This is the Program Archive for the Toronto Business Transitions Forum.
Pamela is an entrepreneur at heart. She propels our client’s growth by uncovering opportunities, building strong relationships and crafting innovative... Read More
As Managing Director and Head of Roynat Equity Partners, Mark is responsible for leading all aspects of the investment process,... Read More
Alan Chettiar leads FirePower’s Investment Banking team in all its engagements and sets its strategic direction. As a former Principal... Read More
Danish Jamal, CPA, CA, CFA, CBV, is a Director in MNP’s Corporate Finance team. Based in Toronto, Danish works closely... Read More
As a trusted advisor to corporate executives, business owners and their families, as well as the legal community for more... Read More
Kris is a Director in our Transactions practice specializing in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Kris is a... Read More
Peter Stefanovich is the Managing Partner at Left Lane Associates, a mergers and acquisition firm representing buyers and sellers in... Read More
Bill has been a professional advisor working with business owners for over 25 years. As a Certified Exit Planner, Bill... Read More
Dianne joined Nexus in 2001, after working with KPMG’s Personal Financial Planning Practice. At Nexus, she advises clients on issues... Read More
Yogi Sennik is the CEO of Joriki Inc. a beverage manufacturer located in Canada. Established in 1992, Joriki is a... Read More
As a partner in RSM Canada’s tax practice, Stephen provides integrated Canadian income tax advice and solutions to the firm’s... Read More
Beric Farmer cofounded XE with a high-school friend in 1993 as they were both graduating from university. A year and... Read More
Eddy R. A. Burello, FCPA, FCA, MBA, is a Business Advisor and Partner with MNP in Toronto. Drawing on 31 years of... Read More
Claudio is a medical technology entrepreneur with a long experience in the industry. He is a hands-on executive, that combines... Read More
Adrian is the CEO of eCompliance, a safety software company which he formed with his business partner after experiencing the... Read More
As founder & CEO, Paul is the reason why we’re all here. Along with Bob Walker, Paul built Prophix from... Read More
John Hotson is an entrepreneur, strategist, speaker and advisor to business owners. He has over 35 years of experience of... Read More
Oren heads FirePower Capital’s Value Maximization division, focused on leveraging big data analytics to aggressively drive shareholder value ahead of... Read More
A serial entrepreneur and corporate strategist known for disrupting traditional markets, Mia is the CEO of MSL Canada and co-founder... Read More
Jess Grossman is the Founder & CEO of In Social, a full-service digital marketing agency that acts as the outsourced... Read More
Ilan Jacobson is responsible for leading FirePower Capital in all its endeavours, setting its strategic direction and providing top-level guidance... Read More
Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012. Pierre leads a team of experts... Read More
Karen Fisman leads and executes FirePower Capital’s communication and content initiatives. In her most recent role, she was the publications... Read More
As Managing Director of Dynamic Legacy Inc, Ms. Fulford provides independent and objective advisory services for Family Offices [Single, Multi... Read More
Bruce is an experienced CEO with deep expertise in strategy and execution. Since selling his business in 2002 he has... Read More
David has over 12 years of experience in providing term / sub debt and investment banking services to entrepreneurs and... Read More
Nancy Adamo’s business accolades and contribution to Canadian society has been recognized throughout her career. In 1998, she was given... Read More
Eric Berke is the Managing Partner of TorQuest and joined at inception in 2002. Prior to TorQuest, Eric led the turnaround... Read More
Jason (Jake) Bullen is a partner in the Business Law Group and Co-Chair of the Private Equity Group at Cassels Brock. His practice focuses... Read More
Born and raised in Owen Sound, Steven enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two boys. As a lover... Read More
Michele Cooper is Managing Director, Growth & Transition Capital (GTC). With more than 15 years of experience in various roles at BDC,... Read More
As the Founder of Versature, Paul Emond provides the strategic vision and direction for the company. He is a serial... Read More
Tina Di Vito, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP, FEA, is a Partner and National Leader of Family Office Services, part of... Read More
Ryan is the National Corporate Finance Leader and leads the Transaction Advisory Services practice in BDO’s Toronto office. Ryan has... Read More
Bob Fitzgerald is the Chief Executive Officer of SCM. Bob was appointed the CEO of SCM in January of 2015,... Read More
Over the past 25 years, Tim Cestnick has developed a reputation as one of the most respected authors, speakers and... Read More
Bruce is Founder, Co- Chairman and Co-CEO of Evergreen Consumer Brands (ECB). ECB is a fully integrated consumer products company... Read More
Joanna Gibbons is a Partner and Managing Director in the PwC Corporate Finance / M&A Advisory practice where she draws... Read More
Jennifer is the President and CEO at Harding Fire Protection, a leading fire and life safety services company in Ontario.... Read More
A DTA stalwart since joining over 30 years ago, Melissa heads up the business as its President and CEO, managing... Read More
Ron Haik is a Senior Financial Planner in the firm’s Toronto office, with over 20 years of experience in the... Read More
Tom Kennedy is the founder of Kensington Capital Partners and Chair of the Investment Committee. Tom serves on the Advisory Boards of several private equity funds and private companies and has been an active supporter of the Private Equity and Venture Capital business in Canada. His public service and philanthropic work has been a longstanding, and focused on education and healthcare.
