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Program Archives

Mark Brodkin
Private Equity National Head, Roynat Capital

As Managing Director and Head of Roynat Equity Partners, Mark is responsible for leading all aspects of the investment process,... Read More

Alan Chettiar
Partner, M&A Advisory, FirePower Capital

Alan Chettiar leads FirePower’s M&A  Advisory team and sets its strategic  direction. As a former principal at a  boutique investment... Read More

Michelle Alphonso
Partner, National Lead for Transaction Advisory Services & Private Equity, Grant Thornton LLP

As a partner, national lead for Transaction Advisory Services, and Private Equity, I oversee a team that delivers strategic, comprehensive... Read More

Zamira Aliko
Partner & Senior Managing Director, Deloitte Corporate Finance

Zamira is a Partner and Senior Managing Director in the Central Corporate Finance group and co-leads the consumer products sector... Read More

Patrick Bermingham
Principal, Bermingham Studio Inc.

Artist, sculptor, entrepreneur, inventor, Bermingham’s work has been recognized for its elegance, simplicity, depth of thought, clarity of purpose and... Read More

Ian Black
Managing Partner, Rundle Partners

Ian founded Rundle to invest in family-owned Canadian businesses and help take them to their next level. He was a... Read More

Angela Blake
Partner, Bennett Jones

Angela’s transactional experience includes public and private M&A (both buy and sell side), public listings, private placement financings, prospectus offerings... Read More

Terry Chan
Partner | Transaction Diligence, Kalos LLP

Terry is a Partner and the Head of Valuations at Kalos LLP. Terry joined the firm in 2020 in order... Read More

Reena Chaudhary
Managing Partner, Sia Partners

Reena Chaudhary is the Managing Partner of Sia Partners, a next generation global management consulting firm.  Mrs. Chaudhary is responsible... Read More

Axel Christiansen
Partner, Relay Transition Partners

Relay Transition Partners is dedicated to the sale of small and medium businesses in Canada (SMBs). Our partners understand the... Read More

Michael Crawley
CFO + CCO, Private Equity, KV Capital

Michael has been with KV Capital for almost ten years and is the CFO and CCO of our private equity... Read More

Julie Ellis
CEO and Founder, Julie Ellis & Co

Julie Ellis has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and was most recently the Chief Operating Officer... Read More

David Fidler
Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.

Joined Crosbie in 2021 Partner at Crosbie responsible for leading M&A, financing and other financial advisory mandates across various industry... Read More

Miles Faulkner
Principal, Faulkner Consulting

Built and ran Canada’s largest Atlassian Platinum partner with $24M plus revenue and 40 staff. 120 + Clients including a... Read More

Karen Fisman
Director, Business Development, Origin Merchant Partners

As Director, Business Development at Origin Merchant Partners, Karen Fisman builds and manages partnerships with private equity and private debt... Read More

Waldemar Halek
President, Transworld Business Advisors

Value creation focused senior business intermediary, business and real estate advisor, investor and owner. Industry experience: real estate and construction,... Read More

Jerome Hamilton
Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC

As part of BDC Capital’s Growth & Transition team, I work with business owners every day using my background, market... Read More

Stephanie Hickmott
Principal, Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd.

Stephanie joined Leith Wheeler’s Toronto office in August 2016 with a solid foundation in wealth management and investment counselling. In... Read More

Pierre Cléroux
Vice President Research & Chief Economist, BDC

Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012. Pierre leads a team of experts... Read More

John Hotson
Partner & Marketing Strategist, Business Transition Alliance

John Hotson is an entrepreneur, strategist, speaker and advisor to business owners. He has over 35 years of experience of... Read More

William Huk
Regional Vice President, Ontario East, Roynat Capital

Mike Baker
Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel

Mike Baker joined Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel in 2016 with over 20 years of experience as a trusted advisor to... Read More

Jarred Knecht
President of ProEV™ and Promark Electronics

Jarred Knecht is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with over 15 years of challenging the status quo. A true passion... Read More

Debby Carreau
CEO & Founder, Inspired HR Ltd

Debby Carreau is a proven leader helping businesses become inspired workplaces. She is highly regarded globally as a human capital... Read More

