Don Manifold

Don Manifold, Managing Director at Equity & Advisory — INTERVIEW

Don Manifold has served in senior leadership roles in some of the largest professional services firms in the world since 2006. Manifold has advised businesses in a range of industries, including financial services, retail, information technology (IT), consumer goods, manufacturing and agriculture. He has been involved in some of South Australia’s largest transactions, including the acquisitions of Adelaide Bank and ABB Grain. Manifold also advised on the sales of S. Kidman & Co and Powerhealth.

Don Manifold has been a business professional since 1990, specializing in corporate finance since 1996. He has advised companies on more than 60 mergers, acquisitions, divestments, initial public offerings (IPO) and capital raising, with a total value exceeding $3 billion. Manifold has also produced independent valuations on businesses with a total value greater than $25 billion. Publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, Business Review Weekly, The Bulletin and Smart Company have quoted Manifold on current business topics, especially pending transactions.

Early Career

Don Manifold is from Mount Gambier, a small town in South Australia. He attended Flinders University in Adelaide from 1987 to 1991, where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting). Manifold is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants fellow. He worked in Adelaide until 1994 and worked in other cities over the next 15 years, including Melbourne, Sydney and London. In addition, Manifold advised on international transactions in Australia, Croatia, England and Papua New Guinea.

Manifold also went back to school in 2003 and earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in 2004 from the Australian Graduate School of Management, which consistently ranks as one of the top business schools in the world.

Later Career

Don Manifold returned to Adelaide in 2006 as a partner with KPMG, until leaving that position in 2012. He then served as Transaction Advisory for Ernst and Young (EY) in South Australia from 2009 until 2014. Manifold’s next role at EY was Managing Partner of EY for South Australia and the Northern Territory from 2014 until 2018.

Read More: Building Wealthier, Healthier Communities >>

Current Positions

Don Manifold has been the Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory since 2018. This corporate advisory firm is preeminent in South Australia. He also founded his own company, Manifold Advisory Partners, in that year.

Equity & Advisory, a highly esteemed corporate advisory firm in South Africa, started serving the needs of clients with complex financial transactions back in 1997. The company relies on the expertise of business professionals with decades of service in corporate advisory roles. Don Manifold is a big reason why Equity & Advisory has successfully completed over 200 transactions worth more than $8 billion dollars since its inception.

Manifold also sits on the boards of several companies, where he advises them on business transactions. He has been a board member for ADX Depot, RAM Equipment and EC Carpets since 2018 and was also on the Chairman Advisory Board for Booth Transport from 2018 to 2020. In addition, Manifold has been the Director for Whittles Body Corporate Management since 2018.

With so much board advisory experience behind him, Don Manifold has the necessary expertise to assist clients with family business advisory board chair questions, strategic planning sessions, and succession and sustainability planning. He is also well-equipped to help clients with strategic reviews in the areas of exit timing and strategy and new market entry strategy.

Don Manifold and his staff have assisted clients with numerous types of mergers, including congeneric, conglomerates, horizontal, market, and vertical. He takes a multi-step approach to client mergers that covers everything from the initial valuation to post-merger issues.

Manifold Advisory Partners

Manifold Advisory Partners provides expert advice on business transactions, which typically involve Don Manifold sitting on the boards of his clients. He and his partners provide a breadth and depth of experience that allows them to guide their clients through large-scale transactions while serving as their advisors. Manifold Advisory Partners works with clients in a variety of industrial sectors by advising on transactions that require valuations, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. The firm has already worked on several transactions worth billions of dollars, both in Australia and other countries. In addition to serving as a board advisor for his clients, Manifold also performs strategic reviews.

The firm’s independent expert reports (IERs) provide shareholders with a complete picture of proposed transactions, giving them confidence that they’re making an informed decision. These IERs also promote transparency, as they comply with the guidelines established by various regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules and the 2001 Corporations Act. The objective of these IERs is to determine is if a proposed transaction is fair and reasonable. Manifold Advisory Partners may find that such a transaction is reasonable but not fair when no offers have been made or the transactions involves synergies with the client.

Related: Don Manifold’s Obsession of Creating Wealth for Others >>

Originally published at https://interview.net on May 9, 2024.

Smart companies nurture rising talents — and consulting firm Equity & Advisory (E&A) is doing just that. Stephen Young, Don Manifold, and Mark Vartuli — are noted for giving concise and actionable corporate advice — the kind that organizations can implement to bolster their value. So it’s no surprise that the company is excited to launch a new intern program, one where talented up-and-coming students can cut their teeth on complex transactions with real stakes.

“Equity & Advisory are looking for outstanding talent to participate in our internship program,” explains the company’s LinkedIn page. “Our program offers a unique career development opportunity for a period up to six months, allowing students to rapidly develop [mergers and acquisitions] and broader corporate finance skills alongside academic studies.”

An Exceptional Experience for Rising Stars

Interns looking for an exceptional learning experience couldn’t do better than E&A. Equity & Advisory launched in 1997, and since then, the team has completed 200 transactions totaling $8 billion. Each of the directors was either a managing director or managing partner before settling at E&A. They’ve handled headline-worthy transactions in both the private and public sectors, and their understanding of corporate structure has been a vital component to how their clients have fared before, during, and after the dotted line is signed. Behind the directors is a team of experts equally dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for every client.

