Our Clients are Confident That Valitas Will Unlock Their Best Outcome

Our clients trust Valitas to navigate their most complex, mission-critical projects because of the experience and rigour that we deliver.

1

Dramatic Shareholder Value Creation

Our role as a premium M&A advisor is to maximize value for our clients. Optimizing only the corporate sale process usually results in a 10-20% valuation improvement, leaving significant shareholder value on the table. Most companies can triple shareholder value over five years by applying proven, universal principles. With these principles as the foundation for our value creation system, many of our clients have experienced more dramatic results. Here is a client success story where shareholder value increased by 150% in only a year and a half. By following our value creation system, our clients realize far greater value than they would by working with a conventional M&A advisor.

2

Best-in-Class Talent and Systems

Our founder has completed more than 100 M&A transactions worth more than $80 billion. This experience was earned over 25 years working at a leading private equity fund and boutique advisory firms, and through progressive roles at leading global investment banks that were acclaimed for their M&A leadership. Valitas has adopted best practices from these acclaimed firms and further honed them into a system to drive exceptional outcomes for our clients. We limit the number of clients we serve to ensure our founder can bring his extensive experience to every client project.

We leverage our founder’s experience and our proven value creation system with a team of exemplary operators, a curated network of independent experts, and the most rigorous team selection process in our industry. Our team of exemplary operators has led global businesses, held senior operating roles at private equity portfolio companies, and led dramatic operational turnarounds. Our curated network of independent experts provides best-in-class capability in operating system implementation, pricing optimization, leadership development, operations management, marketing & communications, and other crucial value creation areas. One in 200 applicants meets our standards. Those who are successful in joining our team receive 1,250 hours of training before joining our client project teams.

3

Deep Long-Term Client Relationships

Like our clients, we own our firm. We have experienced the highs and lows of building a truly exceptional company from a blank page at the dining room table. Our mission at Valitas is to deliver exceptional value to our clients as their value creation partner of choice. We specialize in providing white-glove service to visionary companies that want to build a future exit at a dramatically higher value than they could achieve today or by working alone. We often work closely with these clients for years, overcoming obstacles along the way to achieve their goals. We are situational specialists, not industry specialists. We do not aspire to be a large firm that does a high volume of transactions, but instead, aspire to be the firm that is renowned for the exceptional outcomes we unlock with a few key clients.

Ask Our Clients

Positive client outcomes are the ultimate measure of success. Valitas’ ethos is to deliver exceptional client outcomes, working relentlessly until we have unleashed each client's full value. We only succeed when our clients do.

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The Valitas Difference

  • Valitas has adopted best practices from global investment banks and leading private equity funds. We have further enhanced these practices by developing proprietary systems that unlock the best outcome for each one of our clients.
    On each project, we use our proven five-step process:













The Valitas Difference

Valitas has adopted best practices from global investment banks and leading private equity funds. We have further enhanced these practices by developing proprietary systems that unlock the best outcome for each one of our clients.

On each project, we use our proven five-step process:

1

Assess & Prepare

We first develop a deep understanding of our client’s situation. We then apply our market knowledge to assess the full range of alternatives and possible outcomes before we begin developing options.

2

Develop Options

We canvass potential counterparties to generate a complete set of options.This process enables us to surface the outliers and select a shortlist to engage with. This ensures we capture the best option for our client.

3

Negotiate & Structure

We focus on a shortlist of the best initial proposals. Usually, these initial proposals are highly conditional. We apply competitive tension to remove conditions and then drive improvements to the firm proposals, creating an actionable set of options.

4

Choose & Close

Our client chooses their best option from the shortlist once we are comfortable that the selected counter party will deliver on the terms of the transaction. We then collaborate with legal counsel and professional advisors to provide expert support until the closing.

5

Transition

We provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth post-closing process and a seamless transition to whatever comes next.

Progression of Options

Positive client outcomes are the ultimate measure of success. Valitas’ ethos is to deliver exceptional client outcomes, working relentlessly until we have unleashed each client's full value. We only succeed when our clients do.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

1. Assess & Prepare

Click to Play

2. Develop Options

Click to Play

3. Negotiate & Structure

Click to Play

4. Choose & Close

Click to Play

5. Transition

Click to Play

The Valitas Difference

Valitas has adopted best practices from global investment banks and leading private equity funds. We have further enhanced these practices by developing proprietary systems that unlock the best outcome for each one of our clients.

