M&A Advisor: Benchmark International Winner of North American Deal, Financials Deal of the Year

TAMPA, Fla. - May 8, 2018 - PRLog -- The M&A Advisor has named Benchmark International the winner of the North American Deal of the Year and the Financials Deal of the Year for their 10th Annual International M&A Awards.

The sale of Gasco Afilliates, LLC to Tech Air was chosen at the North American Deal of the Year. Managing Director, Tyrus O'Neill headed the team that closed this transaction. He said it took a lot of tenacity and determination to get the client the best possible value for the company.

"It's an honor to learn that Tech Air and CI Capital's acquisition of Gasco won North American Deal of the Year. This achievement is a testament to the entire Benchmark International team and the diligent effort that went into guiding the sell-side process from start to finish," O'Neill said. "I truly enjoyed being a part of a deal that delivered specific results for several members of a multigenerational business. It's a double-win when the deal allows certain members of the business to exit early, while the younger generation remains to take advantage of a robust growth strategy and new capital partners. This is a great example of how Benchmark International's unique fingerprint strategy generates amazing results in finding the ideal acquisition target and deal structure for our clients. We hope to continue strengthening the market by aligning our clients with the right buyers and creating value for both sides just like in the Gasco deal."

The acquisition of Silexx Financial Systems by Chicago Board Options Exchange was chosen as the Financials Deal of the Year. Managing Director, Dara Shareef, steered this deal through to the end. He said what made this deal unique was the client's acknowledgment that to get the best deal he possibly could, he knew he needed to use a mergers and acquisitions firm.
A professional recognizes when he needs the assistance of another professional. Furthermore, the size of the buyer is a testament to Benchmark International's ability to go toe-to-toe against the biggest players in the industry.

"We are excited to learn that we've been recognized for our efforts on the Silexx and CBOE deal. We faced a number of challenges over the course of the negotiations. Chief among these challenges was CBOE completing the $3.4B acquisition of BATS during their due diligence on Silexx. Our access to decision makers during that period was sporadic and as such, we were forced to maximize each interaction and prioritize any issues accordingly," Shareef said. "We took a lot of important lessons out of this deal. Our client, Thomas Frey, is a superstar in his field. That said, even the best of the best require the assistance of seasoned professionals. Also, we seized on the opportunity to refine our skills by driving a deal from the back seat. Given the dynamics at play for the buyer, we weren't always able to head every component of the deal. That is generally our role: to lead from the front. On this deal, we were forced to reposition ourselves at times, but we were no less impactful."

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL
Benchmark International's global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $5B across 30 industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International's deal teams, working from 13 offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners achieve their personal objectives and ensure the continued growth of their businesses.

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