“Investment Banking Means Finding Creative Solutions To Complex Problems”

On the surface, an office products company, a distributor of coated fabrics, a nut processor, a printer of gift wrapping, a producer of electrical components, a baker, a golf pro and a chain of stores renting party equipment may seem to have little in common. To Gardiner & Rauen, however, there is a unifying theme. Each represents a problem that needed to be solved.

Gardiner & Rauen's list of assignments seems designed to test the firm's creativity.

For example, the office products company, with annual sales in the $40 million range, looked to be a normal private placement assignment. But careful investigation revealed a series of management and operating problems that needed to be addressed before financing sources were contacted.

Gardiner & Rauen professionals passed on their insights to the company's most senior management. Gardiner & Rauen was then asked to formally put on its consulting hat to review specific operations. Recommendations were made to the board of directors and Gardiner & Rauen was then commissioned to search for key personnel to fill specific gaps and an experienced general manager waas located and hired as a direct result of Gardiner & Rauen's efforts.

Soon, major cost centers were organized, an improved businesss plan was prepared, Gardiner & Rauen went to banking and other funding sources and the needed financing was obtained.

The gift wrap company is another business that needed a fresh outlook. As a stand alone entity the gift wrap printer was a steady performer. Even so, the company was looking for ways to broaden its markets and grow. Extending the product line appeared to be a possibility. With the aid of Gardiner & Rauen, a merger with a gift box manufacturer capable of laminating gift wrap to its boxes was structured. The integration has made both companies more prosperous.

The interpersonals relationships that inevitably entwine themselves into family businesses add an extra dimension to an investment bankers' problems. The manufacturer of electrical components was just such a business. Four family members owned the company but only one worked in the business. The working member understood the needs of his siblings but hoped that even with a sale he could maintain his role within the business.

Gardiner & Rauen traveled to North Carolina to find a solution - a larger manufacturer that wanted the business and the working family member.

Every new business brings with it a bit of an education. Gardiner & Rauen has a long history advising manufacturers, food companies, retailers, grocers constrcution companies and high-tech businesses.