 As the vice-president of operations at my past employer, I was involved in several mergers and acquisitions where Clarence Stone from California Equity Group was the financial advisor. There were many challenges to each transaction, but each time the deals progressed smoothly with Clarence’s skillful guidance. I was always impressed with him because he brings such a high degree of professional integrity, honesty, and charisma to what can often be such an adversarial environment. It definitely took an abundance of these skills to close those earlier deals, as he always seemed to know exactly what to do and when to do it to protect our interests. Clarence has an inherent talent for anticipating and mitigating potential problems in a transaction along with working it through the inevitable difficulties and bringing it to closure effortlessly and affably.Recently, my husband and I had the gratification of acquiring our own company. We knew from past experience that Clarence would be the one to call. We knew we needed someone we could trust and who knew the path to a successful transition. Clarence provided the skills and experience necessary to negotiate, manage and close a very complicated acquisition. Without his guidance and counsel, there is not a chance we would have been able to complete this transaction. He referred us to an accountant and an attorney and he made the referral to the right lending institution and mentored us through the grueling application process. Clarence knew that we were a perfect fit for the seller and his company and before long, the seller knew that too. Clarence has an uncanny ability to match compatible buyers and sellers and put together win-win deals that make sense for everyone. Clarence has an exceptional and extremely valuable skill in marketing and negotiating the purchase and/or sale of a business. Since the purchase, I actually call on him to critique my upcoming advertising! He has in-depth knowledge of business, legal procedure and governmental compliance. He is more than adept in accounting and financial practices, and above all, he is a master at facilitating the many intricate workings of a business acquisition. After watching and working with him and his highly professional team at California Equity Group in the purchase of our business, we are convinced there is no other individual or organization that could provide such an effective and professional service. Clarence, THANK YOU! Using your immense experience, you acted as a true partner, consulting us in a very practiced and calculated way, which proved to be the right move every time we listened. Should I ever want to acquire, sell or merge a business again, or should I have the opportunity to recommend a financial advisor, you can be sure that I will ardently recommend you. Jeff and I send our best regards.  Cindy FaulknerPresident |
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I am writing you a letter to personally thank for the outstanding service that you provided me regarding the marketing and selling of my company. After interviewing several merger and acquisition specialists and business intermediaries, it became clear that you and your company stood out from your competitors. After engaging your services, you appraised my business, prepared a thorough representation package including all the key elements of my business, and provided pre-qualified, potential buyers with an elaborate marketing package regarding my company. More importantly, you marketed the sale of my business confidentially, brought me several offers from qualified buyers and companies and ultimately brought me a full price offer from an individual buyer who was a perfect match for Darcom Computers. Also, not one of my employees, suppliers, or customers was aware of the pending sale until it was completed. Thank you again for your professional assistance in selling my company to an exceptionally qualified buyer. I would certainly refer anyone interested in buying or selling a business to you. Michael M. StoyePresident, Darcom Computers |
Transaction History
“I have just completed the sale of our family business, Valley Heating and Cooling Co. The merger and acquisition specialist who handled the transaction was a gentleman named Clarence Stone from the firm of California Equity Group.
I have never dealt with anyone more professional in his occupation. Clarence took care of every detail right up to escrow and through it. He is personable and thorough in his work. Clarence went out of his way to take care of many details that would have been disregarded by other M&A firms.
He found the perfect buyers who were experienced and capable of taking care of the valuable customers we have developed over our 40 years in business. The huge number of details involved in a transaction like ours would prove challenging to anyone!
Clarence was able to handle the situation from price negotiation to assisting the buyers with financing along with interfacing with the respective attorneys and accountants to the transaction and on to closing of escrow with terrific efficiency and skill.
I cannot imagine giving any professional a higher recommendation.,”
Thomas Atkinson III, President, Valley Heating & Cooling, Co.