Program Archives

Program Archives

This is the Program Archive for the Alberta Business Transitions Forum.

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APRIL 11, 2023 | VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

APRIL 12, 2023 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM

7:15AM - 8:00AM

Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast

8:00AM – 8:10AM

Forum Overview by Conference Co-Chairs

Co-Chair: Cody Church, CEO & President, Clear North Capital
Co-Chair: Kristina Williams, President & Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Enterprise Corporation

Introduction by: Matthew Kellow, Vice President, Growth & Transition Capital, Western Canada, BDC Capital

8:10AM - 8:40AM

Economic Outlook and Impacts for Entrepreneurs

The decisions you make today will ultimately impact your business in the future. This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as cast a lens on regional and industry sector differences. You will walk away with:

An overview of the current economic conditions and market trends that business owners need to consider when thinking about your business.
An understanding of how these trends impact your business.
Insights into the current M&A environment, such as industry consolidations, leading acquirers and other factors which might affect the future of your business.

Speaker:
Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research & Chief Economist, BDC

8:40AM – 9:10AM

You Gotta Let Me Know: Should I Sell or Should I Grow

Factors business owner should consider for the best long-term value for their business

As a business owner, it is important to have a plan to maximize the overall return you achieve on the capital, time and energy you invest in your business. Deciding whether and when to sell all or a portion of your business will help determine your success. Key considerations include (i) the number of years you are willing to commit to the future management of the business; (ii) the depth of your management team; (iii) your personal appetite for risk; and (iv) the marketability and scalability of your business. During this session we will explore each of these topics and review:

Alternative transaction structures and approaches, including sales to a strategic buyer, management buy-outs and private equity sponsored deals
Tips for increasing financial sustainability for the long term (for you or a future buyer) through diversification, greater market share, potential synergies and cost reductions
Red flags that will set potential investors or partners running
How the current environment (economic uncertainty, supply chain issues, talent shortages, high interest rates, etc.) might affect your analysis and the potential timing of each alternative transaction structure.

Speaker:
Rob Normandeau, President, SeaFort Capital

9:10AM – 10:00AM

Growth or Exit Strategies that Provide the Greatest ROI

Maximizing the value of your businesses and paving the way for the next step whether that is an exit or a growth strategy.

Two key pieces of advice for business owners are; ‘start with the end in mind’ (failing to plan for your transition out of your business can result in a messy succession process and lost value) and ‘the best time start growing your company was yesterday!’. Every entrepreneur has dreams and ideas to expand their business, but the big question is knowing the right time to jump… where and how high? This session will explore what acquirers will be looking for in terms of feeling confident that they are buying a stable and profitable business that has proven future value.

This session will explore: 

Assessing if your business and operations are ready for growth and how to successfully build your game plan
Strategies for preparing and positioning your business for a transition down the road
Ways to expand your business and make it more attractive for a sale
Assessing which succession planning process best suits your needs

Moderator: Kelly R. Ford, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP

Panel:
Mark Brodkin, Private Equity National Head, Roynat Capital
John Evans, Founder & CEO, EverLine Coatings
Don Montgomery, President, M&A Advisor, True North Mergers & Acquisitions

10:00AM – 10:45AM

Networking & Coffee Break

10:45AM – 11:45AM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions on Business Growth

Taking (Some) Chips Off the Table: Exploring Alternative Options

Exploring financing options for growth, minority investors or MBO/ MBIs

The pandemic has prompted a surge in non-traditional M&A deal structures, accelerated deals and rapid changes in business needs and opportunities. After this rollercoaster ride – perhaps you want to re-risk your business, while still maintaining control?

There are a number of transition options that aren’t reliant on a large amount of cash, and can take a variety of different forms, such as a management buyout or buy-in (MBO/MBI), acquiring minority stakes or entering cooperative arrangements through joint ventures, alliances, or partnerships as a success strategy.  