On each project, we use our proven five-step process:

Select Step

Assess & Prepare

We first develop a deep understanding of our client’s situation. We then apply our market knowledge to assess the full range of alternatives and possible outcomes before we begin developing options.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Option

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Assess & Prepare

We first develop a deep understanding of our client’s situation. We then apply our market knowledge to assess the full range of alternatives and possible outcomes before we begin developing options.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Generate Options

We canvass potential counterparties to generate a complete set of options. This process enables us to surface the outliers and select a shortlist to engage with. This ensures we capture the best option for our client.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Option

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Develop Options

We canvass potential counterparties to generate a complete set of options. This process enables us to surface the outliers and select a shortlist to engage with. This ensures we capture the best option for our client.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Negotiate & Structure

We focus on a shortlist of the best initial proposals. Usually, these initial proposals are highly conditional. We apply competitive tension to remove conditions and then drive improvements to the firm proposals, creating an actionable set of options.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Option

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Negotiate & Structure

We focus on a shortlist of the best initial proposals. Usually, these initial proposals are highly conditional. We apply competitive tension to remove conditions and then drive improvements to the firm proposals, creating an actionable set of options.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Choose & Close

Our client chooses their best option from the shortlist once we are comfortable that the selected counterparty will deliver on the terms of the transaction. We then collaborate with legal counsel and professional advisors to provide expert support until the closing.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Option

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Choose & Close

Our client chooses their best option from the shortlist once we are comfortable that the selected counterparty will deliver on the terms of the transaction. We then collaborate with legal counsel and professional advisors to provide expert support until the closing.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Transition

We provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth post-closing process and a seamless transition to whatever comes next.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Option

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Transition

We provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth post-closing process and a seamless transition to whatever comes next.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

Options are assessed on multiple criteria. The illustrations show two-factor assessments.
Examples include (a) for a corporate sale: valuation percentage paid at closing and (b) for financing: cost of funding versus total leverage

The Valitas Difference

Valitas has adopted best practices from global investment banks and leading private equity funds. We have further enhanced these practices by developing proprietary systems that unlock the best outcome for each one of our clients.

On each project, we use our proven five-step process:

1

Assess & Prepare

We first develop a deep understanding of our client’s situation. We then apply our market knowledge to assess the full range of alternatives and possible outcomes before we begin developing options.

2

Develop Options

We canvass potential counterparties to generate a complete set of options.This process enables us to surface the outliers and select a shortlist to engage with. This ensures we capture the best option for our client.

3

Negotiate & Structure

We focus on a shortlist of the best initial proposals. Usually, these initial proposals are highly conditional. We apply competitive tension to remove conditions and then drive improvements to the firm proposals, creating an actionable set of options.

4

Choose & Close

Our client chooses their best option from the shortlist once we are comfortable that the selected counter party will deliver on the terms of the transaction. We then collaborate with legal counsel and professional advisors to provide expert support until the closing.

5

Transition

We provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth post-closing process and a seamless transition to whatever comes next.

Progression of Options

Positive client outcomes are the ultimate measure of success. Valitas’ ethos is to deliver exceptional client outcomes, working relentlessly until we have unleashed each client's full value. We only succeed when our clients do.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

1. Assess & Prepare

Click to Play

2. Develop Options

Click to Play

3. Negotiate & Structure

Click to Play

4. Choose & Close

Click to Play

5. Transition

Click to Play

Progression of Options

Positive client outcomes are the ultimate measure of success. Valitas’ ethos is to deliver exceptional client outcomes, working relentlessly until we have unleashed each client's full value. We only succeed when our clients do.

Legend:

Shortlist Options

Uncompetitive Options

Initial Shortlist Options

Final Shortlist Options

Best Options

1. Assess & Prepare

Click to Play

2. Develop Options

Click to Play

3. Negotiate & Structure

Click to Play

4. Choose & Close

Click to Play

5. Transition

Click to Play

Proprietary Global Market Intelligence and Privileged Access

Valitas unlocks global access to capital markets and potential partners for our clients. We combine multiple third-party and proprietary databases with customized software, systems, and a dedicated research team to readily access insights into market trends, valuations, and the universe of potential partners for our clients. These insights include the strategies, investment criteria, and preferred structures of potential buyers, investors, and lenders, informing our advice. Furthermore, our privileged access to more than 7,500 decision makers in these groups enables us to engage with that unique outlier who is the ideal match for each client.

These systems and technology have enabled us to continually accumulate deeper and broader market insights and access for our clients.

