Peter A. Sokoloff & Company, Investment Bankers and Financial Advisory

Our rapid growth and increasing project size led to a decision to consider taking on a strategic investor. We contracted with Sokoloff & Co. after meeting with them at a Security industry trade show. Sokoloff understood our needs perfectly. One candidate introduced by Sokoloff, Master Halco, stood out above the rest as we quickly found much common ground and a shared dedication to perimeter defense.

Master Halco is the world’s leading distributor and manufacturer of fencing, gates and access control products. Safeguards' smart systems combined with Master Halco's products, financial strength and huge distribution network presents a powerful proposition which will forge a stronger future for both companies.

I cannot say enough about the wonderful care and expert guidance that Sokoloff provided during every step of the complex process through negotiations, due diligence, documentation and closing. Thanks to Pete and his staff for a job very well done.

Moshe Levy, CEO, Safeguards Technology LLC

We chose Peter A. Sokoloff & Co. to represent us because of their contacts in the Security industry and excellent client track record. As expected, they presented our company professionally to numerous interested buyers.

We were impressed by the speed in which things happened. The period from first contact with buyers through actual closing was just three months. With Sokoloff's guidance we were able to select the best buyer and quickly complete the negotiation. Bernie and Pete managed the entire complex process, keeping everyone moving through a rapid closing schedule.

Sokoloff & Co. knows their business and produces great results. I highly recommend their services. - Dale Donohoe, President & CEO, Intertex Barriers and Booths

As a private equity firm, we generally do not hire bankers to represent us in acquisitions, as we feel we know the industries we operate in very well. However, we had gotten to know Sokoloff & Co. at an industry trade show, and they were diligent about showing us ideas for our portfolio company, Tomsed Corporation. As soon as we heard about Intertex, we knew it was a fit for us.

Sokoloff & Co. was extremely helpful in negotiating a transaction that worked for both sides, was very diligent in helping with due diligence, and was instrumental in making sure the transaction closed in a timely manner. Even though Sokoloff was not our banker, we came to rely on them to help both sides complete the transaction. That is the mark of a good banker; both sides trust them, regardless of who the banker is representing. -Joan Y McCabe, Managing Partner, Brynwood Partners

Choosing Sokoloff and Company to sell our company was one of the smartest moves we made. They helped us to understand the true value of our company and who the potential acquirers could be. Once acquirers were found, they worked diligently to get the deal closed. Sokoloff did an excellent job of keeping the negotiations moving and on track when emotions were high.

Selling your business is not an easy process but Sokoloff smoothed the way.

I am happy with the results and would recommend Sokoloff and company to any company on the buy or sell side of a deal. - Lisa Marie Maxson, CTO, Telecom Software Enterprises (TSE)

I really appreciate your efforts in working with us to close our acquisition of TSE. Throughout the negotiations you demonstrated good listening skills in understanding our concerns and respectfully communicated your client's concerns. You recognized reasonable requests during the negotiations and effectively sold these points to your client when it was necessary. By keeping the business points summarized, the negotiations moved along at the pace we requested to get this transaction closed in a timely manner.

Again, thanks for all your hard work. -
Brian Ervine, CFO, Evolving Systems, Inc.

"Before 9/11 Jullien Enterprises received an inquiry about every two weeks, asking if we were interested in either selling our business or joining a roll-up with other like-minded businesses. Business has been excellent and Jullien has developed strong relationships with long-term customers. After 9/11 we began receiving two inquiries or more a week.

In the summer of 2002, Pete Sokoloff called with the first inquiry that had ever piqued our interest. While the specific subject of that call ended up being a non-starter, Pete Sokoloff’s professionalism and straightforward manner impressed us.

Several months later, knowing that any sale of the company needed to be a win-win for our customers, our employees, the buyer and Jullien's owners, we decided to have Pete and his team design and run a process that was highly attuned to our needs. We were committed to sell the company only if the right partner could be found and the right terms reached. We chose Sokoloff & Co. because they had dedicated their efforts to our specific market segment. They ran a highly professional and confidential process from beginning to end, advising and helping us at every step. We were impressed with the finesse shown as Sokoloff guided us through the process, orchestrated a complex campaign and reached a most successful conclusion with SAIC. I recommend Sokoloff & Co. without reservation. --Gilbert Jullien, CEO, Jullien Enterprises"

"NightFire recognized the need for some kind of M&A transaction in late 2002 and elected Sokoloff & Co. as our adviser, after looking at several other bankers and brokers, large and small. The NightFire team was impressed with Sokoloff's deep expertise and focus in the OSS area, and their knowledge of all of the players. Pete and his colleagues did a thorough job discovering both potential buyers and candidates for merger and rollup, contacting at least 60 companies. We had deep discussions with about 15, culminating in offers from two, including the offer from NeuStar that NightFire accepted. Pete and his colleagues did a terrific job as our advisor in this deal; we would not have had the NeuStar option or completed the deal without Sokoloff and Co."
-- Jerry Rudisin, CEO, NightFire Software

"They suggested several companies for our consideration before we selected GeoEconomics. Then they worked with us to close this important transaction in record time. Sokoloff & Co. has the contacts… and they know how to think strategically in the OSS market. We are very pleased with the outcome and will work with them again. “
-- Jim Odom, Martin Group CEO

“Sokoloff & Co. quickly earned our trust and confidence. They served both sides well with expert advice and direction. From the beginning to the end of a very complex process, we depended on them – and they delivered.”
--Matt Swenson, GeoEconomics CEO

"When we decided that it was time to merge Technology Applications with a larger company, we elected Peter A. Sokoloff & Company to represent us. Pete Sokoloff immediately introduced us to three potential buyers. Then he introduced us to two more. All five of the companies were interested and in less than three months we had our choice of several excellent offers. The entire process, from the day we contracted with Sokoloff to the day of the closing, was less than four months.

I was very impressed with Pete's skillful handling of the transaction. During negotiations he represented us well and kept everything moving at a rapid rate. Many brokers require a great deal of time and effort, up front, in order to develop an understanding of a business before they can move forward with potential suitors. Pete's broad experience in the industry saved us considerable time and money. Overall, it was a pleasure working with him and his partner, Annie.

Sokoloff and Company's market knowledge and expert merger and acquisition skills are proven to me, beyond a doubt. I recommend them highly and encourage anyone in the billing and customer care segment who is contemplating the sale or merger of their own company to get in touch with Pete immediately."

Brent Hyde, Founder/President, Technology Applications, Inc.