Case Studies

Acquisition Financing Case Study

The Business

Drillinginfo is the leading exploration & production (E&P) software as a service (SaaS)/analytics provider to the upstream oil and gas industry. The company provides integrated land, production, and well information services to E&P companies, technical professionals, landmen, royalty owners, and financial services. With industry-leading intelligence, tools and services, Drillinginfo estimates that it is the most widely adopted software platform in the history of the U.S. oil patch, and the company estimates that 97% of U.S. capex in the upstream oil and gas industry subscribes to Drillinginfo.
"After evaluating multiple options we selected Main Street to fund a strategic acquisition because they were the right fit for our culture, had a great reputation, and were a real partner for management. After the initial transaction, they provided liquidity to several of our legacy investors, provided valuable insight on strategic decisions, and helped us realize the benefits of our growth with guidance through a significant liquidity event." Allen Gilmer CEO, Drillinginfo

The Transaction

Seeking institutional capital for the first time to complete a large strategic acquisition, Drillinginfo carefully vetted multiple financial partners. The two primary concerns of Drillinginfo’s management team included minimizing dilution and ensuring a cultural fit. Main Street accommodated these concerns, providing subordinated secured term debt to fund the acquisition, followed by additional investments to provide partial liquidity for several legacy investors. Additionally, as Drillinginfo’s first institutional investor, Main Street’s management served on the company’s board of directors and provided support and guidance for strategic decisions, including a successful liquidity event with a large private equity group. Main Street continues to hold a minority equity position in the company.

The Results

Before Main Street Partnership

  • Financing for a strategic acquisition with a flexible capital structure
  • A partner with the right cultural and corporate fit
  • Straight forward decision-making process
  • A partner with a strong reputation and experience
  • A real “partner” to management
  • Capacity for follow-on investments

After Main Street Partnership

  • Limited dilution and solutions for challenges with existing corporate governance
  • Local fit in Texas and the oil and gas industry
  • Extreme responsiveness during negotiations, diligence and legal documentation
  • Multiple references and mutual contacts to verify reputation and experience
  • Support and guidance for strategic decisions
  • Partial liquidity for several legacy investors

Transaction Summary

Company

  • First-class management team
  • Attractive business model due to recurring revenues and free cash flow generating capabilities
  • Attractive strategic acquisition and growth opportunities
  • Proven market position and reputation
  • Diversified customer base

Transaction Type

  • Acquisition financing

Investment Structure

  • Subordinated secured debt with warrants
  • 5% equity ownership through warrants