Kleo Landucci
CEO & President, CrescentView Investments Ltd. & Former Managing Director, Ashcroft Terminal

Kleo Landucci is the CEO & President of CrescentView Investments Ltd. (CVI), a familyinvestment company. In 2004, Ms. Landucci joined... Read More

Jacoline Loewen
CEO, Loewen Capital Partners

Jacoline Loewen, Head of Business Development for UBS Bank (Canada), is an expert on wealth management, family office, philanthropy, legacy... Read More

Troy MacDonald
Partner, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton LLP

As partner and national practice leader for corporate finance and infrastructure, I strive to bring the best of Grant Thornton’s... Read More

Cedar Swan
CEO, Adventure Canada

An adventurer and passionate outdoor enthusiast, Cedar believes in the importance of connections to nature in one’s daily life. The... Read More

Eddy Burello
Partner, MNP

Eddy Burello is Business Advisor and Partner with MNP in Toronto.  Drawing on 35 years of experience in public accounting,... Read More

Kristi Miller
Managing Partner, Krystal Growth Partners

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.

Colin Brown
Managing Director, Management Consultant & Business Advisor, McNally Brown

Colin Brown is Managing Director at McNally Brown Group, a boutique management consulting firm that provides strategic, operational and financial... Read More

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

Mike is an entrepreneur at heart. He has built, acquired and sold his own private businesses and guided 100+ entrepreneurs... Read More

Matthew Langsford
Wealth Management, Senior Investment Advisor & Portfolio Manager, GC Wealth Canada

Drawing on over 20 years of experience in the industry, Matthew focuses on serving the distinct needs of the affluent... Read More

Andreea Crisan
President and CEO, Andy Transport

Andreea moved to Canada from Romania at the age of 10 with her parents. In Europe, her father was a... Read More

Ashlynne Dale
Executive Chair and former CEO of Norwood Sawmills, Norwood Sawmills

Presently Ashlynne holds the position of Executive Director of Norwood Sawmills [Norwood Industries Inc.]. She recently stepped down from the... Read More

Kenan Dizdarevic, CFA
Managing Director, FirePower Capital

Kenan Dizdarevic leads the execution of FirePower’s M&A and corporate finance advisory transactions. Kenan joined FirePower in 2018 and brings... Read More

Noemie Dupuy
Co-Founder, Budge

Noemie Dupuy, Co-Founder at Budge Studios, is a veteran in the tech industry with more than 20 years under her belt.... Read More

Alex Eisenberg
Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP

Alex is a lawyer in the Business Law Group and the Financial Services Group and advises clients on a broad... Read More

Tina Di Vito
Partner, Family Office Services, MNP

Tina Di Vito, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP, FEA, is a Partner and National Leader of Family Office Services, part of... Read More

Brad Geddes
President & CEO, Zucora Home

Brad Geddes is President and CEO of Zucora Inc., Canada’s leading provider of product warranties for the home furnishings industry.... Read More

Bruce Harbinson
TEC Chair, TEC Canada

Bruce is an experienced CEO with deep expertise in strategy and execution. Since selling his business in 2002 he has... Read More

Matt Macdonald
Managing Director & Head, National Client Group /Vice-President, Ontario Commercial & Private Banking, National Bank of Canada

Matt Macdonald is the Managing Director & Head of the National Client Group outside of Quebec and the Vice-President of... Read More

Richard McCammon
President, C6 Launch Systems Inc.

Richard McCammon is the President of C6 Launch Systems, a global space transportation company that will deliver payloads up to... Read More

Khasha Ighanian
President, Prollenium Medical Technologies Inc.

