Gilles Benchaya is a Partner of Richter Consulting who has specialized
over the past fifteen
years in the retail, consumer goods, distribution,
manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors. He has also led a number of multidisciplinary teams
in both North America and Europe in order to provide fully integrated transaction
support and advisory services to clients.
Gilles is often called upon to develop/assess business plans and assists in developing
comprehensive reorganization strategies, including establishing improved cash flow
management programs and forecasting models. He has recently acted as reorganization
consultant to a major general merchandise discount chain, where he was involved
in developing and overseeing the implementation of a restructuring plan and played
a senior role in negotiations with the various stakeholder groups. Gilles is recognized for his extensive experience in the retail and consumer product sectors.
Some of the projects he has worked on include:
- 200 store women's apparel retailer; Assisted in the
development of a comprehensive business plan, financial model and cash flow projection,
as well as advising the Company through the restructuring process with its lender
group.
- UK based cosmetics company; Due diligence including
assessment of quality of earnings, working capital and financial controls.
- Financial advisor to a US private
equity consortium
in connection with its bid to acquire a department store chain.
- Direct-to-consumer apparel company; Financial and
accounting diligence including post acquisition advisory role relating to new ERP
implementation.
- Long term care nursing homes; Financial and accounting
diligence.
He is often called upon as an expert to speak at conferences on topics such as diligence
and post-acquisition integration issues, supply chain management, emerging retail
trends, and the latest analytical techniques in building integrated forecast models.
Professional Designations & Memberships
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Graduate of University of Montreal (HEC) Business School
- Member - Turnaround Management Association
- Member - RCC Retail Council