Simon is available for hire
Hire SimonSimon Touchette
Verified Expert in Finance
Finance Expert
Location
Montreal, QC, Canada
Toptal Member Since
December 22, 2018
Simon has worked closely with executives and led $400+ million of M&A, debt, and equity transactions across the world. A veteran of public companies like CAE as well as investment banks such as Scotia Capital and Cafa, his expertise ranges from valuation and forecasting to negotiating and closing transactions. Simon's most recent role as a principal at a private equity fund has allowed him to lead buy-side investment transactions and provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
Career Highlights
Partner – M&A, Corporate Finance and Business Advisory
Cafa Corporate Finance
Analyst
CAE, Inc.
Education Highlights
Master's Degree
IE Business School
Bachelor's Degree
HEC Business School
Certification Highlights
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
CFA Institute
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Industry Expertise
Other Expertise
Work Experience
Principal
2019 - 2024
Alfar Capital
- Launched a private equity fund from inception, establishing all policies, procedures (deal sourcing and execution, due diligence, portfolio management, fundraising, and more), and brand image.
- Developed comprehensive financial tools and investment procedures to optimize portfolio performance (KPIs, work methodologies, capital structure optimization, board policies, and more).
- Executed the acquisitions of multiple portfolio companies successfully and led the exit of a portfolio company, delivering an 8x return on investment (MOIC).
- Cultivated and trained a high-performing team capable of independent operation and strategic decision-making.
Focus areas: Private Equity
Associate – Investment Banking
2017 - 2017
Scotia Capital
- Built complex financial models for LBO and acquisition transactions incorporating various growth scenarios, sensitivity analysis, and cash flow analysis.
- Completed pitch books, market research, valuation models, comparable and precedent transaction analysis, and transaction structure analysis for North American large-cap companies.
- Managed projects within tight deadlines by collaborating with business teams and colleagues.
- Helped onboard and train analysts in the investment banking division.
Focus areas: Transaction Modeling, Financial Modeling, Forecasting, Valuation Multiples, Comparable Company Analysis, Valuation Modeling, M&A Modeling, Leveraged Buyout Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling
University Lecturer
2016 - 2017
McGill University School of Continuing Studies
- Taught a graduate-level M&A class at McGill University to 25 students with an objective to teach M&A from the point of view of a professional rather than an academic.
- Built the lecture slides, midterm, final exam and research projects to distill the core tenents of M&A into the curriculum.
Focus areas: Transaction Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, Leveraged Buyout Modeling, Valuation Modeling, Financial Modeling, M&A Modeling, Revenue Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Partner – M&A, Corporate Finance and Business Advisory
2013 - 2017
Cafa Corporate Finance
- Led the sale of two private companies to Newell Brands and AEA Investors at premium valuations with responsibilities that included managing the process, valuing the company, drafting a teaser and CIM, identifying and contacting 150+ buyers, negotiating the letters of intent, the share and asset purchase agreements, supervising due diligence and driving the transaction to a closing.
- Completed the cross-border acquisition of Air Energy, a Boston-based mid-market distributor of compressed air products, overseeing the valuation, transaction financing, due diligence, negotiations, drafting of the shareholder agreement and the closing of the transaction.
- Raised seed capital for Wirk’n, an employment matching mobile application, by preparing the marketing materials, contacting potential investors and assisting in the closing.
- Acted as an intermediary between lenders and a borrower for the monthly reporting and forecasting needs for a leveraged company helping to restructure the company's debt to enhance cash flow and profitability.
- Prepared company valuations for capital restructurings, estate planning, and financial planning purposes.
- Structured M&A transactions, debt and equity financing, capital restructurings, operating models, budgets and project finance models for clients across industries and of differing size.
Focus areas: Cash Flow Modeling, Leveraged Buyout Modeling, Transaction Modeling, Financial Modeling, Valuation Modeling, M&A Modeling, Forecasting, Valuation Analysis, Creative Financing, Equity Financing, Business Advisory, Corporate Finance, Cross-border M&A, M&A (Buy-side), M&A (Sell-side)
Analyst
2010 - 2011
CAE, Inc.
- Structured and executed joint ventures, capital investments and project financing transactions for simulation training centers in the commercial airline, private aviation, mining, and healthcare sectors. The analysis included financial modeling, market research, cost analysis, cash flow forecasting, leverage analysis and ensuring conformity to accounting standards.
- Participated in the closing due diligence and direct client negotiations with senior management in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Worked on multiple projects across business functions including executives, business development teams, accounting and finance departments as well as third-party advisors both locally and internationally.
Focus areas: Leveraged Buyout Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, Transaction Modeling, Valuation Modeling, Financial Modeling, Forecasting, Valuation Analysis, Finance Structures, DCF Valuation, Valuation, Market Research, Project Evaluation, Project Finance, M&A Modeling
Analyst
2009 - 2010
EDC – Export Development Canada
- Performed public and private fundamental credit risk analysis and due diligence as a member of the risk assessment and portfolio management team.
- Managed a portfolio of credit insurance exposure of CAD 1.5 billion in the light manufacturing and information and communication technology industries.
- Developed a financial model linked to Capital IQ that enhanced productivity for 100+ employees.
Focus areas: Investment Portfolio Management, Financial Risk Assessment
Investment Specialist
2007 - 2008
Royal Bank of Canada
- Delivered mutual fund investment advice and asset allocation for client portfolios.
- Provided financial advice for various types of clients and their different needs.
- Reviewed investment policy statements,.
Focus areas: Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Education
2012 - 2012
Master's Degree in Advanced Finance
IE Business School - Madrid, Spain
2003 - 2007
Bachelor's Degree in Finance
HEC Business School - Montréal, Canada
Certifications
AUGUST 2009 - JULY 2018
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
CFA Institute
JULY 2009 - PRESENT
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Collaboration That Works
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