News Release
Emerging Markets Provide Attractive Food Industry Acquisition Opportunities
Chicago, November 18, 2009 − The J.H. Chapman Group, L.L.C., the leading food industry investment banking firm, has announced the establishment of an Emerging Markets Targeted Search Program™ designed for U.S.-based food manufacturing companies. The new service is headed by Miles Greer, Principal and former head of international M&A at Sara Lee Corporation.
"Despite the turmoil and economic slowdown of North America and Europe the past 18 months, many emerging market countries continue extraordinary overall economic performance based primarily on the steady rise of purchasing power of their middle classes," stated Greer. "This situation creates profitable opportunities for U.S. manufacturers and marketers looking for new strategic growth," he added.
The most immediate method to enter such markets is through the acquisition of well-positioned local firms with meaningful market shares. To meet the needs of its clients, the J.H. Chapman Group has expanded its significant European and Canadian activities with an impressive group of local investment bank affiliates in today's most relevant emerging market countries: India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Spain.
This new program provides Chapman clients with access to middle market food companies in markets essentially unavailable because of:
• Distance and time zones
• Language and cultural differences
• Poor information availability
• A lack of professional advisors
• Inaccessibility of private owners with whom to initiate confidential discussions
• A lack of internal staff experienced in overcoming these challenges
These are formidable hurdles to many U.S. companies, which often are then left without an actionable and effective acquisition strategy. Several Principals at J.H. Chapman have lived and/or worked in these countries, and speak many of the local languages.
Chapman's Emerging Market Targeted Search Program™ is a systematic, comprehensive, and focused process leading to proprietary transactions instead of competitive auctions. While designed for large multinational companies, it is also likely to attract middle market food companies interested in capturing a meaningful share in these rapid growth consumer-driven marketplaces.
Questions concerning this new program should be directed to Miles Greer, Principal, J.H. Chapman Group (773-693-4800; mgreer@jhchapman.com).