The directors are proud to offer internships that will help students hone their financial skills outside the classroom. The basics of the initiative — which can last up to six months — include hands-on experience in mergers and acquisition deals, and a chance to learn broader corporate finance skills. To learn more, students can reach out to Equity & Advisory via LinkedIn.

Equity & Advisory: More Than Just Market Prediction

Corporate advisory is more than just market trends and predictions. The combined experience of E&A’s team members translates to unparalleled service for clients. Regardless of an intern’s specialty, E&A offers a comprehensive education in real-world transactions.

And Don Manifold, the firm’s joint managing director, is a prime example of the support interns will receive.

“In my view, the three skills [to be a successful entrepreneur] are having relentless persistence, having great people skills, [and] understanding the cash flow story,” he told online platform Billion Success. “Great execution and great people are the keys to growth. Understanding the cash flow story is the key to surviving growth.”

Don Manifold: Years of Expertise

Don Manifold has prepared independent reports and valuations for clients totaling more than $25 billion. With expertise in information technology, consumer goods, agriculture, and manufacturing, he brings insight and insider knowledge sharpened during his career.

“Our tagline is ‘When experience and outcomes matter,’” he told Billion Success. “Our point of difference is our leaders are both experienced corporate advisors and experienced businesspeople. This combination helps us give outstanding commercial advice that achieves outcomes for our clients. No other South Australian firm has this experience.”

Don Manifold has spent much of his life figuring out how to apply financial principles across the spectrum and he holds a degree in economics and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, regarded as one of the best business schools in the world. Now, he wants to give students the same chance to get ahead. He looks forward to welcoming interns from all walks of life, particularly as they’re just getting started in their careers.

Learning From Mistakes

Interns at E&A can expect to learn from the best, including Don Manifold. He shared his biggest mistakes when he was starting out, and beginners would do well to heed his sage advice.

Manifold said his first mistake was “allowing the wrong people to stay in the business.” He added that Equity & Advisory is a boutique business, and cultural fit is fundamental. “Big companies (prior to Equity & Advisory, I was managing partner of EY South Australia) can withstand some bad eggs, but in fast-growing small companies, bad culture fits are caustic.”

His second mistake was “not fixing process problems as they happened. I put up with inefficiencies, but when you are 10 times larger, you have 10 times the waste.”

And his third mistake? “I was too stubborn to ask for help,” he recalled, “It took me too long to get the collective wisdom of the amazing entrepreneurs who are willing to give advice if you ask.” Sound guidance for interns fortunate enough to secure a spot at E&A.

Originally published at https://www.ibtimes.com.au on January 14, 2023.

Don Manifold Instrumental in Dabble-Tabcorp Deal — Analyst of Finance

Don Manifold, the joint managing director at Equity & Advisory, recently helped secure a strategic investment for social betting group Dabble. This wagering platform now has the chance to expand and scale up, thanks to significant funding from Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling company.

This kind of transaction requires a lot of skill and finesse to structure and close, and it comes as no surprise that Manifold was chosen to help lead the team, along with John-Paul Calabrese, Nathan Salapatas, and Patrick Sanzo. As the commercial adviser to Dabble, Equity & Advisory was instrumental in structuring a deal that would protect its client while still appealing to its key investor.

“Equity & Advisory’s job is to help our clients create wealth,” Manifold told online platform Billion Success. “Our marketing is based on taking valuable ideas directly to our clients to help them create wealth.

“The most important step is the first one: sharing valuable ideas directly with clients about how to create and protect wealth. I swear by the approach. Our team wants to help people not sell.”

Tabcorp and Dabble: A $33 Million Infusion

Dabble’s CEO, Tom Rundle, was straightforward about what the money would mean for the company’s future: “The investment will play a critical role in the delivery of Dabble’s unique offering to its young and engaged customer base.” Tapping into this market will mean adjusting the platform so it becomes an immersive, socialized experience for the company’s 150,000-plus customer base. In return for its investment, Tabcorp Holdings is getting 20% of Dabble and the right to appoint a director to its board. Under the terms of the contract, Tabcorp is buying the stake on a fully diluted basis. The decision comes shortly after Tabcorp sold its gaming systems arm eBET for AU$62 million.

Dabble was founded in 2020 by the Robin brothers. Dabble is known for its integration of standard wagering with the capability of a bettor to copy bets made by others in their circle. So, if a bettor notices that a friend is making more with their betting strategy, they can simply copy those same bets in hopes of improving their earnings. What’s more, they don’t even have to know the person to do this — they can simply follow a person’s handle to copy their betting strategy.

Don Manifold said that Tabcorp’s decision is aligned with its larger goals of implementing a better digital strategy. Tabcorp is welcoming a new era defined by the expectations of younger consumers, and around 80% of Dabble’s users are in Tabcorp’s target age bracket. Dabble has also posted significant earnings, reporting $47 million in annual revenue in June 2022.

