Navigating Global Expansion - Mark Garland - Built to Finish - Episode # 014

Built to Finish

What are the key strategies for navigating global market expansion and company acquisitions?

Mark Garland, shares his extensive experience in global market expansion and supply chain solutions. Mark discusses his leadership roles at companies such as 4R Systems, Capgemini, and Accenture, highlighting the strategic decisions and challenges he faced. He explains the process of navigating a company sale during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insights on maintaining operational focus, the value of good advisors, and the importance of having a contingency plan. He also introduces his new venture, Advance2 Global, aimed at helping companies expand internationally. The episode concludes with advice for founders on maximizing stakeholder outcomes during an acquisition.

Takeaways:

• Surround Yourself with Great Advisors: Build a trusted team of experienced advisors, including an investment banker, legal counsel, and accountants, to guide you through the complexities of selling your business and securing the best deal.
• Keep Your Cap Table Clean: Maintain an accurate, well-organized cap table to avoid complications in negotiations and ensure favorable deal structures.
• Focus on Due Diligence Preparation: Organize all necessary documents and information ahead of time to expedite due diligence and build confidence with potential buyers, minimizing roadblocks.
• Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared for the possibility of a deal falling through. Keep operations running smoothly and consider other potential buyers if necessary.
• Maintain a Strong Company Culture: Involve key employees early, keeping them informed and engaged to maintain morale and ensure smooth operations during the transition.
• Demonstrate Value and Affordability: Showcase the tangible value and affordability of your product or service to make your business more attractive to potential buyers.

Quote of the Show:

• “Always have a backup plan.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgarland/
• Company Website: https://advance2global.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ghmiiaRwVtQ9kqqqvmVQY
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-finish/id1781753842
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/665cacbf-79ed-4745-8856-1d8465943c65
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/built-to-finish-5907037
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/6KO7NxnAjxo