This session will cover topics such as: 

Strategies for MBO/MBI or investors 
Different types of financing options to increase cash flow and growth opportunities 
Factors to consider in an alternate financing structure can help you grow 
Trends in alternative deal structures that don’t require a total sale of your business

Moderator: Mike McIsaac, CEO & Managing Director, Baker Tilly Canada Corporate Finance

Panel:
Scarlett Crockatt, MBA | Vice President & Head, Business Lending, Roynat Capital
Jeff Litster, President, Fidelity Manufacturing Group
Jamie B. Schwitzer, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Westcap

Growth By Acquisition: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Business

Implementing an outbound M&A strategy at your company is a high-value, high stakes game. How can you establish your M&A Mindset? The M&A process is intensive, with many steps – it can often take many months to identify acquisition targets, initiate and close transactions – all while you’re still operating your business. Learn how to operate and run your business while embedding processes that will improve M&A outcomes.

Identifying and comparing acquisition strategies for your business
Various forms of capital to finance acquisitions
Real life lessons learned from both successful and failed acquisitions

Moderator: Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC)

Panel:
Ryan Giles, Senior Managing Director, Triwest Capital
Jonathan Herman, CPA, CA, ICD.D, President, Private Equity, KV Capital
Ryan Smith, CEO, 360 Energy Liability Management

CAN YOUR BUSINESS RUN WITHOUT YOU?

Whether you want to sell some or all of your business, or simply step away from day-to-day business activities – you should be asking if your company can run by itself or it’s time to step aside to hire a CEO to replace yourself.

Why would you want to do this? Understanding your strengths (and weaknesses) is the key to the success of your business. This session will help you better understand the steps to ensuring your team and business can run by itself, and if it’s time to consider stepping out of the way of a new CEO to position your business for greater growth, a longer legacy and/or a more successful transition.

Pro-tip: A business that can run by itself is usually more appealing to acquirers.

This session will help you better understand:

Practical steps to remove yourself from the day-to-day operations of your business
The process of management and leadership succession planning – and its impact on the value of your business
Determining if it’s time to consider stepping out of the way of a new CEO to position your business for greater growth, a longer legacy and/or a more successful transition.
Tips for hiring the right team and/or CEO successor to help grow your business

Moderator: Constantine Hatzipanayis, Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC

Panel:
Cheryl Grant, Managing Director, Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Inc.
Diana Noble, Business Coach & Consultant, Noble Choice Coaching
Vaughn Penner, CEO, Independent Crop Inputs Inc.

11:45AM – 12:45PM

Networking Lunch

12:45PM – 1:15PM

Luncheon Keynote: Fireside Chat With AIMCo’s CEO, Evan Siddall

Kristina Williams (CEO of Alberta Enterprise Corporation) sits down for an insightful interview with Evan Sidall (CEO of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation) for a candid conversation on current markets, Alberta as an investment geography, the future of the energy industry and the strategic vision of AIMCo.

Moderator: Kristina Williams, President & Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Enterprise Corporation

In discussion with:
Evan Siddall, Chief Executive Officer, AIMCo

1:25PM – 2:15PM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions – Planning for Transition

Your Closet, Your Skeletons: Avoiding Due Diligence Pitfalls

Common due diligence red flags when buying or selling a business

 Mergers and acquisitions typically have extensive due diligence by the buyer. Tackling due diligence during an M&A transaction can be an overwhelming task, but essential for closing a successful, equitable and efficient deal. Before committing to the transaction, the acquirer will want to ensure that it knows what it is buying and what obligations it is assuming, litigation risks and intellectual property issues, liabilities, problematic contracts, and more.  

Understand what buyers will be looking for, and what sellers need to have prepared for the due diligence process and the key information a company must uncover from their target before moving forward with a deal: 

Legal (intellectual property, compliance and regulatory matters, contracts, licensing, EH&S, etc.)
Financial (including taxes, company’s financial statements & projections, working capital, etc.)
Human Resources (HR) (outstanding stock options, retention plans, employee agreements, culture, bonus structures, benefits, etc.)

Moderator: Mackenzie Regent, Managing Partner, Kalos LLP

Panel:
Julie Afanasiff, Managing Partner, Sequeira Partners
Georgia Grundmanis, M&A Advisor, BFL Canada
Jalal Jetha, Managing Partner, J.B. & Co. Ltd.

Structuring Your Business to Sell: Are You Ready?

