Sign of the times

Last week marked the demise of yet another symbol of the late '90s.  IPO.com shut down after six years of chronicling initial public offerings.

When the company began tracking IPOs in 1997, 616 companies went public, raising almost $45 billion.  So far this year we have seen only 7 IPOs, with capital raised only $743 million. 

So, where are companies getting their growth capital if not from the public markets?  More and more businesses are relying on alternatives like asset-based financing, receivables financing, private offerings, real estate loans and other creative approaches to raising capital. 

Also, more companies are using creative approaches to gaining market share, such as joint marketing ventures, strategic alliances, and the use of technology to leverage marketing dollars.  Stay tuned to the Digest as we analyze new solutions to traditional business challenges.

Leveraged Buyouts

One of the ways in which some companies are doing mergers & acquisitions today is through a vehicle called a leveraged buyout.  This is extremely popular among management groups and prospective buyers who are looking to leverage the company's assets to facilitate a sale. 

     
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Building Your Most Valuable Asset

McDonalds does it. So do Sears, Nabisco, Bank of America, every professional sports franchise, and now your corner restaurant. Do you? 

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Leveling the Playing Field

Between 1997 and 2002, the Center for Women's Business Research estimates that the number of women-owned firms increased by 14% nationwide -- twice the rate of all firms. In addition, employment in women-owned companies increased by 30% -- 1-1/2 times the U.S. rate, and sales grew by 40% -- the same rate as all firms in the U.S.

Despite the measurable success of women in business, a disproportionately small percentage of venture money goes to women-founded businesses. Enter FWE.

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