The corporate advisory industry in Malaysia is a booming and ever-evolving industry vertical. In this highly competitive market segment, Holborn Capital Partners Sdn. Bhd. (HCP) is one pioneering boutique firm competing against established investment banks and other mid-sized boutique firms within South East Asia (SEA) market. As the company is participating in a saturated market, it has always been key for HCP to employ innovative business strategies to operate in a more leading-edge yet competitive manner against its peers without forgoing delivering value towards its clientele.
At present, HCP is a member and representative of two international M&A and advisory networks. The company represents Malaysia in M&A WorldWide and CBA Associates which is a European-based M&A league table firm. HCP is also a private equity management company registered with the Securities Commission Malaysia and is also a registered fund manager managing a fund company under the purview of Labuan Financial Services Authority.
Unique Business Model
Upon being first incorporated in 2017 as an M&A firm, HCP has evolved from a corporate advisory firm into a private equity management company managing assets under management (AUM) of up to $ 100 million committed capital today. While talking about the services offered by the firm, Michael Seow, Managing Director, HCP says “At HCP, we are principally active in the area of 1) Private Equity investments and 2) Corporate Advisory (notably M&A). We are one of the few Private investment firms with such a hybrid model. Our unique business model of adopting a ‘dual-approach’ strategy whereby its corporate advisory department will first
originate M&A prospects for its Private Equity (PE) team; for the latter’s investment consideration. In the event, the deal is not palatable and not within the investment means of the fund’s mandate, the corporate advisory department will then undertake a sell-side mandate with the target company”.
Expanding its Horizons
The firm prioritizes on delivering its solutions across Asia given the region’s broad geo-political stability, consistency in delivery of returns, attractive valuations (relative comparison) and continued forward growth prospects to name a few. Given HCP’s unique business model, it is key for the company to have a wide geographic coverage for it to originate, execute, manage, and complete transactions within its focused markets. As of now, HCP has its presence both directly and indirectly across nine Asian nations including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and India. Aside from Malaysia, the company has deployed its investment across Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and even Nepal and has advised clients within the SEA region.
Experienced and Savvy Team to Take it Forward
HCP has a holistic team comprising proficient individuals with expertise and a track record in the area of advisory and investment. Its team members are market leaders and subject matter experts with vast experience established in the field of Investment Banking, Private Equity, Fund Management, Equity Research, Corporate Finance Advisory, Credit Rating as well as Credit Analysis. Leveraging its employee’s domain expertise, HCP as of now has transacted up to 20 corporate advisory deals across Southeast Asia. The company has a prominent market presence and focuses notably on the Energy, Infrastructure, Utilities, Manufacturing, Industrial Products and Services segments.
HCP aspires to be a frontrunner in technology adoption and innovation to stay ahead of its competitors
Adoption of Technology is Key to Ensure Sustainability
HCP acknowledges that the future of corporate advisory lies in leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and to provide innovative solutions. HCP aspires to be a frontrunner in technology adoption and innovation to stay ahead of its competitors. The firm is also cognizant of employing technology (AI and Machine Learning) to focus on the needs of its clientele by having a ‘client-first’ approach and providing them with more personalized and ‘bankable’ solutions.
The Road Ahead
Adding more about the future plans of the company, Michael Seow says “We aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and development within our company. We encourage employees to acquire new skills, and certifications, and stay updated on industry developments. We invest in training programs and mentorship opportunities to nurture talent as well. Despite having a strong network and coverage across SEA, we continue to look out towards establishing strategic partnerships with firms across SEA and abroad to provide cross-border corporate advisory services and investment prospects to build a strong pipeline of deals in the market and cater to a wider audience”.
Michael Seow, Managing Director
An industry veteran who aspires to lead HCP to greater heights in the private investment realm and corporate advisory segment by prioritizing on developing innovative financial advisory solutions through its dual-approach strategy of marrying Corporate Advisor and Private Equity under the same roof.
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