Samantha Horn is a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Groups. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers... Read More
Ray has over 20 years of experience structuring financial solutions. He is experienced in mergers & acquisitions, business advisory, lending... Read More
Dan is a Managing Director in our Transactions practice in Southern Ontario specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and Capital... Read More
Christopher’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private equity, venture and corporate finance transactions. He regularly advises Canadian, U.S.... Read More
Jacoline Loewen, Head of Business Development for UBS Bank (Canada), is an expert on wealth management, family office, philanthropy, legacy... Read More
Mike McCarron is the President of Left Lane Associations, M&A advisors specializing in the Canadian transportation sector. Mike is a... Read More
Michael spent several years working with Xerox; de Havilland Aircraft; Nortel Networks and also in Strategy Consulting with Coopers &... Read More
Ian Michael’s practice is focused on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions involving public companies... Read More
Ryan Newell is the President and CEO of Spinrite Yarns. Ryan joined Spinrite in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer and... Read More
Mario Nigro is a partner in the Toronto office of Stikeman Elliott and a member of the firm’s M&A/Private Equity... Read More
With investment management and wealth advisory experience dating back to 1972, Our Family Office Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and CIO enjoys... Read More
Eric Castonguay is a partner and the National Leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance Inc. (PwCCF). He has experience in all... Read More
Darin Brock joined TorQuest in 2006 and currently oversees the firm’s external relationships, managing business development and investment sourcing activities,... Read More
Perry, as president of ESOP Builders Inc., has designed and implemented over 160 ESOPs – Employee Share Ownership Plans –... Read More
Jonathan Piurko is the Co-Founder and CEO of Monarch Bridge Financial Corp. Mr. Piurko is responsible for all executive functions... Read More
Paris Aden is the founding Partner of Valitas Capital Partners. Mr. Aden has broad industry experience, with a focus on the... Read More
Kristi has been providing mid-market businesses with relationship-focused, strategic financing for over twenty years. As National Managing Director, Kristi leads First West Capital across Canada and delivers tailored subordinated-debt, mezzanine and equity financing solutions for growth, acquisitions and transitions. Prior to First West Capital, Kristi spent ten years with Vancity Capital, another B.C.-based subordinated debt fund. She has also worked with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Small Enterprise Equity Fund of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Brad Geddes is President and CEO of Zucora Inc., Canada’s leading provider of product warranties for the home furnishings industry.... Read More
David Anderson operates a private investment company that invests in small to mid-market Canadian companies. He most recently participated as a principal... Read More
A Deal Advisory Partner, Miguel brings 10 years of experience supporting Canadian transactions for mid-market private equity firms and strategic... Read More
Since founding Honk in 2013, Michael has been applying knowledge, success and wealth of experience to create a much-needed solution... Read More
Robert R. Bedard is the co-founder, President and CEO of the Bempro Global Group which includes BMP Metals (Custom metal... Read More
Sam’s primary role is to source new business opportunities and execute transactions throughout Canada, and the U.S. East Coast. Previously,... Read More
Bill is recently and happily retired after a thirty-five year career in Sales, Marketing and Leadership with Coyle Corrugated Containers. ... Read More
Mary Beth Denomy is an entrepreneur and event industry veteran. She is the Founder of Proof Experiences (Free For All... Read More
Alex is a lawyer in our Business Law Group and Financial Services Group and advises clients on a broad range... Read More
The Managing Director of Business Transition Planning and Trust Services with CIBC Private Wealth Management, Sean joined CIBC from another... Read More
Stella Gasparro, CPA, CA, is a Partner in MNP’s Toronto office. She specializes in providing local and cross-border tax planning... Read More
Lyne Gaulin is a Partner at Richter specializing in Tax. Lyne has over 23 years of experience in providing advice... Read More
Pierre Ouimet is the Head Investment Strategist for UBS Bank (Canada)’s Wealth Management on our Canadian equity strategies and Asset... Read More
Loren Rafeson is Director, Growth Equity, based in Toronto. He has close to 15 years of experience in private equity and... Read More
