Have you dedicated time and passion to building a successful business and now want to ensure that it has a solid future?

We are here to offer you the succession you need, preserving the legacy and culture you have established, and paving the way for new growth opportunities.

We are currently looking for a company to acquire and manage directly.

We believe in the great potential of the Italian industry and position ourselves as catalysts for new energy and innovation. We want to embrace a contemporary approach to SME management and invest in human capital. We have the ambition to increase the influence of the Italian industry on a global scale, boldly addressing change and challenges to the status quo. The core of our commitment lies in the development of an Italian SME, providing it with the necessary skills to compete and excel on an international scale. In doing so, we aim not only to generate a positive impact in terms of industry and returns for our investors but also to contribute to the development of the society in which we will operate.

The Search Fund model is a high-performing asset class with low risk, consisting of 4 main phases

1. Search

12-24 months

Principals conduct targeted research to identify potential acquisition targets. The goal is to find a company that aligns with the Principals' skills and experience and has growth potential.

2. Acquisition

3-6 months

Further capital is raised through debt and equity. The Principals, with the support of experts, work on due diligence.

3. Management

4-7 years

Principals become executives of the acquired company.The main objective is growth through operational improvements and expansion. This phase involves the implementation of new strategies, processes, and measures to increase revenue, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize the company's value.

4. Exit for Investors

3-6 months

The model envisions a liquidity event for investors at a later stage. The goal is to achieve a substantial return for both the search fund investors and the promoters, rewarding the efforts dedicated throughout the entire process. A core structure designed to align the interests of investors and promoters.

According recent Stanford and IESE researchs, average returns on All Search Fund outperformed both VC and PE investments; both in MOIC and IRR.

For the selection of the company, we look at four main parameters: an growing industry, a history of profitability with recurring revenues, a willingness to sell and ensure a quick handover, and an environment that allows us to fully express our personal potential

A growing industry

  • Industry favored by macro-economic factors with growth expectations
  • Low cyclicality
  • High entry barriers and high fragmentation
  • Not overly complex regulatory environment
  • Low concentration/dependence on suppliers or customers

A profitable company

  • Recurring revenues guaranteed by contracts
  • EBITDA of 1 to 7 Million Euros
  • Gross Operating Margin (EBITDA) > 10% of revenues
  • Low intensity of invested capital (CAPEX)

Generational Transition

  • Corporate culture oriented towards collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect
  • Need for a generational transition aimed at preserving the economic and cultural value of the company
  • Strong motivation to sell on the part of the ownership

Bringing our added value

  • Solid skills in business management and in the industrial field
  • An extensive network of international contacts that can facilitate unexplored globalization opportunities
  • Established experience in high-tech sectors, with prospects for innovation and expansion into new market segments

Federico Usai

Managing Partner

He has dedicated his professional experience to developing cutting-edge technologies in the automotive and aerospace sectors. His career has mainly unfolded in Switzerland, where he has been actively involved in creating advanced air mobility and hypersonic aircraft technologies. Federico holds an engineering background, with a master's degree in Control Engineering and a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome. During his MBA at INSEAD, Federico developed a growing interest in Search Funds, which he considers an exceptional tool to start a career as an entrepreneur. Growing up on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, he has always had a deep passion for boating and sailing. Among his many other interests are robotics, history, and, above all, philosophy.

Derin Sonmez

Managing Partner

A global and creative professional in the transportation industry, he has worked for major automotive brands in various regions. Lately, he has helped his company become a leader in the Chinese passenger car market. He has direct managerial experience in Product Design and Development, Corporate Innovation, Global Leadership, Branding, and Artificial Intelligence applications. With a background in Transportation Design and an MBA from INSEAD, he is passionate about startups and technology, having been involved in founding three companies. Beyond his professional passion at the intersection of design, business, and technology, he is enthusiastic about reading, history, politics, tennis, sailing, art, and travel.

We are proud to collaborate with 17 investors, each of whom brings a wealth of experience in sectors that not only align with but also complement the expertise of our team. Their diverse professional backgrounds enhance our capabilities and deepen our knowledge across various industries.

If you are interested in a succession tool for your company that preserves the founder's original spirit, respects the corporate culture, and brings skills that can ensure growth and consolidation in the market, we might be the opportunity you've been looking for!

federico@aeqorpartners.comderin@aeqorpartners.com

Aeqor Partners (2023-) P. IVA 17705811002