the Auspex team has already been down the road that he is about to travel, many times.

2. Unparalleled Industry Knowledge: For better or worse, Auspex Capital is a one trick pony. We know the restaurant industry. That’s it. It may not be sexy, but it is who we are. We view our single industry focus as an important resource for our clients and a major competitive advantage for us. The three principals have a combined 40+ years of restaurant transaction experience. Over the years, we have developed a firm understanding of the nuances of the restaurant business and a full appreciation for the critical issues that drive value creation. Because we are so focused, we can quickly distinguish between a short term blip and a long term trend and advise our clients accordingly. When we take on an assignment there is no learning curve. The network is already fully in place and the relationships are firmly established. When you choose Auspex Capital as your financial advisor false starts are not an issue, the potholes are avoided and the detours are circumvented.

3. Superior Analytical Abilities: We believe that the key to really knowing a restaurant company’s financial situation, the value of its assets and its borrowing or rent paying capacity, is to have comprehensive knowledge of the financial position and performance of each and every one of the company’s units. Over the years we have developed very robust financial models that allow us to quickly and efficiently download and process enormous amounts of client data. Our team of highly skilled financial analysts is very adept at sorting through the numbers and developing the top quality information memorandums and presentation materials that have become Auspex Capital’s trademark. Armed with thorough, well documented and comprehensive financial analysis, the restaurant entrepreneur can quickly and effectively make his case to potential buyers, lenders or financial partners. With an Auspex prepared information memorandum, the counter party will come up to speed very quickly and with a high degree of confidence, which invariably results in a better outcome for the client.

4. Unmatched Client Commitment: The critical components of Auspex Capital’s commitment to its clients include:

Utmost Respect for Client Confidentiality- Confidential and proprietary client information is only distributed as and when directed by the client.
Free Initial Deal Screen- Before taking on a transaction, Auspex will, at no up front cost to the potential client, perform an in depth preliminary analysis to ensure the stated objectives can be met.
Size Doesn’t Matter- As long as Auspex can add value and meet the client’s objectives, we will take on the assignment.
Under Promise and Over Deliver- We won’t sandbag, but we always strive to exceed the client’s expectations.
Treat the Client’s Money Like its Our Own- Whether it’s managing our expense account or the deal vendors, we are laser focused on cost control.
Dual Managed Transactions We staff every deal with two principals, so even if the deal leader is temporarily unavailable, the back-up can move the transaction forward.
The Chain is Only as Strong as the Weakest Link- The deal team, from managing director to analyst, is always staffed with highly skilled and seasoned industry professionals.
24/7 Mentality- Late nights and weekends are part of the job.
Your Success is Our Success- We mean that in both a literal and philosophical sense. The majority of our compensation in most of our engagements is success fee based, which means we only get paid if a transaction is successfully completed according to a definition of success agreed to by the client. Philosophically, our success is largely defined by how effectively we represent the interests of our client.
We Play to Win- Failure is not an option. When we sign on to represent a client, we fully dedicate our firm’s talent and energy to ensuring the client’s objectives are met.
Our Ultimate Goal is to Turn Every Transaction into a Long Term Relationship- We sincerely believe that the overwhelming majority of our clients would never even consider using another firm to help them with their next transaction.