Epoch Insights

Assignment
Our client was a firm specializing in the recycling of various hazardous chemicals commonly used in a variety of industries. We were commissioned to perform a study of certain competitors in specific markets in a highly competitive business segment. The competitors were generally small and privately held, making it exceedingly difficult to develop information on them.

Results
Using primary and secondary sources, we were able to develop detailed profiles of the competition, including information such as: annual sales, cost of goods sold, vendors, customers, pricing strategies, compensation plans, expansion plans, and go to market strategies. This enabled our client to compete more effectively in that market segment.

Assignment
Our client was a firm that was entering new local markets by acquisition of existing firms. We were tasked to evaluate the relationships the acquisition target had with critical clients within a short time frame prior to deal closing.

Results
We were able to confirm not only the size of the client relationships, but also able to establish that the acquisition target was the vendor of choice for this service. No other vendors were used unless the customer was doing business outside their service area. In addition, we were able to locate an additional large client that hadn’t been disclosed, who was equally pleased with the vendor. In addition, we were able to identify employees of the target who were key to retaining customer accounts. This has developed into an ongoing project where we are brought in on a regular basis with potential acquisitions.

Assignment
Our client was a firm that was entering new local markets by acquisition of existing firms. We were tasked to evaluate the relationships the acquisition target had with critical clients within a short time frame prior to deal closing.

Results
We were able to confirm not only the size of the client relationships, but also able to establish that the acquisition target was the vendor of choice for this service. No other vendors were used unless the customer was doing business outside their service area. In addition, we were able to locate an additional large client that hadn’t been disclosed, who was equally pleased with the vendor. In addition, we were able to identify employees of the target who were critical to retaining key customer accounts. This has developed into an ongoing project where we are brought in on a regular basis with potential acquisitions.

Assignment
An environmental services company wanted to better understand the Recycled Fuel Oil (RFO) market. They needed guidance on determining the potential customers, competitors, and pricing in various geographic markets.

Results
We performed research and analysis that provided insight into customers, pricing, competition, and potential market that helped this client formulate effective strategies on how to compete better in this marketplace.

Assignment
An industrial services company needed to develop an understanding of market opportunities in the retail business sector. We were commissioned to study the stream of toxic waste generated by retail operations.

Results
Through a combination of primary and secondary sources including on site interviews and observation, we were able to provide the client with an analysis of various retailers’ toxic waste policies and levels of internal compliance. This helped the client develop effective strategies to approach potential clients.

Assignment
An environmental services company wanted to better understand the Recycled Fuel Oil (RFO) market. They needed guidance on determining the potential customers, competitors, and pricing in various geographic markets.

Results
We performed research and analysis that provided insight into customers, pricing, competition, and potential market that helped this client formulate effective strategies on how to compete better in this marketplace.

Assignment
An industrial services company needed to develop an understanding of market opportunities in the retail business sector. We were commissioned to study the stream of toxic waste generated by retail operations.

Results
Through a combination of primary and secondary sources including on site interviews and observation, we were able to provide the client with an analysis of various retailers’ toxic waste policies and levels of internal compliance. This helped the client develop effective strategies to approach potential clients.

Client
A manufacturer of specialized production equipment.

Assignment
A senior employee had left to form a new business that rapidly became successful by supplying customers with products and services very similar to those provided by the client.

Solution
Epoch was able to demonstrate that the competitor was using intellectual property stolen from the client and provide sufficient evidence for the client to initiate legal action.

Client
Global Power Tool Manufacturer

Issue
A major organized crime entity was selling counterfeit power tools directly for cash to building sites. The effect was to damage the client’s reputation and profits as well as to cause loyal users to lose faith in the brand name.

Solution
Our operative infiltrated the organization of the counterfeiter and amassed sufficient information for the perpetrators to be jailed and their assets seized.

Client
Our client was a firm that was entering new local markets by acquisition of existing firms.

Assignment
We were tasked to evaluate the relationships the acquisition target had with critical clients within a short time frame prior to deal closing.

Solution
We were able to confirm not only the size of the client relationships, but also able to establish that the acquisition target was the vendor of choice for this service. No other vendors were used unless the customer was doing business outside their service area. In addition, we were able to locate an additional large client that hadn’t been disclosed, who was equally pleased with the vendor. In addition, we were able to identify employees of the target who were key to retaining customer accounts. This has developed into an ongoing project where we are brought in on a regular basis with potential acquisitions.

Client
Environmental Services Provider.

Issue
One of the Client’s competitors was in violation of environmental regulations. This enabled them to undercut the Client while damaging the environment.

Assignment:
Develop the necessary proof to enable an approach to regulatory agencies

Solution
Epoch provided government agencies with evidence of the competitor’s wrong doing. The evidence was of a sufficient standard to enable those agencies to proceed against the competitor, forcing him to act within the law and thus to compete fairly with the client.