Investment Strategy
At Vivaris, Ltd., we are committed to investing in niche manufacturing, distribution, service, and technology companies in the medical device, life science and biotech industries with unique core competencies that offer a sustainable and profitable market position. Companies of this size offer the greatest opportunity for operational improvements and growth within their defined market. We have developed a proprietary investment strategy that provides growth and long-term value creation.
Vivaris, Ltd.'s successful investment strategy encompasses the following elements to identify, acquire and grow target companies:
- Industry specialization
- Building value through an operational approach
- Proprietary deal flow and assessment
- Partnering with existing management teams
Industry Specialization
The medical and life science industries, defined in terms of our acquisition search criteria, includes medical devices, suppliers to the medical device industry, suppliers to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, companies engaged in medical diagnostics, and manufacturers of laboratory products. Major product segments in the medical device industry include general supplies, surgical instruments, therapeutic devices, artificial joints, implantable devices, and diagnostic equipment. Suppliers to the industry may provide specialized rubber or plastic parts, gears and hardware, electronics, and housings. The life sciences industry adds diagnostic kits and reagents, specialty chemicals, laboratory supplies, and biological specimens.
The firm's knowledge of these industries allows us to build leading industry participants in well-defined niches. This focus significantly improves our ability to source transactions, conduct effective due diligence, and recruit talented management teams. Industry specialization allows Vivaris, Ltd. to realize operating improvements and to pursue dynamic sales and marketing strategies. Our partners also possess broad expertise in directing manufacturing and distribution companies in these industry segments.
Proprietary Deal Flow and Assessment
Vivaris, Ltd. has exceptional access to deal flow. The company has established relationships with a network of intermediaries that serve the middle market. In addition, our buy-side professional actively seeks proprietary deals that will yield high-quality investment opportunities for building relationships directly with business owners. Our best acquisitions have consistently been sourced directly, which allows us to structure deals creatively and efficiently. It also provides the best relationship foundation for long-term success.
Building Value through an Operational Approach
Vivaris, Ltd. focuses on building equity value in their portfolio of companies through improvements in operating performance and organic revenue growth. Our experienced partners work closely with existing management teams, wherever possible, to identify and execute organizational strategies to achieve revenue and earnings objectives. Vivaris, Ltd. utilizes as set of skills and relationships to increase sales and profitability of portfolio companies:
- Assess the management team and add bench strength as required to accommodate growth
- Evaluate the brand position in the marketplace and develop a “sweet spot” message for online, PR, print, media, and sales material
- Expand web presence, e-commerce functionality, search engine optimization, and sponsored search to create traffic and sales generate leads
- Use market research to identify unmet needs, determine product offerings, assess competitive position, and develop key account strategies
- Upgrade the sales management function and expand the sales force using both in house and outside reps
- Pursue complementary acquisitions to expand market share, extend the product offering, enter new markets, and realize cost savings through consolidation
Partnering with Existing Management Teams
We believe that experienced, effective management teams given the right support and guidance from our partners are a fundamental key to the operational improvement and sustained profitability of a business. Many times we partner with the senior management teams in our portfolio companies providing equity incentives for performance. We also encourage the selling owner to remain as involved as possible. This transition plan may include a role as an ongoing member of the management, key advisor to the business, or a minority shareholder.