The Alpha Search Human Capital Centric Approach consists of a three phase process and can typically be completed within 3 - 5 months. Client Positioning is designed to give us a clear sense of who you are and what you are seeking to achieve through a transaction. We establish a dialogue with the decision makers in your firm to gain a clear understanding of your strategic objectives and develop a profile of your ideal partner. We then do a deep dive into your business — past, present and future — in order to properly position you and articulate your unique story and vision. We have the resources and talent to assist you with creating professional quality presentation materials, adding color around historical results and emphasizing opportunities for your firm going forward. You are now equipped to meet your potential partners. Having worked closely with our team, you will have developed a clear communication plan and focused approach. Additionally, you send a clear signal that your intentions are serious, which will help attract the ideal partner. Partner Selection is arguably the most important phase of any transaction, and where Alpha Search offers a distinct competitive advantage to our clients. The power of our 10-year commitment to helping hedge funds build businesses gives us access to premier funds and an ability to read between the lines — understanding not only all facets of the business, but the critical human capital dynamics that impact the success of a hedge fund integration. We serve as an extension of your own personal rolodex, leveraging our relationships with hundreds of hedge funds and fund of funds, as well as our network of industry professionals (investment bankers, attorneys, consultants and vendors) to maximize the universe of potential partners for your firm. From our vantage point as a trusted advisor to the financial services community for the past 26 years, we bring to your search the context and perspective of hundreds of precedent transactions, as well as up to the minute market intelligence. The moment we receive our mandate, we immediately go to work identifying suitable partners, arranging introductions and promoting dialog, freeing up more of your time to focus on managing your portfolio and running your business. You are assured of full senior-level attention from our team and a commitment to handling all aspects of the transaction with the utmost confidentiality. We have now narrowed down your list of potential partners to one or two, completed preliminary due diligence, and have a valuation range in mind. As an objective intermediary, we depersonalize the negotiations by representing and articulating your interests and asking the tough questions without the unwanted "emotional interference" that can jeopardize a deal. Deal Execution begins when a Letter of Intent is delivered. At this point, our role becomes very similar to that of a traditional M&A advisor, but with the added value of our expertise in human capital management. You receive the benefit of an outsourced support team to coordinate the activities of all working group members, keeping the process on track according to an established timetable and focusing both parties on moving forward towards closing with a strong sense of urgency. Most hedge funds prefer to run their own models and control the due diligence process. We complement that by our focus on quietly presenting your firm to potential partners and positioning you in the best possible light. We have an appreciation of the unique considerations involved in hedge fund transactions and the potential for conflicting agendas. Our clients rely on us to promote a meeting of the minds when it comes to deal structure, valuation and aligning interests and incentives. We do not waste your time or our own pursuing any transaction lacking a compelling strategic and economic rationale, a solid cultural fit, and a high likelihood of consummation.