The managing director of Tabcorp, Adam Rytenskild, said, “Dabble is one of the most unique and innovative wagering brands, and our investment today fits perfectly with our transformation agenda.” The larger idea behind the sale is to exploit the synergies between the two brands, syncing up wherever possible to create win-win opportunities. As the social betting experience continues to evolve, Dabble and Tabcorp are ready to keep up with consumer expectations so that betting in Australia can remain rewarding and enjoyable.

Equity & Advisory

This latest deal aligns with what Equity & Advisory has been doing for decades. Since 1997, E&A has been helping clients secure deals that work for them. Specializing in family and private business affairs, the team has managed hundreds of transactions worth a combined total of $8 billion. The directors of the company, Don Manifold, Stephen Young, and Mark Vartuli, bring a wealth of experience to every deal.

Having held senior positions at a variety of firms before coming to Equity & Advisory, the team members are known for their ability to assess the true worth of a company based on its current merits and projected potential in the market. They then leverage that value to raise capital or debt, structure a sale, or extract synergy from two partners.

“Each of our leaders previously held managing director/partner positions within large businesses and each leader currently chairs or is a board member of significant companies,” Manifold explained. “This combination of corporate advisory and hands-on management brings unique commercial perspectives to our clients.

“Our leaders are backed by a committed team of 10 professionals totally focused on achieving the best possible result for our clients.”

Don Manifold is a master of strategy, preparation and due diligence for every project he undertakes. While he uses his past experiences to help ward off oversights, he also doesn’t make broad assumptions before he has an opportunity to assess the realities of the negotiations. Case in point: Dabble has a unique position in the betting industry, particularly given the social aspect of its platform. The ability to make wagering both communal and immersive is what led people to flock to the digital application, and it’s this functionality that sparked Tabcorp’s interest.

The Life and Career of Don Manifold

One of Manifold’s most famous sales was that of S. Kidman & Co, a deal marked by bitter feelings and dissension. At the time of the sale, Manifold was the managing partner of Ernst & Young, and he was under intense scrutiny to find a solution. The famous cattle empire underwent years of in-fighting, made possible by generations of misunderstandings and conflicting priorities. His success is a testament to a steadfast character, one that could handle everything from tabloids to the individual egos of those involved with the sale.

Throughout his career, Manifold has prepared independent valuations for clients totaling more than $25 billion. He’s also worked on deals around the world, giving him invaluable insight into both the laws and cultural differences that dictate the finalities of every negotiation. With experience in IT, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods, he’s handled everything from turnaround consulting to strategic advisory at Equity & Advisory.

And he’s got his sights set on the future, which he thinks will involve “artificial intelligence or AI,” he told IdeaMensch. “Most people know that an IBM computer beat a world chess champion. What most people don’t know is that a computer has never beaten a world chess champion coupled with a computer. AI will not replace people but will help us build better businesses and better communities. The opportunities are endless.”

Originally published at https://analystoffinance.com on October 15, 2022.

09.29.22 Don Manifold is the Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory (E&A), a corporate advisory firm based in Australia. He has over 30 years’ experience, including 25 years in corporate finance. Don has completed more than 70 business transactions, with a combined value of more than $3 billion and valuation reports on businesses with a combined value greater than $25 billion. Don was recently interviewed about his business activities, interests, influences, tastes, traits and big ideas.

What is your current project?

E&A helps family and private businesses with acquisitions, capital raisings, divestments and restructuring. All of our leaders have previously been managing partner or managing directors at large organisations and each is currently a board member at one or more family and private businesses. These leaders are also supported by a team of professionals dedicated to achieving the best results for our clients.

What is your latest accomplishment?

E&A has grown tenfold over the past four years, largely due to our direct engagement strategy with the market. This strategy is heavily influenced by the Sharing, Refining, Proposing and Delivering model developed by Michael Kean, a former Deloitte partner who mentored me prior to becoming a partner. The essence of this approach is to bring to valuable ideas to our clients to help them achieve their goals.

Click here to learn more about Don Manifold >>

What is your latest contribution to others?

E&A’s purpose is to create wealth for our clients and communities. We believe that wealthier clients and communities lead to healthier communities that are safer, more innovative and more inclusive. E&A’s focus on helping others develop in the business and in sharing ideas with our clients is engrained in our DNA at E&A. Recently, we have started supporting Guildhouse, an amazing nonprofit organisation that supports South Australian visual artists, craftspeople and designers to build and maintain sustainable careers. Our hope is that by helping artists build sustainable careers, we are helping to build a healthier and more creative community.

What’s been your big leap?

Growing E&A to its present level. The company was already 21 years old when I joined, but it had been dormant for about five years. My job was to restart the business, based on the idea of creating wealth for our communities. Wealthier communities are better able to create a fair and inclusive society, which also helps our team improve their talents.

CUES AND VIEWS:

What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dependable. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with my family, which trumps everything else. What is your greatest fear? E&A is a small, fast-growing company, where team culture is so important. I need to make sure I hire the best people to fuel the next stage of our growth. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Artificial intelligence (AI) consulting businesses. AI won’t replace service providers, although it can help them build better businesses. What is your go-to workout? I enjoy cycling, running and swimming.