Nancy Ramalho is a partner in the Employment & Labour Group. Nancy provides advice to national and international companies on... Read More
Terran learned the construction business literally from the ground up by apprenticing under his father, GS founder Glen Sandwith. He started... Read More
As the national tax leader at RSM Canada, Maria sets the vision and direction of the firm’s tax practice. Having... Read More
James is the co-founder of Signal Hill Equity Partners and has over 25 years’ experience investing and building companies. He... Read More
David is a Business Lawyer and a Facilitator and is the Head of Pallett Valo’s Family Business Law Group. David... Read More
Jeff is a partner in our advisory services practice based in Toronto specializing in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions... Read More
Zulf Karim is Director, Growth Equity with BDC Capital in Toronto. He is responsible for leading equity investments alongside Canadian... Read More
Karen Killeen is a CPA, CA with broad private and public company experience. While in public accounting, Karen worked with... Read More
Kevin Tremblay, CPA, CA, CBV, CF, is a Managing Director of MNP Corporate Finance, based in Toronto. With a focus on... Read More
Rob is the Managing Director of BDC Capital’s Growth & Transition Capital team in Toronto. Since joining BDC in 2009,... Read More
Brian Love is a growth driven aviation executive with extensive experience in international sales, contract negotiations and business operations. Brian... Read More
Mr. Mark is responsible for executing Rhyno’s investment strategies by seeking new opportunities and managing the acquisition process in order... Read More
Jonah is responsible for advising and developing advanced estate and tax planning strategies for his clients. He brings over 10... Read More
Pat founded APEX Public Relations (www.apexpr.com) in 1998 and built a strong business and a roster of blue chip clients. ... Read More
I started the Neograft company in 2008. I searched for a product to sell in the anti aging sector. I... Read More
Jeff is a senior consultant in the BDO Advisory Services Practice. With 20+ years of facilitation and coaching experience,... Read More
Born in Montreal, Pierre completed a degree in Economics at Loyola College in 1968. He completed a Masters Business Administration... Read More
Its Darryl’s mission to help businesses fulfill their strategic vision. Through innovative junior capital solutions, and a collaborative approach, he... Read More
Arlene has developed a broad range of expertise in the areas of corporate and commercial law, with a strong focus... Read More
Conor Snape is Director, Growth & Transition Capital servicing the Greater Toronto Area. Conor joined BDC in 2010, after working... Read More
Randy Ambrosie has worked in the investment industry in both Canada and the United States for nearly 30 years. Most... Read More
Earl is an accomplished Pipeline Rehabilitation Specialist, with a proven track record for leading world class operations in Trenchless Sewer... Read More
Colleen works with clients and advisors to develop sound wealth management plans. She provides support and direction about complex issues... Read More
Devon Cranson is the Founder and President of Cranson Capital, a boutique investment banking firm founded in 2006. Devon has... Read More
Rachel Skelton joined TorQuest in 2013. Previously, she worked at McKinsey & Company advising clients on growth and turnaround strategies... Read More
Sab Ravalli is President and Founder of Axium Capital Corp. and a Capital Partner at Terra Cotta Financial Group Inc. He... Read More
Steve Gunn is the co-founder and Co-Chair of Sleep Country Canada. He was the CEO of Sleep Country from 1997... Read More
Gord has enjoyed a colourful 25 year career working in a wide range of roles in several industries, and in... Read More
Matt is the Managing Partner of Market Square Equity Partners. Market Square Equity Partners (“MSEP”) is a Toronto based private... Read More
For over 25 years, entrepreneurial clients across all industries have benefited from Mitch’s ability to make strategic tax and business... Read More
Jim is a member of the High Net Worth Planning team at BMO Wealth Management, where he leads the Business... Read More
Ken is a Managing Director at MPA. He is responsible for transaction origination, engagement design and execution, client development and... Read More
Ashley Herman is the Vice President and owner of Freshway Development, an investment company that targets the construction, environmental and... Read More
Jeff began his career with Proctor & Gamble, spending 10 years in finance, operations, and supply chain management. He then... Read More
Aileen is a trusted and highly experienced consultant to accomplished business owners and a uent families on matters associated with transition... Read More
