Company Overview
The Company was founded in 1920's and is a full-line manufacturer of wood and metal store fixtures.
The Company provides full-service fixture development: design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, project management, transportation, consolidation and warehousing.
Engagement Overview
Fort Dearborn was engaged to the Company’s short-term liquidity needs and long-term viability.
Fort Dearborn quickly prepared a short-term cash flow forecast and determined that the Company was facing a serious liquidity crisis.
In response to the liquidity crisis, Fort Dearborn assisted management in identifying short-term measures to improve liquidity, including the sale of non-core assets.
Fort Dearborn’s viability assessment indicated that the Company’s best strategic alternative was to pursue the sale of the Company.
Fort Dearborn advised the Board of Directors with respect to the sale process and identified key potential buyers.
Working with management, Fort Dearborn prepared an operating plan to return the Company to profitability. Initiatives included: replacing plant management, reducing expenses, implementing lean manufacturing and an outsourcing program.
Based on Fort Dearborn’s analyses and operating plan, the Company’s lender afforded the Company the liquidity and time to pursue the sale strategy.
Results
Fort Dearborn quickly assessed the Company’s strategic options and initiated the sale process by recommending that the Board of Directors approve the sale of the Company.
Fort Dearborn identified key action steps required to generate liquidity and return the Company to profitability, while maintaining its banking relationship/funding through the sale process.