Can Rothschild help with M&A as well? Not sure their exact expertise? But hiring them "to assist with a listing" is good leverage while discussing "other" types of deals and arrangements as well?

Would not "shock" me for Rothschild to be on board with an eventual pusuit of listing ... while also fielding and sorting through phone cals and deal talk as well. The best leverage for the best deal, is to be heading in a different direction, and have multiple admirers ... with the listing pursuit working in the background as well, and as a legit option, if you are getting low-balled.