Giovanni Marcelli came to Canada from Italy in 1969 after obtaining a college Diploma in Electro-Technical Engineering. In 1972 Mr.... Read More
Victoria Sopik, an entrepreneur and mother of eight, understands the delicate balance between work and life. That’s why she co-founded... Read More
Ken is the Managing Partner of NewPoint Capital Partners Inc, a Toronto based Mergers & Acquisitions advisory firm. He has... Read More
Eric Termuende is the co-founder of NoW Innovations, a bestselling author, and an international speaker. His work has been featured... Read More
Robert is the National Leader of Corporate Finance, the Global Co-Leader of Debt & Capital Advisory and is also on... Read More
Frank Pizzolato is an angel investor, advisor and serial entrepreneur. Frank co-founded Clarity Systems, an enterprise software company focused on... Read More
Matt is the Chief Canadian Equity and Structured Note Strategist for RBC Capital Markets. Prior to this, Matt ran the... Read More
David Simpson is a Lecturer in the Entrepreneurship group and the founding director of the Business Families Centre at the... Read More
With over 20 years’ experience Carey Singer is an accomplished tax consultant. Having relocated to Toronto from his native Chicago... Read More
As the Managing Partner of Collins Barrow Toronto, Harry sets vision and direction for the firm nationally and internationally, spearheading... Read More
Giselle Bodkin is a Partner with BDO Canada and valued member of BDO’s National Policy Board. She has over 25... Read More
Don Carson, CPA, CA, is the Regional Tax Leader for MNP in the Greater Toronto Area and the National Leader... Read More
Adam is a Managing Partner with Holcan Investments. Holcan is a family office with a focus on investing in mid-sized... Read More
Colin Walker is a Managing Director of Crosbie with over 30 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking and capital... Read More
Curtis Cusinato is a partner practising corporate and securities law in the firm’s Toronto office with an emphasis on domestic... Read More
Matthew Cumming is a partner in our M&A and Securities Group in Toronto. He has expertise in a broad range... Read More
Mr. Duboc’s career is marked by his passion for entrepreneurship, his ingenuity and corporate and community leadership. Sam is a... Read More
John Francis is the Managing Director of Fraser Kearney Capital Corp., an investment company that oversees the Francis family office.... Read More
Ted Shoub has a corporate commercial practice and advises private companies on mergers and acquisitions, financings, corporate governance and general... Read More
Paul has extensive experience in all aspects of Fulcrum’s private equity investments including originating, executing and managing investments. He brings... Read More
Rachel is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Tax Partner with BDO Canada LLP out of Toronto. She assists clients in... Read More
Ed Giacomelli has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance and capital markets, having advised numerous clients... Read More
Steve Hartman is a founder of Industrial Thermo Polymers Limited (ITP), a leading manufacturer of extruded polyethylene foam products in... Read More
Robin is responsible for providing advanced trust, estate and succession planning to affluent business owners, with a specialization in tax-effective... Read More
Doug practises mergers and acquisitions and all aspects of commercial law with a particular emphasis on company acquisitions and dispositions,... Read More
Howard is a Managing Director at Veracap M&A International and its sister firm, Campbell Valuation Partners. He advises business owners... Read More
Jeff is the Director of Business Transition Services in the BDO Special Advisory Services Group. A highly trusted advisor with many... Read More
As a partner of Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis LLP, with 30+ years’ experience as a lawyer, CPA, CA,... Read More
Jason is a member of the Lead Advisory team where he focuses on M&A, divestitures, buyouts and capital-raising activities. Jason... Read More
David began his career with Allied International Credit in the UK, after graduating from the University of Western Ontario with... Read More
Luanna McGowan is the President of The McGowan Group Inc., former National Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, and founder of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Centre... Read More
Graham has extensive domestic and international experience advising corporations and financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate finance... Read More
Ezer Mevorach is the C.E.O. of Mevotech LP, based in Toronto, Ontario. Mevotech is a North American market leader in... Read More
Haroon F. Mirza is the Entrepreneur in Residence of OneEleven, a post-seed tech accelerator focused on helping Canada’s most promising,... Read More
