Great Hill Partners

GMT Group

• CEO: Mario Trujillo
• www.vigousa.com

Although the sector was out of favor at the time, Mario Trujillo had identified the money transfer business as an attractive industry, and had begun the process of identifying acquisition targets. To enhance his credibility in these discussions, he needed a knowledgeable financial partner. After meeting a number of private equity firms, Mario selected GHP. In commenting on his reasons for selecting GHP, Mario was complimentary, "The team at Great Hill quickly and enthusiastically embraced my vision for acquiring and developing my target into a premier money transfer business. Based on my initial instincts, as well as reference calls, it seemed that they really understood how to balance providing valuable input and support, without getting in the way of my ability to manage the business. They also figured out how to get my deal financed in a difficult debt market." Mario and GHP consummated the acquisition of Vigo Remittance Corp., with GHP engineering a debt facility with relationship lenders. More importantly, GHP introduced Mario to a number of candidates to help him round out senior management. Mario and his team went to work, and re-energized the growth engine at Vigo, which resulted in rapid value creation and the ultimate sale of the business to First Data Corp. for a record multiple.