United Engineering Group Inc.

"High Rock Partners was instrumental in helping United Engineering Group structure a deal to sell our 63 year old company. When United approached High Rock Partners, we had an interested buyer, but needed a partner to help us with the complexities inherent in structuring a deal that would satisfy a multifaceted group of owners with diverse interest. We also had a very tight time frame and needed to go from offer to closing in a matter of less than 3 months, a schedule driven by concerns of the negative tax consequences of the then impending “fiscal cliff” which would have severely impeded the deal moving forward had we not been able to close in 2012. Ken Marks’ skills and experience in structuring mergers and acquisitions became very apparent as he worked very effectively with our buyer, accountants, and lawyers to increase the value of the deal by maximizing the value of our assets and minimizing the tax consequences. This created a deal that was able to gain the support of our stock holders, stake holders and of our buyer. Ken’s expertise, his dedication, availability nights and weekends helped us achieve our goals. Ken became not only a valued consultant, but a friend whose values and integrity provided a reliable compass for the many decisions that I had to make as Chairman of our company."

Roger Woods, Chairman, United Engineering Group Inc.

Exits

Precision BioSciences, Inc.

"Precision BioSciences engaged Kenneth Marks and Buddy Howard of High Rock Partners in 2012 to provide the Company with transaction advice and an analysis of Precision’s business development strategy and tactics. Kenneth and Buddy were both incredibly responsive to the Company’s requests, seemingly available at all hours to provide Precision with timely advice and support. High Rock’s efforts pushed our management team to think critically about our existing growth strategy and helped us to evaluate alternative paths forward. In the end, we found that what really set High Rock Partners above the rest is their steadfast focus on meeting our Company’s goals not simply on closing a transaction. I would look forward to working with them again."

Matthew Kane, Co-Founder & CEO, Precision BioSciences, Inc.

Strategy Exits

Kendall Todd, Inc.

"I've closed two corporate sales that relied on Ken's strategic thinking around  liquidity, licensing, and deal structure – he’s able to see all sides of the transaction.  That ability created confidence in the buyers and the sellers; transforming fear into focused thinking, communication and action which resulted in a win/win liquidity event for our investors." 

Todd Ballenger, Founder & CEO, Kendall Todd, Inc.

Exits

Alpheon Corporation

"Alpheon Corporation engaged Kenneth Marks of High Rock Partners in the spring of 2010 to provide a comprehensive review of our organization, develop strategic direction options, and assistance in the development of our growth plans. Within a short timeframe, Kenneth effectively demonstrated value by leveraging his professional knowledge, experience and proven methodologies by developing a plan for us to grow and excel. During the engagement, Alpheon was approached by mindSHIFT Technologies, Inc. for a potential acquisition. Kenneth proved invaluable throughout the acquisition negotiation and transaction as a management consultant and trusted advisor. He performed a vital role by contributing leadership, representation on our behalf, and market perspective throughout each step of the acquisition process. His leadership provided us with a higher valuation for the company and a seemingly easy transaction experience. We would highly recommend Kenneth Marks and the HRP team."

Greg Donovan & David Sturdivant, Co-Founders, Alpheon Corporation

Strategy Exits

NSTAR Global Services, Inc.

"My decision to engage High Rock Partners, and specifically, Kenneth Marks was absolutely critical to the success of my deal. I involved Kenneth from the start in preparing and presenting the company to M W, including building the financial model that supported the 3 year growth strategy that I developed. Kenneth was invaluable throughout the deal process, helping me to negotiate at every step, regardless of whether it was face to face or during phone conversations. The check I wrote to High Rock Partners at the end of the deal was hand delivered with a smile, knowing that they were worth every penny that I paid them and more, THANK YOU Kenneth!" 

Randy Nelson, President, NSTAR Global Services, Inc.

Strategy Exits

River Works, Inc.

"As part of the sale of our consulting firm, Buck Engineering, we agreed to sell our construction firm, River Works, Inc. The sale of Buck was led by Citibank and the sale of River Works by High Rock Partners. If we were to do it again, we would have High Rock Partners represent us in the sale of both companies. The value, expertise and mindshare received from Buddy and Kenneth was head and shoulders above the work done by Citibank. They did a great job." 

Jim Buck & Will Harman, Co-Founders, River Works, Inc.

Exits

ShareFile

“I engaged High Rock Partners in a consulting project in the Fall of 2008 to help ShareFile develop a valuation model so we could set expectations regarding our exit strategy and decide the best timing for selling our company. Both during and after our project, it was very clear to me that Kenneth’s first priority was delivering value to our company, rather than just trying to generate fees. Kenneth and the High Rock Partners team gave generously of their time and have stayed in touch in the months following our engagement, providing helpful connections, customer referrals, and generally making us feel that they are invested in the success of our business Regarding the deliverables of our consulting engagement, I feel they provided us exactly what we needed. Instead of just giving us a PowerPoint presentation with a valuation number, they provided us with a working model that was customized for our business, allowing us to continue to derive value from their services long after the consulting engagement ended. I would definitely recommend High Rock Partners and we plan to work with them again when we are considering exit strategies and growth opportunities.”

Jesse Lipson, President, ShareFile

Strategy Exits

Carolina Glass & Mirror, Inc.

"High Rock Partners helped our company evaluate our strategic alternatives and think through our growth plans. In addition, the relationship with Gonzalo and Kenneth was educational for me, in that I am now much more aware of the financial position of my business. The tools that were put in place to monitor profit divisions within the business give me a quick snapshot of the items that need attention. The relationship with them forced me to be accountable. Before my involvement with them, I had no one pushing me on issues in the business that needed to be corrected. The result has been nearly doubling our business in the past couple of years."

David Fitchett, President, Carolina Glass & Mirror, Inc.

Strategy Exits

JPS Communications, Inc.

High Rock Partners helped us develop an exit strategy…then led us in preparing for the sale. Kenneth Marks' deal-structuring skills were critical to maximizing the proceeds from the sale of my privately-held company. High Rock is a team of financial professionals with all of the experience and tools necessary to augment any company's operating or financial plan, then making it happen. Ethical, trustworthy and easy to work with, these folks are highly recommended!"  

Peter W. Pflasterer, President & Co-Founder, JPS Communications, Inc.

Exits