What was your first paying job? I started work with KPMG in Adelaide after graduating from university in that city. What book have you repeatedly read? Scaling Up, by Verne Harnish. I consistently see the principles of his work transform family and private businesses. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My aunt, Josephine Tiddy or “AJ” short for Aunty Jo. AJ was South Australia’s first commissioner for Equal Opportunity and pioneered significant social change that was adopted Australia wide. AJ’s unwavering commitment to a fairer and more inclusive society has influenced my own values on business. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Google Keep, which allows me to track my priorities from any device.

What is your big idea? Identify the top three things you need to do to create happiness and focus only on those things. Stolen focus is one of the greatest barriers to achieving your goals. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? E&A is currently leveraging the significant organic growth that’s occurring in the South Australian market. We intend to expand into other Australian States in the future. What mega-trend most excites you? Advances in AI. Most people are aware that an IBM computer has beaten a world chess champion, but they may not know that a computer has never beaten a world champion working with a computer.

After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Our indoor plants. What advice would you give your younger self? Take risks and be kind to yourself. Nobody really cares if you fail, but they worry if you don’t try. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day our daughter Gaby was born. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early career. I was too stubborn to ask for help, so it took me too long to gain the wisdom of others who would have given me advice if I had asked.

Personal mission: To spend time with people, nurture their talents and allow them to be creative. People are the most important success factor. Personal motto: Work hard, be humble. The greatest mistakes I’ve made in life have occurred when I haven’t followed this simple mantra.

For more information on Don Manifold click here >>

Originally published at https://www.principalpost.com.

Don Manifold and Equity & Advisory Support Sale of YourDC to Amber Infrastructure — Chief Exec

Iseek Communications — and majority stakeholder Amber Infrastructure — recently announced it acquired data center company YourDC. The value of the deal hasn’t been disclosed, but it’s expected to range from AU$50 to AU$100 million (approximately $34 to $67 million). Don Manifold’s corporate advisory firm, Equity & Advisory, helped close the deal.

It’s another feather in the cap for Don Manifold and Equity & Advisory. “Equity & Advisory is South Australia’s preeminent independent corporate advisory firm helping private and family businesses with acquisitions, divestments, restructurings, and capital raisings,” Manifold, the firm’s joint managing director, told online platform Billion Success. “Our leaders have helped deliver more than 200 successful transactions valued in excess of $8 billion for our clients.”

YourDC brings to the table the largest ecosystem of carriers, cloud, and managed services in South Australia. At the time of the deal, it had two data centers located in Adelaide, Australia. This makes it an ideal acquisition for Iseek Communications because it will allow the company to expand further across the country. The expansion boosts the company’s size to seven data centers, providing co-location, cloud, and connectivity services to those throughout Australia, in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Northern Queensland.

Tristan Evans, investment director at Amber Infrastructure, stated, “We see strong growth opportunities for Iseek, supported by the industry shift toward outsourced digital infrastructure. This shift is driven by increased demand for data storage, greater data sovereignty, and the need for data protection in regions prone to natural disasters. Iseek is already benefiting from this shift, [and was] recently awarded the Queensland Government’s core network data-as-a-service contract.”

The transaction is notable for many reasons, including that it will allow Iseek Communications to expand its national profile significantly, reaching new customers and growing its assets overall, providing for the ever-increasing need for digital services in the region.

Don Manifold’s work includes aiding in initial public offerings, raising capital, and divestments. His diverse history includes managing the sale of S. Kidman & Co. Don Manifold is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He holds a Master of Business Administration (executive) from the Australian Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Economics (accounting) with honors.

Need more? Click here learn more about Don Manifold.

More About YourDC

YourDC will continue to be operated by Scott Hicks, co-founder and CEO. He’ll continue to be invested in the growth of the YourDC market. YourDC is the only Tier 3 data center facility with defense-grade security in place in the state, making this acquisition a vital one for Iseek Communications.

YourDC’s Hicks shared, “Our acquisition by Iseek will facilitate our next growth phase, expanding our data center capacity to capitalize on significant market demand and growth opportunities. As founder-led businesses, YourDC and Iseek have multiple synergies with the acquisition, enabling us to offer additional digital and co-location services.”

YourDC was launched in 2015 and grew to manage two data centers located in Adelaide. These two locations, one in the south and the other in the northern part of the city, were connected by a dedicated fiber ring. ADL1 Hawthorn, as the first location is known, offers 6,250 square feet of technical space with a capacity for 220 racks. ADL2 Edinburgh Parks launched a year after ADL1 with 24,550 square feet of technical space, with 20 rooms that offer a capacity for 800 racks.

Related: CEO Spotlight: Don Manifold, Managing Director of Equity & Advisory and Founder of Manifold Advisory Partners

More About Iseek Communications

Iseek Communications is currently a leading digital infrastructure operator in Australia. It has numerous clients, including various national enterprises and government organizations. The company currently provides data center solutions for the region along with cloud access and connectivity services. As a national company, it is uniquely qualified for most customers because it offers coverage across the region, including in urban areas, rural regions, and more regional areas.

Each of Iseek Communications’ facilities are some of the most secure available, providing physical security at the location and requiring the use of two-factor authentication, 24-hour camera surveillance, and biometric reader access. The company also has various staging areas for equipment setup and disaster recovery. Iseek Communications was first established in 2000.