Khasha Ighanian is President of Prollenium Medical Technologies and an Executive Board Member. Khasha has steered the growth and development of... Read More

Marino Jeyarajah
M&A Tax Partner, RSM Canada

Marino Jeyarajah is a Tax Partner in the Mergers and Acquisitions Tax group and has over twelve years of experience... Read More

Jonathan Lehun
Vice President, M&A Advisory, Firepower

Jonathan Lehun is a Vice President in the M&A Sell-Side Advisory division with over eight years of experience in M&A... Read More

Dan Lioutas
Managing Director, Grant Thornton LLP

Dennis Leung
Partner, Grant Thornton

I’m a partner in Grant Thornton’s financial advisory group, where I specialize in business valuation and litigation support services. I... Read More

Michael Levin
Partner, Turtle Holdings Limited

As a Partner at Turtle, Michael is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and supporting new investment opportunities.  Prior to joining Turtle,... Read More

Don Montgomery
President, M&A Advisor, True North Mergers & Acquisitions

Don’s deep and passionate belief that he has the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives by providing a... Read More

Pamela Miranda
Founding Partner, MIII MSP

Pamela Miranda is Founding Partner at MIII MSP Corp (MIII MSP), a buyout firm focused in partnering with great founders... Read More

Rob Normandeau
President, SeaFort Capital

Rob is President of SeaFort Capital, a private equity firm based in Halifax. Prior to co-founding SeaFort in May 2012,... Read More

Bill Black
President, Exit Planning Group

Bill has been a professional advisor working with business owners for over 25 years. As a Certified Exit Planner, Bill... Read More

Ian Macdonell
Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.

Ian Macdonell is a Managing Director of Crosbie with over 25 years of experience in investment banking and capital markets.... Read More

Alana Geller
Partner, Richter

As a trusted advisor to corporate executives, business owners and their families, as well as the legal community for more... Read More

Loren Rafeson
Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC Capital

Loren Rafeson is Partner, Growth Equity Partners, at BDC Capital where he helps leading Canadian companies scale nationally and internationally,... Read More

Barbara Mech
Regional Vice President, Roynat Capital

Barbara is a longtime financier having spent the last 25 years in various roles within Roynat Capital including business development,... Read More

Stephanie Mooney
Director, Business Development, Canada & US Pacific NW, Trivest

Stephanie joined Trivest in 2020 and is responsible for originating and analyzing acquisition opportunities. Based in Toronto, she manages Trivest’s... Read More

Mike McCarron
Founder, Left Lane Associates

Mike McCarron is the President of Left Lane Associations, M&A advisors specializing in the Canadian transportation sector. Mike is a... Read More

Danish Jamal
Director, Corporate Finance, MNP

Danish Jamal, CPA, CA, CFA, CBV, is a Director in MNP’s Corporate Finance team. Based in Toronto, Danish works closely... Read More

Richard Wilson
Founder and CEO, Agnora Glass

Caroline Bolduc
Founder and CEO of Bold Canine

Suganya Tharmalingam
CFO and Managing Director, Kensington Capital

Thomas Kennedy
Chairman and Managing Director, Kensington Capital Partners

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.

Kris Yungblut
Vice President, Grant Thornton LLP

Kris is a Director in our Transactions practice specializing in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions (M&A).  Kris is a... Read More

Ravi Ramharak
Founder, MSP Corp

Experienced technology professional with in-depth knowledge of MSP best practices and procedures. Strong understanding of BCP & DR planning as... Read More

Dianne White
Principal, Nexus Investment Management

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
CEO, Joriki Inc.

Yogi Sennik is the CEO of Joriki Inc. a beverage manufacturer located in Canada.  Established in 1992, Joriki is a... Read More

Chrisoula Mirkopoulos
Former CFO, Cinespace Film Studios

Chrisoula Mirkopoulos graduated from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal, with a Bachelor of Commerce... Read More

Beric Farmer
Co-Founder, XE.com

Beric Farmer cofounded XE with a high-school friend in 1993 as they were both graduating from university. A year and... Read More

Steve (Stilianos) Mirkopoulos
Former CEO and President, Cinespace Film Studios

Mr. Mirkopoulos holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering, Engineering Science Nuclear Program from the University of Toronto, and... Read More

Claudio Gatti
Co-CEO, ClaroNav Inc.

Claudio is a medical technology entrepreneur with a long experience in the industry. He is a hands-on executive, that combines... Read More

Adrian Bartha
CEO, eCompliance Management Solutions Inc.

Adrian is the CEO of eCompliance, a safety software company which he formed with his business partner after experiencing the... Read More

Paul Barber
CEO, Prophix Software Inc.

