Mage Projects Update

Mage assists entrepreneurial companies in growing and increasing in value. Over the last few years, Mage has seen a tremendous increase in the number of businesses interested in hiring broad based consultants who can help them address multiple issues. Mage's variety and depth of services sets us apart in the industry and eliminates the need to hire many different consultants to deal with complex projects. Below is a quick review of some of our recent engagements:

RETAIL
Mage is currently working on a number of projects for local and national retailers, including:

• In-Store Design - Working with a successful furniture retailer to develop a new overall strategy. Project includes assessing and redesigning their store space in order to maximize the area and increase sales of high-end items. We are also working to reassess and improve their current store front, signage and marketing efforts.
• Technology Upgrade - Leading an initiative to implement a retail organization’s first technology system which will improve customer relations, marketing and sales outreach and the overall financial health of the organization.
• Executive Coaching - Mentoring business owner to build on his leadership skills, grow his organization and position it for a liquidity event or transaction. Another engagement involves working with two siblings in a family business to think more strategically about their marketing and sales efforts.
• Operations - Working with the senior management team of a national retailer to build more effective processes in order to increase business margins.

MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION
Mage is currently working with a number of distribution companies to help them develop long-term growth:

• M&A – Structured and negotiated a partnership between a client company and an industry leader in the footwear industry. Also positioning a family-owned business in the hobby industry for a possible sale.
• Succession Planning – Negotiated an ownership buyout of a distribution company, where two executives secured full operating control of the organization from the previous partners. Managed the process and currently serving as business advisors during the transition period.
• Family Business Consulting - Improving communication and relationships between family members of a national distribution company, helping the family develop and implement a strategic plan for growth.
• Branding - Implementing tactical public relations and branding effort for regional distributor to improve corporate image and drive sales.

PROFFESIONAL SERVICES
Mage is working with multiple professional services firms who want to improve their market growth:

• Marketing Assessment - Reviewing marketing strategy and outreach at a Massachusetts-based professional services firm and developing a strategic marketing and branding strategy to drive sales and increase market share.
• Financial Services - Reviewing overall financial health of a family-owned professional services organization and implementing metrics to improve its banking, debt and inventory issues.
• Technology Implementation - Implementing an MTP Software enterprise business solution to improve company-wide organization and communication by better managing customer relations, marketing and sales outreach.

Mage Congratulates Atsco Footwear on New Partnership

Mage is excited to announce it has completed yet another M&A transaction for a client company, securing a partnership between Pentland, PLC and Atsco Footwear. Atsco, a long-time Mage client and a leader in the branded and private-label footwear industries, will utilize Pentland's vast resources to enhance its branded position in the fashion and sports footwear industries.

"Mage's goal is to help organizations drive growth," said , CEO of Mage. "Atsco is a perfect example of how we can help companies address their business issues, position them for growth, drive sales and even negotiate a transaction on their behalf."

Mage will continue to serve as a strategic, organizational and financial advisor as Atsco cultivates the new partnership. The sale also coincides with a leadership transition, negotiated by , as Alan Colman, Chairman and CEO, and Mark Itzkowitz, President, assume the full operating control of the organization. Atsco offers such well known name brands as KangaROOS®, Ellesse, Lelli Kelly footwear and apparel, as well as Khombu, Caressa and Pacific Trail footwear.

For more information about Mage and how we might be able to position your company for a sale, merger or acquisition, please contact us by calling 781-449-8366 or via email at mlynch@mageusa.com.

Mage, LLC
Magi to Successful Entrepreneurs

Mage is a group of entrepreneurial business advisors who provide private and emerging companies with a broad range of business and organizational services. We are in the business of growing companies to increase their value for owners. Mage's offers the following services to drive growth:

• Executive Coaching
• Strategic Planning
• Change Management
• Organizational Design
• Corporate Financial Services
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Boards of Advisors & Directors
• Management Development
• Technology Consulting

For more information about Mage and how we can help your business, please visit www.mageusa.com or call us at 781-449-8366.