Another key note about Iseek Communications is its recent efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, in part by working to reduce the amount of power the company uses and minimizing overall energy costs. Jason Gomersall, founder and CEO of Iseek Communications, stated, “Our acquisition of YourDC is game-changing for our growth trajectory. It provides us a large footprint in South Australia, strengthens our national offering, and increases our exposure within the defense and education sectors.”

He continued, “The complementary businesses are market leaders in their respective states with proven track records of delivering secure and reliable critical infrastructure to large-scale government and enterprise customers. Importantly, YourDC’s customer-centric culture aligns with ours, and we are retaining its high-performing team and valuable long-term customer relationships.”

About Amber Infrastructure

Amber Infrastructure provides assessment management and investment advisory services. Its business focuses heavily on sourcing, developing, and advising on infrastructure assets. This includes areas of renewable energy, transport, and utilities. The investment made in Iseek Communications in 2021 was the first time Amber Infrastructure has moved into digital assets for investment in Australia. The terms of that agreement were not disclosed.

Amber Infrastructure is based in London. At the last update, it had $6 billion in assets under management and investments spread across seven funds. It’s played an active role in a variety of transactions in Australia and has done so since 2006.

Originally published at https://chiefexec.net on September 30, 2022.

Don Manifold serves as the joint managing director of Equity & Advisory, an Adelaide-based firm working on high-value transactions. Since its founding, the firm has completed more than 200 transactions valued at more than $8 billion. Manifold specialises in advising commercial clients on valuations, divestments and mergers and acquisitions. He is also the founder of Manifold Advisory Partners which helps boards and business leaders with strategy development, including major transactions.

Prior to joining Equity & Advisory, Manifold served as a Partner of KPMG and as the office managing partner for four years for South Australia and Northern Territory for Ernst & Young (“EY”). He also ran EY’s Transaction Advisory division in South Australia. With more than 25 years of corporate finance experience, Manifold has advised on more than 70 completed transactions, including acquisitions, capital raising, divestments and initial public offerings. Their combined value is in excess of $3 billion.

He is considered an expert in business valuations and independent expert’s reports. Manifold has worked with clients in an expansive range of industries, including agriculture, consumer goods, finance, information technology, manufacturing and retail. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has served as a director or chairman for multiple companies, including ADX Depot, Booth Transport Pty Ltd, EC Carpets, Whittles Body Corporate Management, MGA Insurance Brokers and RAM Equipment.

Don Manifold earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting with honors from Flinders University and holds an executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is also a member of the Seymour College’s Finance and Risk Committee and was on the Finance Council of the South Australian Catholic Church for over 10 years.

How did you get started in this business?

I grew up in Mount Gambier, a small regional city in South Australia. After graduating from Flinders University, I worked for KPMG in Adelaide. I worked in London, Melbourne and Sydney before returning to Adelaide.

How do you make money?

Our work comes from helping corporations with strategies to create wealth. We provide independent business evaluations which identify opportunities that can guide which direction to take. That may mean a merger or acquisition, raising capital or going public. We provide impartial, data- and market-driven insights that help companies thrive.

How long did it take for you to become profitable?

Equity & Advisory was founded in 1997. I arrived in 2018 and am very proud that in the past four years, our company has grown tenfold.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

I think we all experience doubt from time to time. When I’ve faced adversity and challenges, I think the best thing I can do is stay true to my convictions. The other rule I have is to do the worst first. It’s advice I was given early in my career and I’ve found it works well.

How did you get your first customer?

I think the best way to get any customer is to focus on your strengths. Our firm’s tagline is “when experience and outcomes matter.” We lead with how we have generated considerable wealth for our clients and the process we take. Underpinning all of those insights is the experience and expertise my colleagues and I bring to the table. I think that provides a compelling case.

What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?

We bring valuable ideas to our clients that we believe will help them create wealth. Our marketing approach is heavily influenced by a mentor of mine, Michael Kean, a former partner at Deloitte. He created a model that professional services firms should use — Sharing, Refining, Proposing and Delivering. The first concept, Sharing, is the most critical. It’s an approach I swear by because it tells our clients our commitment to creating and protecting their assets.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

Failing to recognize the importance of chemistry in the workplace. Equity & Advisory is a small, boutique firm, so cultural fit is imperative. We now focus on chemistry — how people get on with others — rather than just resume and skills — when looking at candidates.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

Prioritize the work you’re doing and make sure that you focus on the work that is going to have the greatest impact on outcomes, for your firm and for your clients.

I also believe in the power of relationships and networks. You need to establish a reputation and build people’s trust to be successful.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

There are too many to narrow it down to one. I think each time we help a business create wealth using the ideas we’ve presented, it’s tremendously rewarding.

What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?

We are looking to leverage the organic growth that has developed in the South Australian market. We would like to launch an investment vehicle for high-net-worth individuals. The fund would offer investment opportunities to private companies in South Australia first, followed by expansion throughout Australia.

What business books have inspired you?