As Managing Partner and founder of Prompta Inc., a leading consultancy, Tim brings 20+ years of experience successfully leading transformational... Read More
Doris Valade is founder and President of Malabar Super Spice Co. Ltd., a distributor and manufacturer of quality spices and... Read More
Shubo’s focus is on helping entrepreneur managed companies with Mergers & Acquisitions. He was previously an Equity Partner/Managing Director at... Read More
Brent is responsible for transaction origination and execution, financial advisory and capital raising activities. These activities have been across a... Read More
Al co-founded Ironbridge in September, 2005. Prior to Ironbridge, from 2003 to 2005, he was a Partner in the Equity... Read More
Vince has 20+ year experience working with private companies in services, distribution and manufacturing sectors. Prior to joining Granite, Vince... Read More
Growing up in a car dealership has always been second nature to me. My earliest memories include the smell of... Read More
Angelo Zeni is Team Lead, Growth & Transition Capital in our Mississauga office. Angelo joined BDC in 2011, bringing more than... Read More
Bruno has held various roles at BDO, most recently as Manager, Financial Advisory Services. Bruno has spent the past several... Read More
Steve Suske is President and CEO of Suske Capital Inc. A proven entrepreneur with over 40 years of professional experience... Read More
John Wilson is Managing Partner at ninepoint partners, an alternative asset manager based in Toronto with $3 billion in AUM... Read More
While still in grad school, Basil co-founded Nexus Engineering. Nexus grew to seven companies with over 300 employees with operations... Read More
Andrew joined Ironbridge in November 2014. Prior to Ironbridge, from 2011 to 2014, Andrew was a Partner with Signal Hill... Read More
John Warrillow has been helping companies understand and market to the SME segment for more than two decades. He has... Read More
Wendy is a senior consultant at the Family Business Consulting Group, working closely with business leaders, family firms, and boards.... Read More
Jamie Windle is Director in the Transaction Advisory Services practice at BDO specializing in transaction support and due diligence services... Read More
Barry Wood is CEO of Ontario Excavac Inc, leading provider in south-central Ontario of hydroexcavation, infrastructure, renewal and improvement services... Read More
The dictionary defines entrepreneur as “one who organizes, manages and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise”. As one of eight children born... Read More
Transitioning a family business can be a complicated process, with many issues to address and dynamics to overcome. It can be a minefield of unforeseen obstacles and challenges. In fact, for the first time in history, there could be up to four (4) different generations in the workplace at the same time! In this session, the speaker will help bring order to chaos by providing tools and perspectives to successfully navigate your family business transition. Is an intergenerational transition right for your business or would a management buyout or a sale to a third party be a better route? The speaker will help owners uncover the best options in light of individual circumstances. Examples of real life situations will be highlighted to illustrate what business owners and their families have done to effectively prepare for the biggest transition of their lives.
This session runs at the same time as Session A2.
Join Samuel Duboc in a “fireside” chat with John Francis formerly with Trader Media as he looks back in the rear view mirror on the sale of his Auto Trader publication. Yellow Pages Group acquired 65 specialized publications, including Auto Trader from Mr. Francis for $436M, 10 times earnings at the time.
When you sell or transition your business you may face a significant tax bill – in fact, if you’re not careful, you could find yourself with less than half of the purchase price in your pocket. But, if you ultimately want to sell and today is not the optimal time, there are also strategies to recapitalize in order to take some chips off the table in a tax-preferred manner. The recapitalization strategy is an opportunity to bring the concepts of cashflow financing, business valuation, and due diligence together, along with tax minimization and corporate structure planning. Fortunately, there are a number of opportunities to reduce or even eliminate tax, with the right preparation and enough time to implement. The moral of the story? Structure your company well in advance of a potential sale or recapitalization, and consider all of your business options to reap the benefits; or fail to plan ahead of time and pay the price. The presenters will discuss real-world examples of proper versus improper planning related to the transition of your business so that you can avoid pitfalls.
This session runs at the same time as Session B2.