As founder & CEO, Paul is the reason why we’re all here. Along with Bob Walker, Paul built Prophix from... Read More

Ian Macdonell
Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.

Ian Michael
Partner, Bennett Jones LLP

Ian Michael’s practice is focused on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions involving public companies... Read More

Oren Horovitz
Director, Value Maximization, FirePower Capital

Oren heads FirePower Capital’s Value Maximization division, focused on leveraging big data analytics to aggressively drive shareholder value ahead of... Read More

Mia Pearson
CEO, MSL Group Canada

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
Founder & CEO, In Social

Jess Grossman is the Founder & CEO of In Social, a full-service digital marketing agency that acts as the outsourced... Read More

Pamela Ruebusch
Founder & CEO, TSI Group.com

Pamela Ruebusch is the founder and owner of TSI Group. When she started the business over three decades ago, Pamela’s... Read More

Ilan Jacobson
Founding Partner & CEO, FirePower Capital

Ilan Jacobson is responsible for leading FirePower Capital in all its endeavours, setting its strategic direction and providing top-level guidance... Read More

Susan Fulford
Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy Inc.

As Managing Director of Dynamic Legacy Inc, Ms. Fulford provides independent and objective advisory services for Family Offices [Single, Multi... Read More

Claude Miron
Managing Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC

Welcome to the 6th annual Business Transitions Forum in Toronto. We are excited to be back to in person events and thrilled to have an excellent conference program with over 40 entrepreneurs and experts sharing their insights and stories about companies that have previously sold. You will learn from experts and connect with peer groups who will offer valuable insights to help you with transition strategy – whether you’re just beginning to think about it or well-advanced down the path.

Jeff Noble
Director, Business Transition Services, BDO Canada LLP

  Jeff is a senior consultant in the BDO Advisory Services Practice. With 20+ years of facilitation and coaching experience,... Read More

David Hastie
Managing Director, First West Capital

David has over 12 years of experience in providing term / sub debt and investment banking services to entrepreneurs and... Read More

Nancy Adamo
Owner, Hockley Valley Resort

Nancy Adamo’s business accolades and contribution to Canadian society has been recognized throughout her career. In 1998, she was given... Read More

Michelle Alphonso
Partner, Advisory, National Transaction Advisory Services Leader, Grant Thornton LLP

Eric Berke
Managing Partner, TorQuest Partners

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
Partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

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

Steven Coffey
Vice President, Exit Planning Group

Born and raised in Owen Sound, Steven enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two boys.  As a lover... Read More

Michele Cooper
Managing Director, BDC Capital

Michele Cooper is Managing Director, Growth & Transition Capital (GTC). With more than 15 years of experience in various roles at BDC,... Read More

Paul Emond
CEO, Versature

As the Founder of Versature, Paul Emond provides the strategic vision and direction for the company. He is a serial... Read More

Ryan Farkas
National Corporate Finance Leader & Partner, BDO Canada LLP

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
Chief Executive Officer, SCM Insurance Services

Bob Fitzgerald is the Chief Executive Officer of SCM. Bob was appointed the CEO of SCM in January of 2015,... Read More

Tim Cestnick
Co-Founder and CEO, Our Family Office Inc.

Over the past 25 years, Tim Cestnick has developed a reputation as one of the most respected authors, speakers and... Read More

Bruce Friedman
Co-CEO, Evergreen Consumer Brands Inc.

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
Deals Partner, Corporate Finance, PwC Canada

Joanna Gibbons is a Partner and Managing Director in the PwC Corporate Finance / M&A Advisory practice where she draws... Read More

Jennifer Gourley
President & CEO, Harding Fire Protection Systems

Jennifer is the President and CEO at Harding Fire Protection, a leading fire and life safety services company in Ontario.... Read More

Melissa Gracey
President and CEO, DTA Services Ltd.