The book “Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It … and Why the Rest Don’t” is a practical guide that shows you clear paths to creating wealth. It emphasizes focusing on the most important things that will generate wealth.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

-Don’t be afraid to take risks. People don’t concern themselves much if you fail. They are concerned if you don’t make the attempt.
 — Be efficient from the start. Don’t waste time you don’t have.
 — Culture is very important. Make sure the culture you build when you have the chance is the right one and not spoiled by toxic people.
 — Seek help when you need it. Don’t be so stubborn that you can’t recognize when you need support and find it.

Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?

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Originally published at https://inspirery.com on September 29, 2022.

An expert in acquisitions, divestments, and mergers, this entrepreneur is known for his thorough evaluations and honest assessments.

Don Manifold is the Joint Managing Director at Equity & Advisory and the founder of Manifold Advisory Partners.

Over his storied career, he’s advised on deals valued at more than $3 billion, including capital raising, IPOs, divestments, and acquisitions. Most notably, he handled the contentious sale of S. Kidman & Co to a joint venture company when he was managing partner at Ernst & Young in Adelaide.

Having covered both South Australia and the Northern Territory while at EY, he was driven by finding value for all parties. The independent expert reports and valuations he’s prepared for a variety of top-tier clients are in excess of $25 billion and his diligence has earned him the respect of some of the powerful business professionals in the world.

While based in Australia, Manifold has worked in London and advised on transactions in Papua New Guinea and Croatia. From agriculture, consumer goods and manufacturing to information technology, Manifold has a methodical approach, going into every venture with fresh eyes, avoiding the pitfalls of assumptions while working to logical conclusions.

Don Manifold is motivated by both finding information and presenting it in ways that the clients can easily absorb. He’s an objective party, and executives trust him to outline the deal, highlight the trouble spots and weigh in on the viability of the transaction. From identifying the target to structuring its financials, he leaves no stone unturned.

As the head of his own firm, he’s expected to stay on top of every stage of his deals. When it comes to the complex nature of mergers and acquisitions, there are a lot of facets to align. From the size of the workforce to the public perception of the sale, Manifold must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of multiple scenarios. Each recommendation is backed up with hard data, and Manifold is adept at customizing his reports to meet the needs of the client in question.

His past clients have praised him for his efficiency when working through the most time-consuming steps. He also has a keen interest in discovering win-win solutions wherever possible. Having served in senior leadership roles for more than 15 years, his transaction advisory skills are second to none. After having worked with some of the most successful service firms in the world, he’s learned how to triumph over stumbling blocks of nearly every variety.

Originally published at https://www.australiantimes.co.uk/ on July 15, 2022.

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• Don Manifold's Obsession of Creating Wealth for Others
• Don Manifold: Advisor in Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestments
• Don Manifold - Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory
• Professional Spotlight: Don Manifold of Manifold Advisory Partners

Don Manifold is an expert in acquisitions, divestments, mergers and preparing valuation statements. He has more than 30 years of professional work experience, with 25 of those years spent in corporate finance. Manifold has personally advised clients on more than 60 complex corporate finance deals with a combined value of over $3 billion, including:

• Acquisitions
• Capital Raising
• Divestments
• Initial Public Offerings (IPO)

Don Manifold has also produced independent expert reports and valuations with a combined value of more than $25 billion. He has worked with clients in a wide range of industries besides financial services, including agriculture and technology, food, and professional services. Some of Manifold’s leading transactions include:

• Acquisition of ABB Grain
• Acquisition of Adelaide Bank
• Sale of S. Kidman & Company
• Sale of Powerhealth

What is Don Manifold’s Background?

Manifold was born and raised in Mount Gambier, a small city in South Australia. He began his first professional position in Adelaide and has also worked in the cities of London, Melbourne, and Sydney and the countries of Australia, Croatia, and England.

Don Manifold earned a Bachelor of Economics from Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1991. He returned to school a dozen years later to earn a Master of Business Education (MBA) from the Australian Graduate School of Management located in Sydney. Manifold is currently a Fellow with the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The first leadership position Don Manifold held was as a partner at Deloitte in 2004 until he moved to KPMG in 2006. He remained with KPMG from 2006 to 2012 before moving to Ernst & Young in Adelaide. Manifold served as the Office Managing Partner for the South Australia and Northern Territory of Ernst & Young from 2014 to 2018. He then left to launch his own business, Manifold Advisory Partners.

Since going out on his own, Manifold has taken on several other advisory boards and similar positions. He currently maintains professional relationships with the following organizations:

• Chair Advisory Board at ADX Depot
• Chair Advisory Board at RAM Equipment
• Chair Advisory Board at Hybrid Ag
• Chair Advisory Board at EC Carpets
• Director at Whittles Body Corporate Management
• Managing Director at Equity & Advisory

Equity & Advisory, a highly esteemed corporate advisory firm in South Australia, started serving the needs of clients with complex financial transactions back in 1997. The company relies on the expertise of business professionals with decades of service in corporate advisory roles. Equity & Advisory has successfully completed over 200 transactions worth more than $8 billion dollars since its inception.

Services Offered by Manifold Advisory Partners

With so much board advisory experience behind him, Don Manifold has the necessary expertise to assist clients with family business advisory board chair questions, strategic planning sessions, and succession and sustainability planning. He is also well-equipped to help clients with strategic reviews in the areas of exit timing and strategy and new market entry strategy.