If you talk to owners who have sold some or all of their businesses, you may be surprised to learn that many didn’t sell to the highest bidder. In every business transition, there are a number of key terms in addition to purchase price that are at stake. What impact will the eventual sale have on your staff, suppliers, community and legacy? What role can you expect to play after the transaction? What transaction bonuses are at stake? This session will explore what needs to be negotiated and how to gain leverage in the negotiation process to ensure the ideal fit and terms for the eventual sale of your business.
This session runs at the same time as Session B1.
Many business owners dream of cashing out, retiring and running off into the sunset, others wish to ensure that their financial legacy continues into future generations. How might insurance play a role in the preservation of capital? What challenges are to be expected after a big pay-out? What unique investment vehicles are ideal parking opportunities for the proceeds generated by the sale of some or all of your business?
You will hear from a panel of seasoned wealth and insurance experts as they suggest some of the best strategies to build your net worth. Each will share a “big idea” that all investors should have on their radar.
After attending this session, 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.
Hear from a panel of business owners who have sold their businesses for millions and now have the opportunity to reflect on the deal 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.
You’ll learn why:
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 and understand exactly what you should be doing now in order to get your business ready. The speaker will address the market outlook for transitioning, if you’re looking to do so in the next 3-5 years. This overview of the process of selling a business will help you start preparations, mitigate risk, improve upside and ultimately secure the reward you deserve when the time is right.
Many business owners are disappointed when they don’t receive the valuations they expect, or worse, they can’t find any buyers at all. With an aging population and droves of business owners looking for an exit, your eventual buyer could be in the driver’s seat. As a business owner, it’s imperative that you focus on the specific areas of your business that drive value, even if you have no immediate intention of selling. This session will outline a number of value drivers that require immediate attention in order to maximize the saleability and value of your business.
You’re contemplating ways to turn years of hard work into cash, but what are your options? Should you look to your senior management team as potential investors, assuming they are interested and able to invest in your business? Should you look outside your firm for strategic buyers? Could Private Equity, Search Funds or other entities provide liquidity opportunities? This session will help you learn what distinguishes different classes of buyers, depending on your size of business, and what other options you have to generate capital. The panel will address the pros and cons of various options that could allow you to take some chips off the table.
When you sell or transition your business you may face a significant tax bill – in fact, if you’re not careful, you could find yourself with less than half of the purchase price in your pocket. Fortunately, there are a number of opportunities to reduce or even eliminate tax, with the right preparation and enough time to implement. The presenters will discuss real-world examples so that you can avoid pitfalls. In addition, this session will address alternative strategies to recapitalize in order to take some chips off the table in a tax-preferred manner, if you don’t plan on selling in the near-term.
This session runs at the same time as Session A2.
It is fundamental to understand that when selling your business, the process itself will have a major impact on the price you receive. Furthermore, the terms dictated by the seller in a transaction will significantly impact the price. What terms can be negotiated and are in the best interests of the buyers and sellers? The panel will discuss potential terms and elaborate on best practices with respect to the process of your transaction. Through an interactive discussion you’ll learn:
This session runs at the same time as Session A1.
Join conference chairman Barry Wood in a “fireside” chat with Stephen Gunn as he discusses Sleep Country Canada’s unique transition story.
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 session, 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
This session runs at the same time as Session B2.
When is the right time to start thinking about your post transition plan and what does it look like? What impact will the transaction have on your family, your emotions and on your lifestyle? Hear a panel of experts review a case study of a real transaction and discuss the internal and external steps required. This discussion will include how to handle the transition from wealth creator to wealth manager, and the role of the family trust advisory.
This session runs at the same time as Session B1.
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 (the good, bad and ugly) 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 momentum during your transaction.
Some key areas to focus on include:
Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through a transition and sold their businesses for millions and now have the opportunity to reflect on the deal 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.
Introduction by Robert Duffy, Vice President, Growth & Transition Capital Ontario and Atlantic, BDC Capital
What trends will impact the biggest transaction of your life? How does the current economic trend impact business owners that are thinking of transitioning in the coming years? 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 will put things into perspective so that you can plan for a successful transition.
Why should exit-readiness be a part of your business plan? Why prepare your company for sale, even if you have no plans to sell?
The answer is simple: A sellable company usually operates better, in addition to being more valuable – so even if you don’t sell, exit-readiness will make your business stronger.
There are a number of preparatory steps you should be taking as a business owner to ensure you are “exit ready,” after-all, the process of selling or transitioning a business is complicated and uncertain.
