This is the Program Archive for the Calgary Business Transitions Forum.
How does the current economic trend in Alberta impact the biggest transaction of your life? How will financial markets, interest rates and/or the Canadian dollar impact deal terms and multiples? This macro view of the economy and the M&A environment in Alberta will put things into perspective so that you can plan for a successful transition.
The process of selling or transitioning a business is complicated and uncertain. This session provides a bird’s-eye view of the transition process so that you can build your own roadmap when the time is right to exit your business. You will learn where to start, and what areas of the process provide the most opportunity and risk so you can successfully exit your business with confidence.
Do you really know what your business is worth? Many business owners are disappointed when they don’t receive the valuations they expect. 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. This session will outline key value drivers that require immediate attention in order to maximize the saleability and value of your business.
It took years to build your business and now you are ready to turn your hard work into cash, but what are your options? Should you look to your senior management team as potential investors? Should you look outside your firm for strategic buyers? What is the best option for you and your business? In this session, a panel of experts will discuss a variety of liquidity options and what distinguishes different classes of buyers based on your type and size of business. This session will help attendees prioritize which of the following breakouts to attend (A1, A2, A3).
There are many reasons to look outside the ranks of your firm or family to find a potential suitor for your business. Depending on the size and type of business you operate and your own personal circumstances – marketing your company to strategic, financial or other buyers, including private equity, might be your most lucrative exit strategy.
That said, the values discussed in any potential offer for your business will vary significantly depending on the type of potential third party buyers approached; and even moreso, by how potential buyers are approached.
The panel will elaborate on best practices that will help you optimize and strategize a 3rd party transition – with the goal of ultimately finding and securing a buyer at a fair price. Through an interactive discussion you’ll learn:
While a transition within the senior ranks of your business or to a business partner may be the best option, there are risks and potential missteps to avoid. The panel will identify opportunities that could impact your successful MBO, as well as diverse ways to finance the transaction. They will cover:
Transitioning a business can be a complicated process – especially when family is involved. The Melton Family’s diverse business interests span 4 generations of family history. In this session, you will hear first-hand experiences related to the growth and evolution of this family enterprise. The family members will share their unique perspectives on how to successfully plan for family business transition.
Join conference chairman Harold Kunik in a “fireside” chat with Claude Cloutier, President, Ambassador Mechanical
When you sell or transition your business you may face a significant tax bill. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself with less than half of the sale price in your pocket. Fortunately, with the right preparation and enough time to implement, there are a number of opportunities to limit or even eliminate tax. However, you need to consider more than just the tax bill when planning a restructure. We will look at how to structure your company well in advance of a potential sale or recapitalization, including real life examples. This session will also review in detail the new proposed tax regulations that will impact all private businesses.
Leaders say, ‘people are our most important asset’ but lack a cohesive understanding of human behavior. You can’t influence what you don’t understand; so to truly leverage the human side of business, it behooves you to develop some expertise. This session will offer a simple concept to address a complex topic – people, culture and the bottom line.
Business owners and advisors will have an advantage if they have knowledge of human behavior and the skills to put that knowledge to work. You’ll learn in this session something that will be useful for the rest of your life – and certainly, it will impact the successful transition of your business.
The sale process of a business involves many complicated moving parts. To successfully sell or transition your company, you need the right team of professionals to get the best price, terms and peace of mind.
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits of having an exit team, how to select the best advisors for your business, what your exit team will cost and how they’ll be paid. Post-transition plans will also be addressed.
Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through a transition with their businesses and now have the opportunity to reflect on the process in the rear view mirror. What would they change if they were to do it all again, if anything? Would they negotiate differently? Would they identify different strategic consultants or would they second guess their decision to sell? Panelists will help build and broaden your frame of reference by sharing their own war stories and tales from the trenches.
Many deals collapse at the structuring or due diligence stage. Buyers and Sellers often have differing needs and objectives. And while the idea of providing unfettered access to your confidential business information may sound scary, it is standard operating procedure once a letter of intent is signed. This panel discussion will highlight key areas of tension and risk for sellers. You’ll learn ways to maintain control of the sale process without impeding success.
You will hear first-hand stories that outline what owners and advisors have experienced during the transition journey. 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 to ensure you maintain deal momentum during your transaction.
