![]() |
|
Identifying hidden value
Intangible assets accompanying a deal can often be key in supporting the value of other assets, such as plant and machinery, and stock. There can also be other hidden IP that has latent commercial value yet remains under the radar. Identifying and evaluating IP’s potential presents an opportunity for bankers and insolvency practitioners to realise greater returns.
Robust methodologies are used to evaluate the IP, which can then be reliably securitised to enable the borrower to raise more capital and the bank to increase the loan amount with lower risk. The exit strategy is also planned, so that in a distressed situation the asset can either be managed for return or sold – a structure is put in place prior to securitisation to facilitate this.
Intangible Business recently worked with GoIndustry for KBC client Burn Stewart Distillers, the Scotch whisky producer and brand owner. We valued its whisky brands alongside its inventory, which, when combined with the property value, supported an integrated asset-based loan facility of £31 million.
Acquisitions and disposals frequently disregard intangible assets either because they go unnoticed or are considered immaterial. We’ve recently seen the value of a number of intangibles – such as customer lists, databases and contracts for usage rights – almost missed during disposals by insolvency practitioners or corporate financers when their value was quite substantial.
Identifying and valuing the intangible assets is the first step. Once its value has been established, plans can be put in place to realise the value by sale and management. The preferred exit strategy is usually to sell the IP, but in order to do this the asset first has to be identified and valued.

Related Articles |
Interesting links
Other Sector Watch
- Investment veteran airs fears over UK biotech Oct 21 2008
- Talking rubbish Jul 28 2008
- Crisis?– what crisis? Jul 01 2008
- Let the
drilling begin
May 13 2008 - Bargains on the high street
Mar 13 2008
M&A News
- Red hot deal for AVC Jan 07 2009
- Pandora Books buys Badger Publishing Jan 06 2009
- ITV takes 25% stake in Carbon Media Jan 06 2009
- WR Berkley Insurance acquires Irish Professional Risks Jan 05 2009
- Asset values tumble for FTSE 100 CEOs Jan 05 2009
Special Offers
- 2008/09 AIM Guide Nov 12 2008
- Growth Company Investor Magazine: Dec 06 2008
- Cash Shells 2007 - Research report Jul 17 2007
- Venture Capital Trusts Jul 04 2007
M&A Deals
- Infinity wraps up second deal with Flextex Jan 07 2009
- London & Stamford Property's £74m deal Jan 06 2009
- MasterCard deal proves master stroke Jan 06 2009
- Randall & Quilter’s quest for deals Jan 05 2009
- Frutarom sniffs out Oxford Chemicals deal Jan 05 2009
Business Diary
- M&A Expanding internationally 27th November
- Rosenblatt New Energy Awards 2009 25th February