Sometimes exits can happen sooner than expected and sometimes they need to be accelerated based on what is happening in the market. You may be presented with an inbound opportunity to sell some or all of your business, or unexpected personal and/or external factors could force your hand. This session will help you assess both your personal and corporate exit readiness; including areas of transition that provide the most opportunity and risk.
You’re contemplating ways to turn years of hard work into cash, but what are your options? Should you look to your senior management team as potential investors, assuming they are interested and able to invest in your business? Should you look outside your firm for strategic buyers? Could Private Equity, Family Offices or other entities provide liquidity opportunities? In this session a panel of experts will help you learn what distinguishes different classes of buyers, depending on your size of business, and what other options you have to generate capital. The panel will discuss various liquidity options including:
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 and terms 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:
For many business owners, a management buyout is the best transition option available. While a transition within the senior ranks of your business 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. What impact will bringing in the younger generation have on family dynamics, emotions and lifestyle? The discussion will help bring order to chaos by providing tools and perspectives so you can successfully navigate your family business transition. Examples of real life situations will be highlighted to illustrate what other business owners and their families have done to effectively prepare for the biggest transaction of their lives.
Join Jeff Noble in “Fireside Chat” with Robert Bedard, Founder of BMP Metals, as they discuss the intergenerational transition of BMP.
Join Bruce Harbinson in a discussion with Pierre Morrissette, Founder and Executive Chairman, Pelmorex Corp (Formerly Pelmorex Media Inc.), owner of The Weather Network.
Pelmorex, TWN’s parent company is the dominant weather player in Spain, which is the company’s fastest growing market. In a recent Ipsos Reid survey of the most influential brands in Canada, The Weather Network ranked 12th overall and 1st amongst Canadian-owned companies. In partnership with all authorized government agencies, TWN operates Canada’s emergency altering system, Alert Ready, and recently announced that its alerts will now also be sent to mobile phones in designated areas.
This discussion will not only explore how Pelmorex became such a trusted global leader, but Pierre will also share his insights on multi-generational family enterprise transition planning and the value of bringing outside talent into a family business.
Bring your burning transition questions to our exhibit area. This is your opportunity to meet and obtain advice from Canada’s leading and most reputable experts on the subject of exit-strategy.
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 many opportunities to reduce tax significantly. We will look at how to structure your company well in advance of a potential sale or recapitalization and review new Canadian and US tax changes which could impact all private businesses in Canada.
The sale or transition of a business involves many moving parts. Whether you’re conducting a management buyout or running a process to find a third-party buyer, you’ll inevitably require support from tax and legal experts as well as investment bankers and other M&A professionals to close the deal successfully.
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits of having an exit team, what skill sets to look for and how to select the best advisors for your business transition. This session will also examine advisor fees and compensation.
When is the right time to start thinking about your post transition plan? Not having a plan is a major cause of remorse among business owners who have exited. What impact will a transaction have on your family, your emotions, your lifestyle and your legacy? In this session you will hear a panel of experts and owners share the their post transition experiences.
This discussion will also address transition from wealth creator to wealth manager.
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 and maintain momentum during your transaction.
Some key areas to focus on include:
Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through a transition and now have the opportunity to reflect on the deal in the rear view mirror. How has the transition affected their personal and professional lives? What would they change if they were to do it all again, if anything? Would they negotiate differently, work with different strategic advisors or would they second guess their decision to exit? Panelists will help build and broaden your frame of reference by sharing their own war stories and tales from the trenches.
“Meet The Experts”
Bring your burning transition questions to our exhibit area. This is your opportunity to meet and obtain advice from Canada’s leading and most reputable experts on the subject of exit-strategy.
*The conference has been approved for the following continuing education credits:
Ontario lawyers may consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Law Society of Ontario. This program contains 3 hours and 25 minutes of Professionalism Content.
FEA designates may earn 7 hours of CE for the entire conference.
CPAs may include this content as verifiable CPD credits.
Introduction of Conference Chair: Michele Cooper, Managing Director, BDC Capital
The decisions you make today will ultimately impact your business in the future. What are the current economic conditions and market trends that business owners need to consider when thinking about transition? How will interest rates and/or the Canadian dollar impact deal terms and multiples? This macro view of the economy and the M&A environment will put things into perspective so that you can plan for the biggest transaction of your life.
