A WEALTH OF RESOURCES SUPPORTING GROWTH

FdG’s strength is adding value to and growing the businesses we invest in, not merely financially reengineering them. From the outset of each transaction, our focus is on understanding the business and developing a clear plan to maximize its potential. This approach to due diligence helps us develop a strong working relationship with management that enables us to be much more effective partners right from the start. The wide-ranging business experience of FdG’s principals and our extensive professional networks mean that we can provide our portfolio companies with a variety of resources. Above and beyond capital, we offer our portfolio companies access to an exceptional range of companies, professionals and markets worldwide. By combining FdG’s resources and the broad business perspective of our principals with management’s in-depth knowledge of the company and its markets, we find opportunities that might not otherwise be apparent. Transaction issues are strictly secondary to understanding a company’s position in its marketplace and developing strategies to help it grow. For FdG, creative financing and transaction structuring are useful tools, but not the essence of our investment philosophy. We believe that by building stronger, more competitive businesses, profitability and increased equity value will naturally follow.

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A hands-on entrepreneur had very successfully grown his business. To sustain a high rate of controlled growth and take the business to the next level, a carefully conceived business plan was needed.

FdG Response

FdG worked with senior management to develop a business plan that focused and supported the company’s growth objectives. FdG contributed:

* Assessments of various expansion markets, using sophisticated mapping and demographic software
* Access to external resources, as well as planning and analytical support, to facilitate the successful  launch of the company’s Internet business
* Operating and financial plans to support expansion programs
* Analysis of resources required to achieve controlled and profitable growth
* Access to debt and equity capital for expansion, including significant unused borrowing capacity for acquisitions and capital expenditures