Our Client Service Principles

We consider it a privilege to earn the trust of our clients, helping them in the most complex and high-stakes transactions of their lives. We are obsessed with exceeding each client’s expectations. Seven Client Service Principles govern our actions.

1

Respect

We respect our clients and recognize the legacy they have built, often over generations, by carefully listening to them, understanding, and clarifying their wishes and addressing their unique business succession and corporate finance challenges.

2

Courage

We conduct ourselves with courage and integrity in everything we do. Both as a firm and as professionals, our single greatest asset is our reputation. We respect others in all our dealings. We tell the truth as we see it, regardless of the popularity of our views or the impact on our fees.

3

Excellence

We take great pride in our problem-solving creativity and the professional quality of our work. We strive for excellence in everything we do. Everyone in our firm contributes ideas and exercises creativity in their role.

4

Discretion

We set the industry standard for protecting client confidentiality. We regularly receive sensitive information from clients and third parties. We maintain impeccable safeguarding of confidential information.

5

Collaboration

We collaborate to deliver the best results for our clients. We are better in teams than as individuals. Where appropriate, we actively seek opportunities to collaborate with best-in-class experts outside of our firm in areas adjacent to our core expertise.

6

Talent

We attract, develop, and retain the best talent. The firm’s prosperity and very survival depend on our ability to attract and retain the best people in every role. The firm is committed to doing what is required to create the conditions that make this possible.

7

Clients First

Ours is a relationship business, built on trust. We can only attain excellence by facilitating excellent outcomes for our clients.

Man with arms crossed
Two men smiling and talking to each other

Jim Ostertag

Co-CEO
Average
Promoter score

Valitas provided insights and strategic context that allowed us to capitalize on our value creation opportunities, with dramatic results.

Joseph Arango

Chief Commercial Officer
Average
Promoter score

The Valitas team was professional and transparent throughout the entire process. It was comforting to know that at different points along the way their guidance provided the clarity we needed to consummate our deal with Richards Packaging.

Marc Corbett

President
Average
Promoter score

I’ve heard horror stories about being acquired and I was anxious about how this process would impact the employees. Valitas was transparent throughout — I always knew where we were in the process and what to expect next.

JoAnne Neely

Director of Finance
Average
Promoter score

Valitas unlocked the capital that has been crucial to our business. They have arranged four financings, each progressively more complex. Their financial modeling, combined with their credit market insights and access, helped us negotiate flexible financings with our lenders.

Mohsen Mortada

CEO
Average
Promoter score

The financing options Valitas brought to us exceeded the top end of our expected range by $6.5 million and our incumbent lender’s facility by 50% at a lower cost while providing greater flexibility.

Mark Dunger

Vice President
Average
Promoter score

ESCO has completed about 40 acquisitions over the past 10 years. The team at Valitas approached exigent issues with a high level of professional judgement, integrity, and deal-making creativity, which made dealing with the challenges that surfaced relatively painless.

Reg Robinson

Co-CEO
Average
Promoter score

When we decided to seek expert advice on our strategy, we had ambitious plans. Valitas provided us with data-driven tools to clarify our key strategic decisions.

Samson Ling

CEO
Average
Promoter score

Several times we faced serious roadblocks in our process but the Valitas team was superb in leading us through them. They were thoughtful, rational, and were laser-focused on getting the deal over the finish line.

Roger Gilodo

CFO
Average
Promoter score

In the end, the price we received for Manta was at the top end of the value range Valitas provided to us prior to launching the sale process.

Team Experience

There are two things any advisory firm must master to excel. The first is to gain the trust and respect of its clients and advise them well. The second is to attract, develop and retain the best team. Valitas was built on these cornerstones.

To meet the challenge of executing complex, mission-critical projects for our clients, our team combines transaction experience that is unmatched in the Canadian middle market with carefully selected aspiring professionals from leading business schools and professional service firms from across North America.

Meet Our Team

Career Transaction Experience

Sophisticated clients know the experience of their deal team matters more than the number of deals their firm has done. At larger firms, the team that worked on the transactions listed in their credentials is often not the team working with that client. Our clients work with the people who were directly involved in the transactions outlined here.

Over the past 25 years, our team has collectively completed almost 200 financing and M&A transactions worth more than $180 billion, having advised on complex public market M&A transactions at leading global investment banks. We also bring rich insights from our extensive experience with private market transactions valued at less than $100 million.

Transaction Experience