InterFinancial supports DDH Graham to complete cross-border corporate lift-out

25.3.2024

Established in 1981, DDH Graham offers a wide range of investment products and services including cash management accounts, a variety of managed funds as well as super and non-super administration capabilities. With the leader of its administration business transitioning into retirement and increased regulation and market consolidation, DDH sought to explore options for potential partners for its administration business.  

Strategic Options Analysis identifies strategic partner

DDH approached InterFinancial to support and, led by Mark Steinhardt, we began by carrying out a Strategic Options Analysis. This involved first understanding the shareholders’ objectives and must-haves, then carrying out a market sounding which included gathering direct feedback from market participants. Following these two stages, we mapped out the key value drivers of the business and identified key risks and mitigation strategies.  

SS&C, a global provider of services and software including to Australia’s financial services and superannuation industries, was already a supplier of their software to DDH. Through InterFinancial’s Strategic Options Analysis process, it was agreed that SS&C was the logical strategic partner for DDH to move forward with. SS&C are proactively growing in the Australian market with a unique offering that matched DDH, and their software has wide reaching benefits for DDH’s clients and employees through automation.  

Overcoming complexities with innovative business structure

Mark Steinhardt, Executive Director InterFinancial, says, “Once DDH decided to move forward with SS&C, we helped them navigate the needs of multiple stakeholders. This included shareholders, software providers, customers, trustees and employees.” 

“With a deep understanding of all parties’ objectives, we were able to put forward an innovative business structure and move the process through to completion,” says Mark. 

The outcome is a long-term agreement that will see DDH leveraging SS&C’s skilled financial administration and technology resources on a sub-contracting basis to further expand its superannuation and managed funds business.  

The agreement with SS&C does not impact the DDH cash management business, or interests in Australian Moneymarket and Acclaim Wealth. 

DDH Executive Chairman Ugo Di Girolamo says about the deal, “While our DDH Money Market business remains unchanged and is not part of these arrangements, the opportunity to align with a superannuation and managed funds administration organisation such as SS&C is a significant one. 

“The ability to scale and gain access to leading financial technology will expand our range of opportunities to service customers in a changing industry.” 

“InterFinancial played a huge role in getting this agreement across the line. Mark and Sharon rolled up their sleeves to quickly understand the complex stakeholder environment and, through hard work and perseverance, navigated us through.” he said. 

“We couldn’t have done it without them.” 

Read the full announcement on the SS&C website here.

25.6.2025

Sector dashboards June 2025

Our monthly sector dashboards are out! Our dashboards look at the valuation multiples across seven key sectors, each made up of a number of subsectors. The data takes into account the sale prices of similar companies based on; products, end markets, services, assets classes or other characteristics. The publications include all companies listed on the […]

Read more
25.6.2025

Mapping the PE landscape: Types of Private Equity in Australia (Part 1)

Australia’s private equity (PE) sector is a dynamic and multifaceted market that supports companies through all stages of growth, from fledgling startups to mature enterprises. While it’s common to categorise private equity by business stage (early, growth, mature), several other key factors will help decide what may be the most practical private equity investor, these […]

Read more
25.6.2025

China’s 2025 Outbound Investment Outlook

The global M&A market has been in decline since 2022, following a record-setting surge in 2021. The downturn was primarily driven by rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions. China’s M&A market is no exception. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese economy has faced unprecedented challenges, including slowed GDP growth, weak consumer spending, an […]

Read more
25.6.2025

Employee Q&A: Natalie Knight

She’s not one to chase the spotlight. But for the past nine years, Natalie Knight has been a quiet force behind the scenes at InterFinancial. As our Administration Officer, she brings structure, calm and a sense of order to the everyday chaos that comes with managing a busy advisory firm.   From coordinating packed calendars, […]

Read more
28.5.2025

Sector dashboards May 2025

Our monthly sector dashboards are out! Our dashboards look at the valuation multiples across seven key sectors, each made up of a number of subsectors. The data takes into account the sale prices of similar companies based on; products, end markets, services, assets classes or other characteristics. The publications include all companies listed on the […]

Read more
28.5.2025

What geopolitical uncertainty means for M&A in Australia?

Over the past six months, global uncertainty has escalated significantly. Trade wars, continued conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and market volatility have dominated our press. The M&A landscape in Australia is not insulated from the effects of these issues.   These issues have introduced a new set of challenges for dealmakers. But amid the […]

Read more
28.5.2025

Celebrating 15 years with Mark Steinhardt

From running shorts to suits and ties, Mark’s built a career defined by endurance, focus and momentum. Joining InterFinancial in 2010, Mark has worked his way up to Executive Director today. Known for being sharp, strategic, and approachable, he’s earned the trust of both clients and colleagues through his ability to solve complex problems and […]

Read more
28.5.2025

Metrics that matter: What tech investors are looking for? (Part 2)

In our last article, we revealed four of the key metrics that investors use to evaluate software businesses. We focused on Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), ARR Growth Rate, Gross and Net Revenue Retention, and Gross Margin. These indicators are often the first place investors look when assessing the strength and potential of a SaaS or […]

Read more
30.4.2025

Sector dashboards April 2025

Our monthly sector dashboards are out! Our dashboards look at the valuation multiples across seven key sectors, each made up of a number of subsectors. The data takes into account the sale prices of similar companies based on; products, end markets, services, assets classes or other characteristics. The publications include all companies listed on the […]

Read more