An Entrepreneurial Investment Firm & Your Partner in Succession
Sean Dixon
01 OVERVIEW
SANDPAPER is not bound by strict liquidity commitments often associated with private equity.
The name SANDPAPER CAPITAL is intended to evoke grit and character – qualities required to tackle a tough job head-on and successfully see it through to completion. This is a mindset the firm’s Principal & Founder, Sean Dixon, approaches all life’s endeavours.
02 BACKSTORY
03 WHAT SANDPAPER CAPITAL CAN OFFER
TO THE TRANSACTION
Flexible deal structure
Whether you’re ready to fully exit your business, partially exit, or transition over time, SANDPAPER CAPITAL will work with you to devise a custom-tailored transition plan
Financing & closing
From his days in investment banking, Sean has a deep network of potential investors to tap combined with a clear understanding of what capital providers look for
Confidentiality
Commitment to treat the situation and your company’s information with the utmost care. Sean has tremendous respect for an entrepreneur’s reputation
Trust
SANDPAPER CAPITAL knows that selling a business is one of the most important events in an entrepreneur’s life. Sean's words/ actions are anchored in integrity, ensuring you will be comfortable at this sensitive and exciting juncture
Due Diligence
Aim to execute an efficient transition with minimal disruption to you and your employees. Sean has participated in numerous DD processes throughout his career
TO THE BUSINESS
Leadership
Sean is prepared to assume CEO responsibilities on Day 1 or in a mutually agreed upon timeframe. At closing, your business will be SANDPAPER CAPITAL’s sole focus
Legacy preservation
Sean recognizes the substantial sacrifice and hard work that has gone into building your business. He intends to protect what makes it unique and allowed it to thrive – elements that can be lost in acquisitions made by the competition or private equity
Long-term sustainable growth
SANDPAPER CAPITAL is not interested in short-term gains that prop up a company for sale. It is dedicated to thoughtfully mapping a strategic path forward that delivers long-term sustainable value creation for all stakeholders
Collaboration
A successful transition will protect the livelihoods and morale of your team. Sean believes that the best solutions for day-to-day challenges will come from collaborating with all employees
Strategic Board of Directors
SANDPAPER CAPITAL will add a group of Directors (seasoned investors, operators) with complementary expertise as well as interest in mentoring Sean as CEO
04 INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Sean has no restrictions on relocating in Canada or the U.S. for the purpose of assuming leadership responsibilities. A successful transaction will be driven by attractive industry and business fundamentals
BUSINESS
Predictable revenue
EBITDA of $1.0 to $5.0 million
Strong margins with a history of profitability
Low customer concentration
05 ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER
Sean grew up in Waterloo, Ontario. He was introduced to business at an early age by his father, who was the CEO of two small to medium-sized manufacturing companies.
During his 14-year investment banking career, Sean worked for CIBC Capital Markets, Rothschild & Co and National Bank Financial. At every step, he played an integral role advising clients on transformative and value-enhancing transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, all forms of capital financing, and turnaround/ restructuring initiatives. Furthermore, Sean challenged himself to develop a range of industry expertise. He primarily focused on clients in the metals & mining sector (all commodities) but also advised on transactions related to infrastructure, transportation, power & utilities, agriculture, oil & gas, consumer products and real estate.
Sean attended the Ivey Business School at Western University where he earned an MBA in 2011 and an undergraduate HBA degree in 2006.
Prior to university, Sean pursued a career in professional hockey. He played in the Ontario Hockey League for the Erie Otters and London Knights and in 1999, was drafted into the NHL by the Montreal Canadiens. This experience ingrained in him the core values of perseverance and teamwork to overcome adversity in pursuit of aspirational goals.
