Helmsman Capital
Helmsman Capital is the Manager of the Helmsman Capital Funds, a Special Situations investor targeting the Australasian mid-market. Helmsman’s Limited Partner investors include Fund of Funds, Superannuation Funds, Government bodies and other institutional investors. We have also made a significant investment in our Funds to further our alignment with our investors.
Helmsman is a mid to long term investor looking for returns via capital appreciation in the investee companies following investment. Typically Helmsman investee companies will be Special Situations evidencing a requirement for change in the form of either:
- financial restructure due to high levels of gearing; and/or
- needing to improve trading results following losses; and/or
- being compelled to participate in an industry restructure due to changing market forces or industry dynamics.
Investing in Special Situations requires a unique approach to sourcing investment opportunities and a deep understanding of the drivers of value in each potential investee. We work hard to understand complex problems and to see through the shroud created via either poor operational performance or a distressed capital structure.
Helmsman believes that partnering with management is central to a successful investment. As such we will normally invest alongside the existing or a new management team while at the same time ensuring that the management teams have the incentive, and financial and human capital to achieve or exceed plan performance. A strong relationship with management is critical as Specials Situations investing requires patience, a resolve to change the status quo and skills in stakeholder relationship to ensure that support for the changes flow through to staff, suppliers, customers and any other stakeholders in the business.
Helmsman’s unique market positioning, experienced executives, patient capital and dedicated approach to investing in Special Situations has and will continue to provide strong investment returns to both our investor partners and investee management teams.
