Business Case Studies: Real Success Stories from Business Bridge Asia
Industry
Freight Forwarding
Background
A US company wanted to open subsidiary companies in Philippines & Indonesia while bypassing local ownership requirements, i.e. obtaining 100% US ownership
The company originally approached a traditional consulting firm for assistance, but was unable to achieve their ownership goals
Solution
BBA partnered with trusted local accountants and attorneys who understood the countries' recently updated foreign investment laws
BBA's local partners helped the US company appear small, local, and worthy of quick government approval
Outcome
Using fully legal and transparent means, the US company was able to incorporate with 100% US ownership
Total costs to the US company were lower than estimated
Eyewear Co. International Market Expansion
Industry
Eyewear Distribution
Background
Thailand-based company with exclusive distribution rights within ASEAN for several high-end eyewear brands, but limited sales representation abroad
Just 22% of company’s total annual sales from outside Thailand from two, hero brands; difficult to retain or grow smaller customers after initial sales
Solution
Hired full-time, Malaysia-based sales rep after vetting him through network
Structured a growth-focused compensation package that reduced tax issues and back-office work
Started with less-complicated brand to exercise sales, logistics, and billing system
Flew international rep back to Thailand each quarter to maintain close ties
Outcome
Increased overseas sales to 35% of annual revenue within first year and doubled customer base
Leveraged increased volume to renegotiate better logistics costs with international shipping provider
Manufacturing Co. New Sale to South East Asian Government
Industry
Equipment manufacturing
Background
A US manufacturer negotiated a USD 1M contract directly with a SE Asian government
Following the initial approval, the SE Asian government repeatedly delayed signing the final purchase agreement without explanation
Solution
The US company requested a discreet investigation
BBA leveraged local relationships to discover government officials had delayed the purchase due to misunderstandings, including perceived personal slights, unfamiliarity with US policies, and expectations of personal kickbacks
The US company used this information to address the misunderstandings directly with government officials
Outcome
Government officials promptly signed the purchase order and paid the full USD 1M bill
The SE Asian government ultimately placed three additional orders from the US company
Thailand Due Diligence
Industry
Energy Technology
Background
A US-based energy sector technology company secured 9M USD in capital from an apparently reputable Thai investor, but decided to conduct a due diligence investigation
The company's US-based attorney was unable to investigate adequately in Thailand, so asked BBA for assistance
Solution
BBA's Thailand based attorney conducted a discreet investigation and discovered the "investor" was actually a sophisticated fraud who had cloned real email addresses
Outcome
BBA provided results within two days, and the client was able to avoid any loss of funds
The happy client asked for additional assistance from BBA to find replacement investors in the Asia-Pacific region
United States Business Expansion
Industry
Facilities Management
Background
A Singapore-based company wanted to expand operations to the United States and select countries in Latin America
The company asked for a low-cost approach that would support all requirements without incurring substantial up front payments
Solution
BBA conducted extensive research to find the right US state for incorporation, cost effective local back office support (payroll, legal, accounting, etc.), and prospective employees
BBA identified a suitable US-based partner company, set up a CEO-level meeting, and supported negotiations
Outcome
BBA advised the client to delay moving forward due to the economic effects of COVID-19 on the company's prospective clients, but remain prepared for rapid implementation
BBA monitored the situation closely so the client could become active in the US as soon as the situation improved
