We do a lot more than play the numbers game.

Capital Structure

Because every investment comes with a unique set of circumstances, we tailor our deals to deliver maximum value to our management and investment partners. If a company offers stable, sustainable cash flows, we strongly believe the prudent use of debt will improve investment returns for all shareholders – including management. When we do use leverage, however, we first determine a company’s cash flow characteristics and the predictability of its operating results; and then rely on a conservative approach designed to support growth objectives. While debt can certainly help improve ROI, at Olympus we ensure returns are primarily driven by the growth and improved financial performance of the company itself – not by complex financial engineering.

Ownership Position

We decide whether to purchase a controlling or a minority ownership position based on a business’ capital requirements and the objectives of the company’s existing owners. If you are looking to raise growth capital for a business or to achieve moderate liquidity, we prefer a minority ownership position. If an owner is looking for greater liquidity, on the other hand, we will purchase a controlling interest. Regardless of the extent of Olympus’ involvement, we welcome the continued equity participation of existing shareholders.

Stage of Development

For growth capital deals, Olympus invests in a company only after it has demonstrated market acceptance of its product or service, proven its business model, and devised a sound plan for growth. At the time that we invest, a company must be generating meaningful revenues and, if not yet profitable, must be capable of achieving breakeven within a short time period and under reasonable growth assumptions. Olympus does not provide seed or early stage venture financing, but we will consider private financings of public companies or going private transactions.

Preferred Investment Size

Olympus’ investment approach is to generally limit the number of investments we make to three or four each year in order to have more time to spend working with our portfolio companies. Hand in hand with this approach is a desire to invest significant amounts of capital into each of our portfolio companies. Our preferred investment size ranges from $20 million for venture capital deals to $300 million or more for buyouts.

Use of Proceeds

We provide the capital which our portfolio companies need to: 

• Make strategic acquisitions 
• Expand into new locations 
• Develop new products 
• Build new sales channels 
• Invest in additional infrastructure 
• Provide liquidity for existing shareholders