Finance Monthly Global Awards 2016 Edition

41 FINANCE MONTHLY Finance Monthly Global Awards 2016 UNITED KINGDOM Contact Details Les Green, Partner at Lex Associates LLP Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ Email:: les@lexllp.com Tel: 020 3697 7766 Web: www.lexllp.com CORPORATE FINANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR Winner: Firm Profile Les states “Lex Associates is different to other Corporate Finance houses in that we use our extensive business experience to work really closely with management teams so that we can fully understand what makes them tick. This allows us to become “advocates” of their businesses when raising funding on their behalf. “Generally, we raise funds from a select group of high net worth investors, family offices and a broader base of specialist investment funds. The individuals we introduce to our client companies are experienced enough to know that most private equity investments are not usually “one-time” and it may take a couple of rounds on the journey to exit. “Our clients are generally fast growing businesses that have reached profitability and are looking to raise additional equity and/or debt finance.” Sue adds that the firm is innovative thanks to its dedicated investors and unique approach to investing. “Many of our private and family office investors have built their own companies; hence, they know, first hand, the trials and tribulations involved. They can also act as a useful source of contacts and as mentors. “We are very selective about the companies we back. In particular, we only support those which we believe have the management team and business potential to reach a successful exit within a reasonable time horizon (ideally five years). “In terms of the amount of funding, our “sweet spot” is £1m to £10m but we will take on larger funding rounds, say up to £20m, for more mature companies. Our preference is to support a company right through the process - from the writing of a suitable business plan to aiding with the financial models and meeting with potential investors. “Ultimately, as we take the lead with our client companies, we are able to ensure investors receive regular updates on progress from the businesses they have backed. We can also allow investors to be involved with the companies as much or little as suits their requirements.” The financial market is a tough place in which to operate, but as Les outlines, his firm’s approach ensures it always stays ahead of the competition. “Our sector is particularly under pressure from changes, such as crowd funding, which can initially seem quite attractive to fast growing companies looking to raise funds quickly. However, the personal attention we provide to our client companies, and our ability to assist far beyond just the funding exercise, allows us to remain competitive.” As a concluding comment Les talks us through the industry at present and what the future has in store for his firm as a result. “Currently there is a strong trend towards the automation of the interaction between financial firms and their clients. Whilst we will partake in this where we believe it adds real benefit, our view is that only by keeping the personal interaction and by discussing issues face-to-face can we deliver the quality of service which will deliver the results our corporate clients are seeking. “We have an attitude of never giving up on a funding round. Even if we are unable to secure finance using one approach, we will work with the management of our client company to create a different way to promote and market the business to potential investors. This almost always pays dividends in the end. “Overall we believe our firm has a bright and exciting future ahead, as we work with our strategic partners to build upon our current service offering and expand our team so that we can widen the scope of the services we offer to client companies.” - Sue Green & Les Green, Partners at Lex Associates LLP