Knowing if you can afford to sell, and when you are ready to take the leap is the most difficult decision for many business owners. In addition to building a comprehensive succession plan and ensuring your organizational structure will not leave you with a giant tax bill, it is important to address the other factors to ensure a happy and prosperous life after the close. Have you considered what life looks like after the close? The ability to shift from an entrepreneurial mindset to a wealth preservation position requires planning and the right preparation and time to implement appropriate strategies. There are a number of opportunities to maximize the money in your pocket and ensure your financial success long after the close.

This session will look at real-world examples:

How to structure your company well in advance of a potential sale or recapitalization
What options to consider to reap the benefits and avoid pitfalls
Tactics to avoid common post-sale surprises (… and unexpected tax bills)
Wealth management tips and managing former business expenses post-transition
Preparing for the emotional rollercoaster of transition

Moderator: Dalyce Seitz, CIM | Portfolio Manager, Private Clients and Foundations, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd.

Panel:
Wilson Acton, Managing Partner, Tall Grass Ventures
Randy Koroluk, Deal Maker & Founder, Alberta Business Exchange
Grant Wallace, Partner, Relay Transition Partners

Transitioning a Family Business

Lessons learned from a second generation perspective

Family businesses are unique in that transitioning them to the next generation is a complex, often deeply emotional, endeavor. As a young family owner, aspiring to one day take the reins, how do you prepare for such a monumental responsibility. As an exiting parent (or other family member), how do you impart years of experience and knowledge and ensure younger family members are successful, yet able to chart their own path? For all parties, the goal is to create a business that is resilient, while keeping the legacy intact. Building capacity in the next generation needs to begin early on, and you may also need to consider outside, non-family executives.

What measures do you need to be taking to professionalize your family owned and operated firm?
How are you supporting a shift in leadership?
How do you ensure you have the right governance in place?
In this session second generation business owners will share their recent experiences and perspectives in taking over the family business.

Moderator: Anne Evamy, Owner & Advisor, Junction Point Inc.

Panel:
Matt Knight, Executive Director, Alberta Business Family Institute
Dean Koeller, President, Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation
Cheryl Lockhart, Partner, Omni Management Consulting Alliance

2:15PM - 2:45PM

Afternoon Networking & Coffee Break

2:45PM – 3:15PM

What’s Your Company Really Worth?

How an acquirer will determine the value of your company

Most business owners don’t get nearly what they should because they weren’t prepared, and this can gravely affect the value of your company. As a business owner, it’s imperative to focus on the specific areas of your business that drive value, even if you have no immediate intention of selling. Furthermore, a successful sale for your shareholders can be very different from what you, the business owner, defines as a success. From the get-go you should understand the levers you need to “push or pull” in order to optimize the results you are looking for.

This session will explore key value drivers that require immediate attention in order to maximize the salability of your business.

Speaker:
Darren Benson, Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions, National Bank of Canada

3:15PM - 4:00PM

Transition Stories: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through transition with their business and now have the opportunity to share their tales from the trenches. Hear what advice they would give fellow entrepreneurs and what they would change, if anything, if they were to do it all again.

Panel discussions include insights on:

What they wish they had known at the beginning of their transition journey and what would they have done differently
Did they get the price they asked for based on timing and deal terms
Key learnings they have brought into their next endeavors
The personal side of post-transition

Moderator: Cody Church, CEO & President, Clear North Capital

Panel:
Pamela Draper, President & CEO , Pateno Payments Inc. and Bitvo Inc.
Chris LaBossiere, CEO, Altitude Investments
Todd Millar, President & CEO, TEC Canada

4:00PM – 5:00PM

Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice

APRIL 13, 2023 | ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP (ADD-ON OPTIONAL)

Masterclass Workshop – A Deeper Dive

(add-on, half day workshop for entrepreneurs)

“How to Maximize The Selling Price of Your Business and Protect Yourself In The Process”

A not-to-be-missed educational workshop for business owners who are serious about maximizing the proceeds of an eventual sale. In this two-part, half-day workshop we’ll take a deep dive into operational and financial engineering that can take years to execute – guaranteed to increase the value of your business and improve the probability of finding buyers when the time is right.  We’ll show you which areas of your business buyers value most (and why), and explain how to manage personal and corporate risk.

