Thunderbird Corporate Finance, operating under Thunderbird Global Investment, offers advisory services focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private placements, and restructuring. It caters primarily to middle-market companies, generally characterized as those with enterprise values between $10 million and $500 million, though specific deal sizes can vary. Their expertise spans diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and business services.
One key aspect of Thunderbird Corporate Finance is its global network. The firm leverages the relationships of Thunderbird School of Global Management, a well-regarded business school at Arizona State University. This affiliation provides access to a wide network of alumni, industry experts, and potential investors, enabling the firm to facilitate cross-border transactions and provide clients with a broader range of opportunities. They frequently emphasize their ability to connect clients with strategic partners and capital sources both domestically and internationally.
In M&A advisory, Thunderbird Corporate Finance assists companies in both buy-side and sell-side transactions. On the sell-side, they guide clients through the entire sale process, including valuation, marketing the company to potential buyers, negotiating terms, and managing due diligence. On the buy-side, they assist clients in identifying suitable acquisition targets, conducting due diligence, negotiating purchase agreements, and securing financing.
For private placements, Thunderbird Corporate Finance helps companies raise capital through the sale of equity or debt to private investors. This service is particularly valuable for companies seeking growth capital, funding for acquisitions, or capital to recapitalize their balance sheets. They work closely with clients to develop a compelling investment thesis and identify suitable investors, including private equity firms, venture capital firms, and family offices.
Restructuring advisory focuses on helping companies navigate financial distress or operational challenges. Thunderbird Corporate Finance assists companies in developing and implementing restructuring plans, negotiating with creditors, and improving operational efficiency. This can include debt restructuring, operational turnaround strategies, and bankruptcy advisory services.
A crucial element to note is that while affiliated with a respected academic institution, Thunderbird Corporate Finance operates as a separate, for-profit entity. Its success relies on the experience and expertise of its investment banking professionals, who typically have backgrounds in M&A, private equity, and corporate finance. The firm often highlights its team’s deep industry knowledge and transaction experience as a key differentiator.
Ultimately, Thunderbird Corporate Finance aims to provide middle-market companies with access to sophisticated financial advisory services typically reserved for larger corporations. They leverage their global network and industry expertise to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients.