Oxford Financial Group

Situation

With offices in Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis, Oxford Financial Group, Ltd. (“Oxford”) is one of the largest multi-family office and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms in the country, with oversight of more than $16 billion in assets (including assets under management) for more than 500 families and institutions in 35 states.

Operating throughout the US, PayLink Direct (“PayLink”) is a specialty finance company with a demonstrated leadership position as a provider of distinct payment plan products and payment processing services used to facilitate purchases of a variety of consumer finance products. PayLink is the largest provider of its products for its market niche. The business was majority-owned by a global investment firm that sought to realize a liquidity event by selling its stake in the company.

Solution

Amherst was engaged by Oxford to lead a comprehensive financial and operational buy-side due diligence process for Oxford’s internal alternative investment team. Amherst acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Oxford.

Amherst was engaged prior to Oxford’s LOI submission and provided advisory services throughout the due diligence phase. These services also included the coordination of all third-party due diligence providers (information technology, legal, tax, etc.).

Results

Amherst professionals in the Birmingham and Chicago offices led the due diligence process through closing. PayLink was acquired by a strategic entity created by Oxford and the management team of the acquired company.

Leveraging the firm’s deep knowledge of the specialty finance industry and its robust network of relationships, Amherst was able to identify and succinctly analyze the key issues facing PayLink from both an operational and financial perspective.

In addition to providing comprehensive financial and operational due diligence services, Amherst also led the discussions with PayLink’s commercial banker which resulted in securing a credit facility that will allow the business to achieve its growth objectives.