Gaurav is available for hire
Hire GauravGaurav Bhagwat
Verified Expert in Finance
Finance Expert
Location
Pune, India
Toptal Member Since
July 17, 2020
Gaurav is a finance expert with over a decade of experience. He has executed M&A, private equity, and other strategic transactions in diversified industry verticals across the globe. Most recently, he drove corporate development initiatives for a $500 million Fortune 500, publicly listed, Indian company, leading M&A, strategic partnerships, and minority investments. Gaurav enjoys consulting as a way to advise clients on complex capital raising, M&A, and corporate finance initiatives.
Career Highlights
Financial Consultant
Freelance
M&A Sell-side Expert
Australia-based IT Services Company
Manager - Corporate Development
Persistent
Industry Expertise
Other Expertise
Work Experience
Financial Consultant
2018 - PRESENT
Freelance
- Provided valuation advisory to the shareholders of a US-based specialty retail company to determine fair valuation during the strategic sale process. The company sold, serviced, and stored recreational boats, generating $37 million in revenue.
- Acted as a sell-side advisor to the US-based specialty retail company by preparing the confidential information memorandum (CIM) to be shared with prospective acquirers.
- Provided sell-side advisory to a $24 million marine furniture and upholstery manufacturer operating in the North Americas and China by preparing the CIM to be shared with prospective acquirers.
- Created a financial model for a US-based time-synchronization and auditing software company during an M&A process. Advised the financial sponsor on valuation and optimum capital structures (debt-equity mix), considering cash flow characteristics.
- Built an integrated financial model for a pan-African investment firm intending to get into property development, financing, and technology-driven property management operations. It helped in the determination of funding needs and capital structure.
- Elaborated a financial model for a Saudi Arabia-based prop-tech startup intending to get into property development, financing, and technology-driven property management operations. It helped determine funding needs and capital structure.
Focus areas: Manufacturing, M&A Modeling, Investment Modeling, M&A (Sell-side), Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Three-statement Modeling, Valuation, Company Research, Pitch Decks, Investment Banking, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Valuation Modeling, Financial Analysis, Financial Services, Cross-border M&A, Market Research, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Leveraged Buyout Modeling, Pitch Deck Consultant, Debt Financing, Cash Flow Management, Financial Management, Finance, Business Models, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Startups, Venture Capital, Comparable Company Analysis, M&A Strategy, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), SME/SMB Financing, Equity Research, Public Companies, Retail, FMCG, Startups, B2B
M&A Sell-side Expert
2023 - 2023
Australia-based IT Services Company
- Drafted the list of potential acquirers who would be interested in the business. Solicited the interest from four potential acquirers and helped the company's CEO evaluate and select the best offer.
- Prepared the due-diligence material for the company and organized the data room. Assisted the company's CEO in addressing the due diligence queries.
- Reviewed the definitive purchase agreement and provided commercial inputs on the same.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), M&A (Sell-side), Financial Modeling, Due Diligence Consultant, Data Rooms, IT Services, B2B
Manager - Corporate Development
2013 - 2022
Persistent
- Advised the executives of a $500 million, publicly listed, global technology products and services company in formulating an inorganic growth strategy. Performed periodic market reviews and competitive research and identified new markets.
- Originated, evaluated, and executed acquisitions, minority investments, and strategic partnerships (e.g., royalty agreements) aimed at shifting from a traditional headcount-based linear revenue model to an IP-based, non-linear model.
- Prepared an operating model and valuation analysis and spearheaded due diligence for the acquisition of a European competitor, enabling entry into new geographies, a valuation increase of more than $16 million, and segment revenue growth of 33%.
- Developed an operating model and valuation analysis and spearheaded due diligence to acquire a European competitor, thereby strengthening competitive position, increasing the valuation by $10+ million, and growing revenue by 15%.
- Evaluated a minority investment in a fintech startup and participated in the Series A round. Exiting after four years resulted in strong cash-on-cash returns.
- Coordinated with internal stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and external advisors during due diligence, preparation, and finalization of definitive documents and closure of transactions, leading to valuation enhancements in excess of $50 million.
Focus areas: Investor Presentations, M&A Modeling, Investment Modeling, Due Diligence Consultant, SaaS, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Three-statement Modeling, Valuation, Company Research, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Due Diligence, Investments, Corporate Development, Valuation Modeling, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Business Strategy, Technology, M&A (Buy-side), Cross-border M&A, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Deal Structuring, Pitch Deck Consultant, Intellectual Property Valuation, Asset Valuation, Budgeting, Finance, Business Models, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Startups, Venture Capital, Comparable Company Analysis, M&A Strategy, IT Services, Startups, B2B
Senior Analyst
2010 - 2012
ALCOR Fund
- Developed an operating synergy plan and valuation model and led due diligence for a US company engaged in industrial control and automation systems during its $30 million acquisition in India, adding EBITDA of $6 million for the acquirer.
- Created a business plan and financial model for a 50:50 joint venture between an Indian and US company engaged in the energy equipment industry. Advised the management of both companies to achieve valuation parity through an upfront true-up.
- Solicited proposals from four independent global lenders on behalf of the largest pharmaceutical packaging company in India and secured $6 million in restructured debt, reducing stake dilution during the upcoming growth equity round.
- Performed financial analysis and benchmarking and prepared company profiles to assist senior bankers in identifying transaction opportunities across industries such as engineering, infrastructure, clean energy, and real estate.
- Interviewed, trained, and managed a team of interns, thereby improving the productivity of the M&A team.
Focus areas: Manufacturing, Investor Presentations, M&A Modeling, Investment Modeling, Due Diligence Consultant, M&A (Sell-side), Food & Beverage, Fundraising Consultant, Fundraising, Residential Real Estate, Real Estate, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Three-statement Modeling, Valuation, Company Research, Pitch Decks, Investment Banking, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Due Diligence, Clean Energy, Valuation Modeling, Joint Ventures, Financial Services, M&A (Buy-side), Financial Analysis, Cross-border M&A, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Deal Structuring, Commercial Real Estate, Credit/Debt, Pitch Deck Consultant, Asset Valuation, Budgeting, Debt Financing, Finance, Comparable Company Analysis, Hospitality, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), SME/SMB Financing, Startups, B2B
Credit Analyst
2009 - 2010
CRISIL Limited (S&P Subsidiary)
- Conducted financial analysis and forecasting and prepared credit models and credit memos based on a review of the company's strategy, financial strength, and industry outlook for the heavy engineering and industrial vertical.
- Evaluated lending proposals for residential and commercial real estate projects with values up to $100 million to determine the credit risks assumed by lenders and creditworthiness of the projects.
- Assessed greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects to determine the credit risks assumed by lenders and creditworthiness of the projects. Provided recommendations on credit enhancement and risk mitigation measures.
Focus areas: Residential Real Estate, Real Estate, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Three-statement Modeling, Company Research, Forecasting, Financial Services, Financial Analysis, Credit Analysis, Credit/Debt, Cash Flow Management, Financial Management, Finance, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), SME/SMB Financing, B2B
Education
2007 - 2009
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance
Indira Institute of Management - Pune, India
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