Viewgate Networks was a provider of customer-focused service assurance solutions for Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Viewgate shareholders wanted to exit the business, and were looking for advice on how to position the company within a fast moving and consolidating industry.

FirstCapital participated in a competitive selection process, and was chosen on the basis of its strengths in analysis and positioning, and its connections in the target industry.

The industry which Viewgate was targeting was moving rapidly: the major players were consolidating or being consolidated, while the telecommunications industry was going through a period of substantial change and uncertainty. The shareholders and the management team wanted some clarity on future market direction, and assistance in positioning the company for maximum return in this context.

FirstCapital performed a strategic analysis of the company, its products, markets and technology, drawing on its contacts within the industry to interview actual and potential customers. We sized the specific opportunity addressed by the company’s product set, and identified the strategic benefit that this would bring to a number of adjacent and complementary sectors.

The company was subsequently sold to Axiom Systems, which was acquired by Comptel Corporation in April 2008.