In an issue devoted to global operations, Private Equity Manager headlines an article profiling three US private equity firms seeking to add value through Asian expansion.  Larry Harding discusses the entity structures, support processes and ongoing operational requirements typically involved.

This article is currently available to subscribers only.  For more information, please visit www.privateequitymanager.com.

ANNAPOLIS, MD/PR Newswire -- High Street Partners today announced the opening of a Southern California office. Demand for services, particularly as they relate to expansion into China, India, Japan and Western Europe, has led to steady growth.

In its third office expansion this year, HSP has undertaken the move to capitalize on the burgeoning Southern California technology market, where the growth in venture investing has outstripped all other regions but Silicon Valley over the last three years. According to the most recent PwC MoneyTree survey of venture capital activity, more than 300 companies in the region received venture funding in each of the last two years, and experts believe Southern California is likely to overtake New England as the second most active... more >>

In recent weeks, HSP has been selected by several new clients.  We look forward to helping the following firms with their diverse international needs:

Aspen Technology Inc. - Cambridge, MA.
Aspen Technology Inc. is a provider of industry-leading software and professional services that help process companies improve efficiency and profitability by enabling them to model, manage and control their operations.

LifeSize Communications - Austin, TX.
Lifesize Communications is the first company to develop and deliver high definition video communications products.

TuVox - Cupertino, CA.
TuVox is a leading provider of On Demand speech applications, empowering companies to deliver superior... more >>

Our UK offices have relocated to 83 Victoria Street in central London, near Westminster.  Please see the Contact section for details and directions.

It's still possible to recover European VAT (Value Added Tax) paid out this year, but your deadline to do so is fast approaching.

You may be unaware that your US company is entitled to recover VAT on expenses incurred in the UK or continental Europe – including expenditures on trade shows, VAT charged by your European suppliers, and even VAT on hotel rooms for the European travel of your US employees.

Through a 13th Directive Reclaim, European Union legislation allows for non-resident EU companies (like those based in the US) to recover VAT on expenditures incurred in the EU. This can often be a significant recovery, as VAT charges range from 15% to 22% depending on the country. (VAT in the UK, for example, is 17.5%.)

If you are... more >>

On October 23, Colubris Networks of Waltham, MA announced that the company had raised $14M in new funding to fuel rapid worldwide growth and expanding market share.  Colubris offers the industry’s first optimized WLAN switching system, a comprehensive infrastructure for delivering scalable mobile voice, data and video applications.  The company has 1,500 customers world-wide.  High Street Partners supports its sales offices in Japan, Hong Kong, France, the Netherlands and the UK.  

Acme Packet of Burlington, MA began Nasdaq trading on 10/13, issuing 11.5mm shares at an offer price of $9.50, closing the first day of trading at $15.91.  The company delivers interactive voice, video and multimedia communications across IP network borders (VoIP).  HSP... more >>

Team grows to include Charlie Berkinshaw in Annapolis and Greg Win in London

Recently back in the US after three years living and teaching English in Japan, Charlie Berkinshaw joined HSP this month as an account manager. A Penn graduate in Economics who is fluent in Japanese, Charlie begins his tenure at HSP’s Annapolis headquarters office and will eventually join our California team, where his skill set and cultural acumen will benefit clients with operations in the Pacific Rim. An avid photographer, Charlie... more >>

Madhukar Gokhale, FFA, has more than thirty years of experience as an accountant and finance manager for companies from Mumbai to Lagos to London and Al.Khobar. HSP is fortunate indeed to add someone of his caliber to our team. After a corporate career in a wide spectrum of industries, Madhukar began providing consultancy services in a range of finance and accounting areas to overseas companies entering India. Focused primarily in the outsourcing of accounting processes, Madhukar’s talents, experience and in-depth local market knowledge will prove essential to HSP clients with operations in India. He is based in Pune.

Trade specialist... more >>

Christian comes to HSP from Silicon Valley Bank where, as an analyst and associate within their commercial lending group, he focused on privately held emerging technology companies and on the public technology sector in New England. Expert in due diligence and financial modeling, and fluent in Japanese, Christian has both significant experience of the technology company market and a global focus. He spent two years in southern Japan teaching English and serving as an international liaison to the local Department of Social Welfare and Board of Education. He holds a BA in mathematical economics from Colgate University and is currently... more >>

CFO Magazine coverage of the challenges smaller companies face when “going global” highlights HSP’s assistance to Isilon Systems, Digital Focus and Ellacoya Networks. Please click here to access the article.

“China today is, of course, a key global growth center, but it’s still not one entered easily,” said Larry Harding, President of High Street Partners, “Despite the attractiveness of the drivers - the huge market and China’s thirst for development - it can be difficult to enter China without stumbling. US companies... more >>

In his new position, Mr. Aldsworth will have management responsibility for the firm’s Boston office, where he will develop and lead the firm’s East Coast client service team and extend the firm’s referral network. His extensive experience in international business, primarily in Western Europe and developed Asian countries, will be of benefit as he expands the firm’s reach and provides account management services.

Mr. Aldsworth has over 15 years of experience supporting... more >>