Assessing the feasibility of a search fund in the natural stone industry in Portugal: the technology stone challenges

Abstract

This collaborative thesis examines the feasibility of a Search Fund (SF) in Portugal's ornamental stone (OS) industry. The individual literature review takes an in-depth look at the OS technology evolution and its inherent possibilities, identifying the technology being used in this industry and the challenges and opportunities within the Industry 4.0 to use and combine these at several different layers of these OS organizations, from the extraction to the production and management. Group research validated the possible use of a SF and 25 companies were short-listed. An investment memorandum is crafted to attract funding, while a detailed business model outlines modernization and growth strategies. This research offers a roadmap for investors and entrepreneurs to revitalize the OS industry