Don Manifold and his staff have assisted clients with numerous types of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions. He takes a multi-step approach to client mergers that covers everything from the initial valuation to post-merger issues.

Clients involved in an acquisition have the assurance of knowing that Don Manifold and his staff have extensive knowledge of Australian regulations that all parties must follow. As with mergers, Don and his team aid clients throughout the entire process of acquisitions, starting with developing a strategy and continuing to offer support once the deal is complete.

Manifold Advisory Partners offers a range of core divestment services to assist clients with maximizing the value of their business. Some typical examples of how he and his staff help clients include selling underperforming portions of a business, liquidating assets to increase the company’s real-time value, and business carve-outs. He and his team assist clients from the initial business assessment through capacity evaluation, program planning and execution, and providing post-divestment services.

Offering shareholders complete and unbiased expert reports is essential to the success of any business sale. Don Manifold offers a report on a range of business transactions, such as takeover bids, capital reduction and buy-backs, and securities acquisitions. Each in-depth report covers the following:

• Overview and analysis of the proposed transaction
• Business valuation
• Summary of competitors within the industry
• Opinion and rationale explaining how the transaction benefits shareholders

The last service Manifold Advisory Partners offers is business valuations. Don and his team follow a step-by-step process that describes such factors as market potential, potential risks, competitor analysis, and benefits and drawbacks of current company management and staff. Clients receive a written business valuation report and the opportunity to sit down with Don Manifold and his staff to hear the justification of each point the report covers.

Originally published at https://www.tycoonstory.com on July 7, 2022.

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• CEO Spotlight: Don Manifold, Managing Director of Equity & Advisory and Founder of Manifold Advisory Partners - CEOWORLD magazine
• Don Manifold - Managing Director @ Equity & Advisory - Crunchbase Person Profile
• Don Manifold
• Don Manifold - Managing Director at Equity & Advisory

Don Manifold is the Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory, a preeminent South Australian Corporate Advisory firm. Prior to Equity & Advisory, Don was the Managing Partner for EY South Australia and Northern Territory.

Originally from the small South Australian city, Mount Gambier, Don started his career in Adelaide and has worked in London, Sydney, and Melbourne before returning to Adelaide in 2006.

Don has over thirty years of professional experience including twenty-five years specialising in corporate finance. Don has advised on over 60 completed acquisitions, divestments, capital raisings, and IPOs with a combined value in excess of $3 billion and has produced valuation and independent expert’s reports for businesses with a combined value in excess of $25 billion.

Don is married to Rachel, a dermatologist, and has three daughters. Don enjoys time with his family, cycling and running, and the occasional triathlon.

What is Equity & Advisory all about?

Equity & Advisory is South Australia’s pre-eminent independent corporate advisory firm helping private and family businesses with acquisitions, divestments, restructurings, and capital raisings. Our leaders have helped deliver more than 200 successful transactions valued in excess of $8 billion for our clients.

Each of our leaders previously held Managing Director/Partner positions within large businesses and each leader currently Chairs or is a board member of significant companies. This combination of corporate advisory and hands-on management brings unique commercial perspectives to our clients.

Our leaders are backed by a committed team of ten professionals totally focused on achieving the best possible result for our clients.

Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?

I grew up in a small regional city called Mount Gambier and went to University in Adelaide, South Australia. I started work in Adelaide with KPMG and I returned to Adelaide in 2006 after stints in London, Sydney, and Melbourne. I spent my entire career in the Big 4 consulting businesses, prior to joining Equity & Advisory.

Equity & Advisory started in 1997 by its two founders, Stephen Young and Mark Vartuli. Equity & Advisory wound back its corporate advisory business when its founders built up the successful investment company focusing on mining services — E&A Limited.

I joined Equity & Advisory in 2018 to restart the corporate advisory business and we have grown it tenfold in the four years since I joined.

What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?

In my view, the three skills are:

• Having relentless persistence
• Having great people skills
• Understanding the cash flow story.

Great execution and great people are the keys to growth. Understanding the cash flow story is the key to surviving growth.

What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to grow this company?

Our first area of growth is to take advantage of the significant organic growth in the South Australian market. We intend to grow an investment vehicle for high-net-worth individuals providing investment opportunities in South Australian private companies. In the future, we will expand into other Australian States.

How have the pandemic and Lockdown affected you or your new business?

The pandemic was a roller coaster. Initially, our work stopped completely but has since recovered and we are achieving record revenues. I feel guilty at times as many great entrepreneurs have been devasted by the pandemic.

How do you separate yourself from your competitors?

Our tag line is “When experience and outcomes matter”. Our point of difference is our leaders are both experienced corporate advisors and experienced businesspeople. This combination helps us give outstanding commercial advice that achieves outcomes for our clients. No other South Australian firm has this experience.

Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?

Equity & Advisory’s job is to help our clients create wealth. Our marketing is based on taking valuable ideas directly to our clients to help them create wealth. My direct marketing approach is heavily influenced by Michael Kean, a former Deloitte Managing Partner, a former mentor, and an inspiring person. Michael created a Sharing, Refining, Proposing, and Delivering model for professional services.