A DTA stalwart since joining over 30 years ago, Melissa heads up the business as its President and CEO, managing... Read More

Ron Haik
Senior Financial Advisor & Regional Manager Ontario, Nicola Wealth

Ron Haik is a Senior Financial Planner in the firm’s Toronto office, with over 20 years of experience in the... Read More

Jeff Pocock
Partner, Transactions National M&A and Private Equity Leader, Grant Thornton LLP

Jeff is a partner in our advisory services practice based in Toronto specializing in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions... Read More

Samantha Horn
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP

Samantha Horn is a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Groups. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers... Read More

Ray Gingras
Founder & President, Succession Dynamics Inc.

Ray has over 20 years of experience structuring financial solutions. He is experienced in mergers & acquisitions, business advisory, lending... Read More

Dan Lioutas
Managing Director, Transactions, Grant Thornton LLP

Dan is a Managing Director in our Transactions practice in Southern Ontario specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and Capital... Read More

Christopher Jones
Partner, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP

Christopher’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private equity, venture and corporate finance transactions. He regularly advises Canadian, U.S.... Read More

Len Kipp
Investor, All Canadian Display Company

Dave Rae
CEO, Bill Gosling Outsourcing

Dave started working in the debt collection industry for his father’s company (John Rae) in the summers during his high... Read More

Erin Roddie
Director of Conferences, Cube Business Media

Erin has over 20 years of professional event management experience, and a passion for conferences and tradeshows.  Her creativity, attention... Read More

Michael Merrithew
Founder & CEO, Farpointe Investments

Michael spent several years working with Xerox; de Havilland Aircraft; Nortel Networks and also in Strategy Consulting with Coopers &... Read More

Ryan Newell
President, Spinrite LP

Ryan Newell is the President and CEO of Spinrite Yarns.  Ryan joined Spinrite in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer and... Read More

Mario Nigro
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP

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

Darryl Sam
Senior Director, First West Capital

Its Darryl’s mission to help businesses fulfill their strategic vision. Through innovative junior capital solutions, and a collaborative approach, he... Read More

Neil Nisker
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Our Family Office Inc.

With investment management and wealth advisory experience dating back to 1972, Our Family Office Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and CIO enjoys... Read More

Marc Petruccelli
President, Dom Enterprises & Mfg. Ltd.

Jason Sellakumar
Director, First West Capital

Jason Sellakumar is a dynamic Chartered Accountant who brings accounting and finance expertise to the Canadian mid-market. As an Associate... Read More

Stephen Rupnarain
Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Services, RSM Canada

As a partner in RSM Canada’s tax practice, Stephen provides integrated Canadian income tax advice and solutions to the firm’s... Read More

Eric Castonguay
Partner, National Corporate Finance Leader, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

Eric Castonguay is a partner and the National Leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance Inc. (PwCCF). He has experience in all... Read More

Darin Brock
Business Development, TorQuest Partners Inc.

Darin Brock joined TorQuest in 2006 and currently oversees the firm’s external relationships, managing business development and investment sourcing activities,... Read More

Perry Phillips
President & Founder, ESOP Builders Inc.

Perry, as president of ESOP Builders Inc., has designed and implemented over 160 ESOPs – Employee Share Ownership Plans –... Read More

Sebastian Douville
Partner & COO, FirePower Capital

Jonathan Piurko
President & CEO, Monarch Bridge Financial Inc.

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
Founding Partner, Valitas Capital Partners

Paris Aden is the founding Partner of Valitas Capital Partners. Mr. Aden has broad industry experience, with a focus on the... Read More

David Shlagbaum
Managing Principal, DSBL Business Law

David Shlagbaum is a Business Lawyer and a Facilitator and is the Managing Principal at DSBL Business Law ( https://dsbl-law.com/... Read More

Peter Stefanovich
President, Left Lane Associates

Before joining Left Lane Associates as a Co-Founder & Managing Partner in 2016, Peter Stefanovich spent over 8 years in... Read More

David Anderson
Former Co-President, Calico Food Ingredients Ltd

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

Miguel Amaral
Partner, Transaction Advisory, RSM Canada LLP

A Deal Advisory Partner, Miguel brings 10 years of experience supporting Canadian transactions for mid-market private equity firms and strategic... Read More

Michael Back
Founder & CEO, HonkMobile & Former Founder of Collective Point of Sale Solutions

Since founding Honk in 2013, Michael has been applying knowledge, success and wealth of experience to create a much-needed solution... Read More

Robert Bedard
Founder, BMP Metals

Robert R. Bedard is the co-founder, President and CEO of the Bempro Global Group which includes BMP Metals (Custom metal... Read More

Sam Castiglione
Director of Private Equity, Ardenton Capital Corporation

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 Coyle
President, Coyle Corrugated Containers Inc.

