Client Comments

I must admit that I was initially skeptical after I read the confidential letter that you sent to me indicating that you had several pre-qualified corporate buyers who expressed an interest in acquiring a company similar to Top Line Electronics--I had received many such letters over the years. Nonetheless, your professional attitude, deal-making skills and your list of referrals made it an easy decision to hire you and your firm to represent me with the sale of our company.

In addition, you marketed the sale of our company confidentially, brought us several offers from qualified purchasers, and ultimately brought us an excellent offer from a synergistic public company that was a perfect match for Top Line Electronics.

Thereafter, you interfaced with our accountants and attorneys, the buyer's accountant and attorney, and all of the other third parties to the transaction to make sure that it proceeded smoothly. In short, the sale of Top Line Electronics was a complicated merger that was handled with skill by your team at California Equity Group and I want to commend you for all of your efforts.

Michael and Clarence, thank you again for your professional assistance with selling Top Line Electronics to a very qualified public company buyer. I would not hesitate to refer you to anyone who is thinking of selling or buying a business.

Daniel Chen
President, Top Line Electronics

As a transaction attorney, I have handled hundreds of mergers and acquisitions, and I understand the difference between a financial advisor and a business broker. A financial advisor is an integral part of the professional team representing an acquiring or target company, who (i) analyzes the situation, (ii) assists the client’s understanding of the company’s value, (iii) objectively evaluates the risks and rewards of the transaction, (iv) facilitates the consummation of the transaction, and (v) maximizes value.

There are very few true financial advisors in Northern California who have these skill sets and meet these high standards. Clarence Stone of California Equity Group is one of the top financial advisors in Northern California serving the middle market. In one instance working with him, a privately held selling company was economically disadvantaged due to the size and strength of the publicly held acquiring corporation. Through Clarence’s ability to communicate the seller’s value to the acquiror; his marshalling of resources, including myself and the other professional advisors; and his negotiation skills, Clarence Stone was able to turn the tables on the acquiror and reap substantial additional consideration for the seller shareholders. It was one of the finest examples of a financial advisor I have seen in quite some time.

The highest compliment I can pay Clarence Stone is the continued referral of clients for his objectivity, communication skills, insight, and creative solutions.

Bernard Vogel, III
Silicon Valley Law Group

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About

“As Sellers, Lou and I. wish to express our sincere appreciation for the excellence in handling the marketing and selling of our complicated business. Not only were there two businesses in one, the conditions and circumstances as a master franchiser of one were complicated by a license agreement; necessary approval by the California Department of Corporations; a need for a buyer not only having a large amount of cash, but also possessing financial strength and savvy, plus the sophistication of management and people skills, presented, without a doubt, an even greater challenge for you.

You understood that Lou's illness demanded the need for a prompt sale which brought about additional pressures, and still you extended to us your commitment to market and close this business within ninety days. All of this was a feat we truly did not expect to be accomplished.

However, you did indeed bring us an excellent contract your first twenty days into the listing. We were ecstatic. As negotiations bogged down due to the normal buyer/seller complexities, the technical aspect of the business became a big concern. Without your steady guidance, your business knowledge and resources, encouragement, and patience, this probably would not have been a successfully concluded sale. You did meet your commitment, closing within your predicted time-frame. We Salute You.

You steered our complicated sale in a manner acceptable to both the buyer and the sellers. Everyone came away satisfied and in a win/win position.

We would not hesitate in recommending either a buyer or seller of any complexity or size to you or your firm.

Thank you, Clarence, for all your assistance in bringing, what on our part was a painful decision in selling, to a happy conclusion. Our very best to you always,”

Bonna & Lou Lucas, President & Vice President, Coverall of Northern California, Inc.