(Only 50 seats available. Business owners only. Workshop is an additional charge.)

speakers:
Andrew Burt, Partner, FASKEN
Don Montgomery, President, M&A Advisor, True North Mergers & Acquisitions
Kayla Shepard, Business Development Associate, True North Mergers & Acquisitions
Matthew Wilkins, Associate, Fasken

8:00AM - 8:30AM

Continental Breakfast

8:30AM – 9:15AM

Creating & Working Through the Transition Checklist

The secret to succession planning success is to be ready to sell, even if your business is not for sale. By being proactive, you’ll maximize the value of your business when the time, buyer and terms are right. Selling or otherwise exiting a business is, by far, the most complex transaction that most entrepreneurs will ever undertake. Detailed planning is instrumental and ideally begins long before any decision to sell. Starting your transition checklist is key to the end result.

Some general key points to include:

Define overarching goals – Self-assessment of primary reasons for transition: When is the right time to transition or otherwise exit?
Plan for successors
Explore tax opportunities and maximize retirement income
Effectively communicate your succession plan
Build a contingency plan

9:15AM – 10:00AM

Value Creation for your Business

Value assessment: What is your company worth? Common methods of assessing value will be addressed.
Operational and financial bootcamp. What areas of your business should you focus on to increase value + surprising areas of your business that can destroy value.
What buyers are looking for and why some businesses are considerably more attractive than other businesses.
The competitive sale process: Learn how a competitive sale process works, and why it is the best way to maximize price and terms of an eventual sale.

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Refreshment Break – Network With Other Business Owners

10:30AM – 11:15AM

Do I need an Exit Team and Why?

The successful sale of a business involves many moving parts, making it the largest and possibly most complicated transaction of your life. You can’t do this alone. You will need a team of professionals to help you successfully sell your company. The right team will get you the best price, terms and most importantly, ensure that the transaction closes.

After attending this workshop, you will understand what the ideal exit team looks like and how to select the best advisors for your business. You’ll also learn what your exit team will cost and how they’ll be paid.

11:15AM – 12:00 PM

The Due Diligence Process & Why Sellers Should Care

While the idea of providing unfettered access to the confidential information pertaining to your business may sound scary, it is standard operating procedure when it comes to transitioning your business to an outsider. Learn about ways to maintain control of process without impeding success. While you may only go through the process with a buyer who you believe is qualified and fully committed to completion, many deals collapse at the due diligence stage. Buyers and their advisors will be on the lookout for red flags and trouble spots. This is your opportunity to learn about common “deal breakers” so that you and your advisors can prepare for them and maintain momentum during this crucial phase.

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice

Pierre Cléroux

Kelly R. Ford

Georgia Grundmanis

Constantine Hatzipanayis

Mark Brodkin

Alan Chettiar

Wilson Acton

Julie Afanasiff

Darren Benson

Andrew Burt

Cody Church

Tabreez Lila

Scarlett Crockatt

Pamela Draper

Anne Evamy

John Evans

Shauna Feth

Ryan Giles

Cheryl Grant

Kristi Miller

Don Montgomery

Jonathan Herman

Jalal Jetha

Matthew Kellow

Matt Knight

Rob Normandeau

Meghan Bell

Dean Koeller

Axel Christiansen

Debby Carreau

Randy Koroluk

Jim Crooks

Chris LaBossiere

Steve Chen

Tom Kramer

Dino Deluca

Shane Dunn

Jeff Litster

Matt Flynn

Andrew Ramsay

Grant Kook

Andrew Kemper

BDC | PRESENTING

True North | Venture

Paul Barbeau

Mike McIsaac

STS Capital Partners | Edm22 Cocktails & Conversations

Rob Bertram

Lesley Bowman

Cheryl Lockhart

Ted Bradshaw

Shannon Chmelyk

Eric Colberg

Chad Danard

Kristin Delwo

Geoff Devereux

Darrell Friesen

Allison Maher

Brad Gaulin

Dena Gillies

Kira Gregson

Mick MacBean

Ceilidh Hemmati

Ashley Hoffer

Ray Yue

Brian Jones

Julia Loney

Jerry Koonar

Tina Di Vito

Adam Mallon

Josh Matthews

David Laycraft

Tyler Armstrong

Todd Millar

Mackenzie Regent

Kevin Campbell

Jerry Koonar

Kleo Landucci

Diana Noble