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
Chair & Founder, Proof Experiences

Mary Beth Denomy is an entrepreneur and event industry veteran.  She is the Founder of Proof Experiences (Free For All... Read More

Alex Eisenberg
Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP

Alex is a lawyer in our Business Law Group and Financial Services Group and advises clients on a broad range... Read More

Sean Foran
Managing Director, Business Transition Planning, CIBC Commercial Banking

The Managing Director of Business Transition Planning and Trust Services with CIBC Private Wealth Management, Sean joined CIBC from another... Read More

Stella Gasparro
Partner, Tax & Accounting, MNP LLP

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
Partner - Tax, Richter LLP

Lyne Gaulin is a Partner at Richter specializing in Tax. Lyne has over 23 years of experience in providing advice... Read More

Pierre Ouimet
Executive Director, Head Investment Strategist, UBS Bank (Canada)

Pierre Ouimet is the Head Investment Strategist for UBS Bank (Canada)’s Wealth Management on our Canadian equity strategies and Asset... Read More

Mark Stephenson
President & Co-Founder, Cube Business Media

Mark has been a leader in the conference and tradeshow business for over 25 years with a proven track record for success. As a... Read More

Nancy Ramalho
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP

Nancy Ramalho is a partner in the Employment & Labour Group. Nancy provides advice to national and international companies on... Read More

Terran Sandwith
President, GS Construction

Terran learned the construction business literally from the ground up by apprenticing under his father, GS founder Glen Sandwith.  He started... Read More

Maria Severino
National Tax Leader, RSM Canada

As the national tax leader at RSM Canada, Maria sets the vision and direction of the firm’s tax practice. Having... Read More

James Johnson
Managing Partner, Signal Hill Equity Partners

James is the co-founder of Signal Hill Equity Partners and has over 25 years’ experience investing and building companies. He... Read More

Danielle Walsh
Family Business Practitioner, MNP

Danielle is a member of MNP’s Private Enterprise team in Ottawa. A trusted advisor, Danielle helps family businesses with intergenerational... Read More

Zulf Karim
Director, Growth Equity, BDC Capital

Zulf Karim is Director, Growth Equity with BDC Capital in Toronto.  He is responsible for leading equity investments alongside Canadian... Read More

Karen Killeen
President, Springboard Management Advisors Inc.

Karen Killeen is a CPA, CA with broad private and public company experience.  While in public accounting, Karen worked with... Read More

Kevin Tremblay
Managing Director, MNP

Kevin Tremblay, CPA, CA, CBV, CF, is a Managing Director of MNP Corporate Finance, based in Toronto. With a focus on... Read More

Robert Duffy
Managing Director, Growth & Transition Capital, BDC Capital

Rob is the Managing Director of BDC Capital’s Growth & Transition Capital team in Toronto. Since joining BDC in 2009,... Read More

Brian Love
Chief Operating Officer and Principal, Field Aviation

Brian Love is a growth driven aviation executive with extensive experience in international sales, contract negotiations and business operations. Brian... Read More

Andrew Mark
Executive Director, Rhyno Equity Group

Mr. Mark is responsible for executing Rhyno’s investment strategies by seeking new opportunities and managing the acquisition process in order... Read More

Jonah Mayles
Partner, Tax & Estate Planning, Sterling Park Financial Group

Jonah is responsible for advising and developing advanced estate and tax planning strategies for his clients.  He brings over 10... Read More

Pat McNamara
Founder and former CEO, Apex Public Relations

Pat founded APEX Public Relations (www.apexpr.com) in 1998 and built a strong business and a roster of blue chip clients. ... Read More

Miriam Merkur
Director, NeoGraft Solutions Inc

I started the Neograft company in 2008. I searched for a product to sell in the anti aging sector.  I... Read More

Randy Williamson
Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

As a partner of Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis LLP, with 30+ years’ experience as a lawyer, CPA, CA,... Read More

Pierre Morrissette
Founder & Executive Chairman, Pelmorex Corp (Formerly Pelmorex Media Inc.)

