Business
A provider of shopper insight and design services to leading Fortune 500 consumer products companies and retailers in the U.S. and Europe. Chase conducts proprietary behavioral research on consumers in retail environments and uses this research to redesign store layouts, packaging, products and merchandising materials to most effectively influence consumer behavior and increase sales.
Transaction
An attorney referred the CEO and owner of ChaseDesign, Marty Cregg, to LaSalle. Marty was seeking a partner to recapitalize the Company and diversify his net worth, as well as find an experienced buyer to help him scale his unique services business.
Opportunity
LaSalle recognized that Chase provided a unique, value-added service to consumer packaged goods companies and retailers who were increasingly shifting their marketing spending away from traditional advertising methods to more measurable activities such as shopper-based research and in-store design-related activity. The Company had a strong reputation, highly creative and skilled employees and a blue-chip client list, but needed help professionalizing some aspects of its business including business development, project accounting and financial controls.
Growth Strategy
LaSalle worked closely with Marty and his team to diversify Chase’s customer base and add new CPG and retail customers. We hired key personnel in business development and account management and added strategic satellite offices which drove increased revenue with existing and new clients. With our enhanced go-to-market strategy, Chase added several category leading brands in retail, food and consumer products to its list of prestigious clients. We also upgraded the Company’s back-office systems and implemented new billing and staffing procedures which improved working capital. Despite a challenging environment following the 2008 financial crisis, Chase successfully grew its revenue and maintained EBITDA margins far in excess of industry standards from 2008-2012.
Throughout our ownership period we were regularly approached by strategic buyers who were interested in acquiring Chase due to its unique position as the pioneer of shopper-based consulting. In 2012, we sold the business to Momentum Worldwide, a global marketing agency within McCann Worldgroup owned by The Interpublic Group of Companies, achieving a highly successful outcome for our investors.
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Deal Snapshot
Unique service business / pioneer in its category
Partnered with founder and management to scale business
Diversified customer base and delivered strong revenue growth and EBITDA margins
Acquired November 2007, Exited June 2012
www.chasedesign.net
“LaSalle Capital was very proactive in their approach to our company. They recognized that ChaseDesign provided a unique service and helped us expand our business and streamline our processes.”
Marty Cregg
CEO, ChaseDesign |
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