Otter Tail Corporation believes diversity in our business investments allows for stability and consistency in earnings by lessening the impact of a downturn in any one business or market. Consistent with this philosophy, we have made investments in the electric, health services, manufacturing, construction, plastics and wind energy businesses.

Acquisition Criteria

Coupled with this desire to maintain diversity, we use the following criteria when considering an acquisition opportunity:

We seek a proven entrepreneurial management team that remains with the company after the acquisition.

• We will be the sole owner of the acquired company.
• We look for lower middle market companies, typically with $5 million to $100 million annual gross revenues.
• The acquisition will generate immediate earnings and offer future growth potential.
• The acquired company's products or services are not primarily consumer/retail oriented.

To learn more about our acquisition criteria, contact Patrick McGrath, Director of Corporate Development, at (701) 451-3566.

Prospective acquisition opportunities are referred to us in many ways. We receive inquiries directly from company owners and managers, as well as from attorneys, accountants, business consultants, investment bankers, and brokers.

1. Agreement to Go Forward

Once both the seller and Otter Tail Corporation have determined that the company meets Otter Tail's acquisition criteria and the seller connects with our philosophy, we make an initial agreement to move forward in the process. At the outset, Otter Tail Corporation obtains only preliminary financial and business information (both pastand projected). After analyzing this information, Otter Tail and the company's owner determine if there is an informal consensus on value and significant acquisition terms to warrant further acquisition activity.

2. Transaction

If a consensus is reached on the basic terms of a proposed transaction, a letter of intent is normally signed. Following the letter of intent, Otter Tail Corporation will proceed with an extensive, but quick, review of the company (often referred to as due diligence). Upon successful completion of due diligence, the parties sign a definitive agreement, which is a formal agreement outlining the terms of the acquisition transaction. That is followed by the closing, where ownership is changed.

Otter Tail Corporation will keep the process simple-no red tape, no surprises. When Otter Tail Corporation makes a commitment, you can count on it.

3. Partnership

When the transaction is complete, Otter Tail Corporation provides full support to management in growing the business. In most Otter Tail Corporation acquisitions, owners remain after the acquisition as a part of senior management. Thus, the relationship does not end with the ownership sale. And to make things even more convenient,the seller works with the same Otter Tail Corporation principal from start to closing.

Along with capital to expand your business, we provide assistance in developing strategies, risk management, information technology, communications, human resources, legal, and financial services (such as cash management). At the same time we allow the acquired company the autonomy necessary to chart a successful course. Unlike many companies, Otter Tail Corporation does not impose a "management fee" or charge for corporate services.