This is the Program Archive for the Edmonton Business Transitions Forum.
The business decisions you make now during the COVID transition period will ultimately impact your business tomorrow and into the future. This opening session will provide real insights into a macro view of the economy while better understanding economic impact from this pandemic, how organizations can prepare for the future and how to mitigate risk. This session will also address the expected timeline for different sectors to recover.
Which critical steps should you take to achieve maximum value? With the global economy devastated by COVID-19 and related lockdowns, valuations are generally on a downward trajectory. However, not all businesses and industries are created equal. Widespread panic in markets can, more than ever, yield “gems” to the GP that “does their homework”. Modelling of the probable recovery of specific industries, lining up flexible lenders, detailed analysis of synergies, and forecasting possible “retooling” opportunities, amongst other things, can lead to returns that far outstrip what was possible in the previous bull market.
How has the role of an investment banker, lawyer and accountant changed post COVID? Will your advisory team help you streamline your business prior to selling and ultimately gain a bigger selling price at the finish line? This session will help you better understand the role each advisor plays and where they can make the difference as you look to transition.
A management buy-out can be an excellent succession strategy and likely a more common approach to succession post COVID. When considering a Management Buyout (MBO), how do you equip your management team to become a credible bidder for the business? How is your leadership positioned to perform going forward and engage in a potential MBO? When should you start looking at senior management team for potential transition?
How will the new normal post COVID work environment permanently affect how you run your business? This discussion will look at key considerations for optimizing your leadership, team, and business environment both today and in the future.
Private Equity, institutional and private money, is currently sitting on $1.2 trillion and looking to invest over the next 6 to 24 months. What is investment looking for today when looking for businesses to acquire and how does this compare to private or institutional investment?
COVID-19 has not just changed the world but also the DNA of our workplace ecosystem in many ways. What are the key steps you need to take to effectively adjust, re-build, and grow your team and business? How open and transparent have you been with your team during the pandemic? This session will address numerous questions that entrepreneurs are asking themselves today and provide practical and proven approaches for how they can be effective leading their teams to renewed success.
In this Fireside Chat, you will hear the stories from a business owner that has gone through a transition of their business and now has the opportunity to reflect on the deal. Nancy MacKay will join Darcy Kernaghan in discussion on how the sale affected their personal and professional life? What would Darcy change if he were to do it all again? Would he negotiate differently, work with different strategic advisors or have they second guessed the decision to sell?
While COVID-19 caused a dramatic slowdown to the deal making boom of the last several years as many businesses were forced to put transactions on hold and instead focus on shoring up operations, we expect to see a resurgence in M&A activity as dry-powder from financial sponsors searches for returns and strategic buyers look for opportunities to adapt, take market-share and take advantage of a new perspective on future prospects. How do buyers get comfortable completing deals in a non- face-to-face environment? How is due diligence being conducted? How are deals being financed? What technologies and solutions are being used to overcome logistical obstacles? This panel discussion will consider these questions and more on how to get a deal done during COVID-19.
How has the pandemic affected family business and what strategies has your family initiated to manage the heightened emotional rollercoaster? Family businesses can be challenging to manage at the best of times. Some see these difficult times to make the necessary structural changes to allow the business to prosper for many years to come. This session will discuss many strategies that should be considered to effectively position your business post COVID.
Negotiating the sale of your business can vary significantly, not only between bidders but also with any particular potential buyer. The process selected and terms dictated by the seller in a transaction will impact the “price” paid. It is fundamental to understand how the selling process will impact what you receive for your company. The panel will discuss and elaborate on best practices, industry myths and misconceptions, and alternatives for consideration in designing a process to structure your transaction for a fair price.
Hear from a panel of business owners who have experienced COVID -19 but also previous business downturns including GFC and 9/11. The group will share real life experiences from the trenches and how they navigated through different market downturns. The panel will also share the personal side of how they managed themselves through COVID-19.