The most important step is the first one — sharing valuable ideas directly with clients about how to create and protect wealth. I swear by the approach. Our team wants to help people not sell.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

When I arrived back in Adelaide in 2006, I had been away for almost ten years and had almost no network and relationships. The only way to fix this was hard work. I have heard it said that people do business with people that they know, they trust and they like. Michael Keen’s approach was instrumental in getting to know people and building their trust.

What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?

Selling helium gas at a school fair to change the pitch of peoples’ voices. While it was an outstanding success, it was short-lived and the school soon had us selling balloons again!

What are you learning now? Why is that important?

Patience. I am teaching my beautiful 16-year-old daughter how to drive. It is important as I get to spend at least 75 hours with my daughter which is a gift.

If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?

There are three things I would do differently:

• Never comprise on culture
• Be razor-sharp on being efficient from the get-go
• Establish an advisory board to get access to outside ideas.

What’s a productivity tip you swear by?

Do the worst first. My dear cousin shared that with me early in my career and it has helped me get the hard things done.

Can you recommend one book, one podcast, and one online course for entrepreneurs?

I love the book Scaling Up. The book is the most practical guide I have read to creating wealth in business.

If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?

I would start an artificial intelligence or AI consulting business. Most people know that an IBM computer beat a world chess champion. What most people don’t know is that a computer has never beaten a world chess champion coupled with a computer. AI will not replace service providers but will help service providers build better businesses and better communities. The opportunities are endless.

What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?

I love what I do and there are a few jobs where you get to help amazing talented people with critical transactions.

What is your favorite quote?

Work hard, be humble.

It is a quote from a successful private equity fund manager. The greatest mistake I have made in life (and there are many) is when I have not followed this simple quote.

What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?

Work out the top 3 most important things to create wealth, focus on those three things and stop doing everything else. I think the greatest enemy to growing wealth is stolen focus.

Who should we interview next and why?

Patrick Power, the founder of Powerhealth Solutions. Patrick is a remarkable entrepreneur.

What is your definition of success?

Being healthy, having a healthy and happy family, and contributing to a growing community. Running my own business gives me the control to achieve those things that define success for me.

How do you personally overcome fear?

Anxiety and fear have haunted me for my entire life. Recognising that others feel the same way and practicing a lot has helped me. However, it is an ongoing journey.

How can readers get in touch with you?

Simply google Don Manifold and Equity & Advisory. Our contact details are on our website.

Originally published at https://billionsuccess.com on April 20, 2022.

• Don Manifold - Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory
• Don Manifold - Managing Director at Equity & Advisory
• Don Manifold
• Don Manifold - Wiki

CEO Spotlight: Don Manifold, Managing Director of Equity & Advisory and Founder of Manifold Advisory Partners

Don Manifold is a world-renowned expert on mergers, acquisitions and divestments. He is Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory also the founder of Manifold Advisory Partners . In addition to these positions, Don is the current chair of EC Carpets, ADX Depot and Hybrid Ag and was the former chair of Booth Transport. Don is a director of Whittles Management and a member of Seymour College’s Finance and Risk Committee.

Don has over thirty years’ experience in business, including twenty-five years in corporate finance. He has spent the last 15 years in transaction advisory, where he has served in senior leadership roles with some of the world’s largest professional service firms. Don has worked in a broad range of industries, including agriculture, consumer goods, financial services, information technology, manufacturing and retail. He has also worked in Australia, England and Croatia.

Don has advised clients on over 60 completed acquisitions, capital raisings, divestments and initial public offerings (IPOs), which have a total value of more than $3 billion. He has also prepared over 50 reports and valuations as an independent expert for clients with a total value of more than $25 billion, including some of the largest companies in South Australia. The divestment of S. Kidman & Co in 2016 is the largest transaction Don has led to date. Other high-profile deals include the acquisition of ABB Grain, the acquisition of Adelaide Bank and the sale of Powerhealth.

Education

Don attended Flinders University from 1987 to 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Economics with Honors. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), which he attended from 2003 to 2004. AGSM is consistently rated one of the top business schools in the world. In addition, Don is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant.

Experience

Don started his career in 1990 in Adelaide, South Australia, and later worked in other major cities like Melbourne, Sydney and London. He returned to Adelaide in May 2006, where he worked for KPMG until 2012. Don has also advised on international transactions in various countries, including Australia, Croatia, England and Papua New Guinea.

In addition, he led the Transaction Advisory division for Ernst and Young (EY) in South Australia from 2012 to 2014. Don became a Managing Partner at EY in South Australian and Northern Territory in 2015 until leaving the firm in March 2018.

Current Positions

In 2018, Don became the Joint Managing Director of Equity & Advisory , a leading South Australian Corporate Advisory firm. He also founded Manifold Advisory Partners in 2018, which assists companies in developing and executing their business strategy at the Board level. His firm offers its clients decades of experience in professional services, allowing it to deliver optimum outcomes for clients in a variety of industries. These clients are based in Australia and other countries.

Summary

Equity & Advisory and Manifold Advisory Partners provides practical advice for private businesses that’s independent of their boards of directors and management teams, usually direct to boards and management or through an advisory board. It specializes in acquisitions, divestures, strategic reviews and valuations. This firm leverages its extensive knowledge and experience through its consultancy services.

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Originally published at https://ceoworld.biz on April 20, 2022.