Performance, leadership, and culture are the building blocks of all successful businesses. Understanding how strength in these areas drive the value and potential salability of your business value is critical. As a business owner, you need to focus on “growth” in all three areas to ensure you have the right team in place, even if you have no plans to sell.
Eligible for 1 hour of CPD Ontario Law Society credit.
There are different types of buyers: strategic, private equity, management and family among them. Understanding your potential buyer universe will help clarify your objectives for selling and what you want success to look like. In learning about the different classes of buyers and capitalization options, you will quickly see that it isn’t a one size fits all game. It’s about the best fit for your type and size of business. In this session, you will hear from different buyers and what influences their purchasing decisions. This session will help attendees prioritize which of the following breakouts to attend (A1, A2, A3)
There are many reasons involved in looking outside the ranks of your firm or family to find a potential suitor for your business. Depending on the size and type of business that you operate and your own personal circumstances, positioning your company to strategic, financial or other types of buyers including private equity, might be your most lucrative exit strategy. This session will dive into the mechanisms of selling your business to a third party for the best price and terms.
Through an interactive discussion you’ll learn:
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 team positioned to perform? Have you effectively replaced yourself with the right skill sets and integrated your best people into the company’s operations, so they are prepared to become owners? Is the team aware of the risks and opportunities involved?
This session will cover:
If intergenerational transition is right for your business how are you professionalizing a family owned and operated firm? How are you supporting this shift in leadership? How do you put the right governance in place? Professionalizing your family business is perhaps one of the most complicated change-over options emotionally. Building capacity in the next generation needs to begin early on, and you may also need to consider outside, non-family executives.
In this session presenters will share their unique tools and perspectives so that you can successfully plan for your own family business transition.
Bring your burning transition questions to our group of experts. This is your opportunity to meet and obtain advice from Canada’s leading and most reputable experts on the subject of exit-strategy.
You’ve Built An Amazing Business…
Now What?
Maybe it’s time to take a step back and let others step up?
Or maybe you’re considering bringing in an investor and ramping up?
Or perhaps you’re even thinking of selling your business in the next few years?
Regardless of what you envision for your next chapter, there are four factors that will lead to a happy and lucrative exit from the day-to-day operations of your business. Skip one of the four things and you may regret it, like the 75% of owners who say they absolutely wished they approached their exit a better way.
This session will help you define the second half of your business (and your life). Based on more than 200 in-depth interviews conducted for his podcast Built to Sell Radio (ranked by Forbes as one of their top 5 podcast for business owners), you’ll discover:
In this fireside chat, you will hear from business owner about critical moments in their succession — in the transition of leadership and ownership.
Eligible for 50 minutes of CPD Ontario Law Society credits.
In order to attract a wide range of financial and/or strategic buyers, you must identify the areas of risk within your business well in advance. Potential buyers and their advisors will be on the lookout for red flags and trouble spots once an offer is on the table; this is your chance to learn about “deal breakers” that luck within your business so that you and your advisors can prepare. Common challenges that will be discussed include:
Eligible for 50 minutes of CPD Ontario Law Society credits.
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 session, 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.
Long-term thinking about your business is an enormous endeavor, the process of a sale can throw that thinking into chaos. One of the most important elements that gets lost is what happens after the deal is signed. Having a post-transition plan to help manage the impact this monumental change will have on your family, your emotions and your lifestyle.
This session will feature a case study of a transition and what internal and external steps were taken to handle the change from wealth creator to wealth manager.
In this Fireside Chat you will hear from a business owner about their recent transaction. Join Conor Snape, from BDC, as he sits down with Lennard Kipp to discuss the recent acquisition and leadership transition of All Canadian Display Company. Lennard will share some of the best practices used in the due diligence process, how to structure a transaction to better align the buyer and seller, the importance of understanding the culture of a company and optimizing capital structures for a smoother transition
Eligible for 45 minutes of CPD Ontario Law Society credits.
Hear from a panel of business owners and experts who have gone through transition with their businesses and now have the opportunity to reflect on the process in the rear view mirror. The panel will share insights on what they wish they had known at the beginning of their transition journey and key learnings they have taken into their next endeavours. What would they change if they were to do it all again, if anything? Panelists will help build and broaden your frame of reference by sharing their own war stories and tales from the trenches.
Bring your burning transition questions to our group of experts. This is your opportunity to meet and obtain advice from Canada’s leading and most reputable experts on the subject of exit-strategy.