Born in Montreal, Pierre completed a degree in Economics at Loyola College in 1968. He completed a Masters Business Administration... Read More

Arlene O’Neill
Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP

Arlene has developed a broad range of expertise in the areas of corporate and commercial law, with a strong focus... Read More

David Simpson
Director, Ivey Business Families Centre, Ivey Business School, Western University

David Simpson is a Lecturer in the Entrepreneurship group and the founding director of the Business Families Centre at the... Read More

Randy Ambrosie
Former President & CEO, 3Macs

Randy Ambrosie has worked in the investment industry in both Canada and the United States for nearly 30 years. Most... Read More

Earl Brosseau
President and Co-Founder, D.M. Robichaud Associates Ltd.

Earl is an accomplished Pipeline Rehabilitation Specialist, with a proven track record for leading world class operations in Trenchless Sewer... Read More

Colleen Ciccozzi
Director of Wealth Planning, Western Canada, UBS Bank (Canada)

Colleen works with clients and advisors to develop sound wealth management plans. She provides support and direction about complex issues... Read More

Devon Cranson
Founder & President, Cranson Capital Solutions Inc.

Devon Cranson is the Founder and President of Cranson Capital, a boutique investment banking firm founded in 2006. Devon has... Read More

Rachel Skelton
Principal, TorQuest Partners

Rachel Skelton joined TorQuest in 2013. Previously, she worked at McKinsey & Company advising clients on growth and turnaround strategies... Read More

Sab Ravalli
Executive Chair, Prodomax Automation Inc.

Sab Ravalli is President and Founder of Axium Capital Corp.  and a Capital Partner at Terra Cotta Financial Group Inc. He... Read More

Stephen Gunn
Co-founder and Co-Chair, Sleep Country Canada

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 Riddle
CEO, Applied Comfort Products Inc.

Gord has enjoyed a colourful 25 year career working in a wide range of roles in several industries, and in... Read More

Matt Hall
Managing Director, Market Square Equity Partners

Matt is the Managing Partner of Market Square Equity Partners.   Market Square Equity Partners (“MSEP”) is a Toronto based private... Read More

Mitch Silverstein
Partner, Richter LLP

For over 25 years, entrepreneurial clients across all industries have benefited from Mitch’s ability to make strategic tax and business... Read More

James Kraft
Vice President and Head of Business Advisory and Succession Planning, BMO Wealth Management

Jim is a member of the High Net Worth Planning team at BMO Wealth Management, where he leads the Business... Read More

Ken Skinner
Managing Director, Morrison Park Advisors

Ken is a Managing Director at MPA. He is responsible for transaction origination, engagement design and execution, client development and... Read More

Ashley Herman
Former President, Green Soils Inc.

Ashley Herman is the Vice President and owner of Freshway Development, an investment company that targets the construction, environmental and... Read More

Jeff Karry
Co-Founder, OpenVenue e-Research Solutions

Jeff began his career with Proctor & Gamble, spending 10 years in finance, operations, and supply chain management.  He then... Read More

Aileen Miziolek
Business and Family Wealth Specialist, Scotia Wealth Management

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
Founder, Accubid Systems and CEO, Northern Transformer

Giovanni Marcelli came to Canada from Italy in 1969 after obtaining a college Diploma in Electro-Technical Engineering. In 1972 Mr.... Read More

Conor Snape
Director, Growth & Transition Capital Greater Toronto Area, BDC Capital

Conor joined BDC in 2010 and had been a Director in the Growth & Transition Capital team since 2015 providing... Read More

Ken Moore
Managing Partner, NewPoint Capital Partners Inc.

Ken is the Managing Partner of NewPoint Capital Partners Inc, a Toronto based Mergers & Acquisitions advisory firm. He has... Read More

Eric Termuende
Co-Founder, NoW Innovations

Eric Termuende is the co-founder of NoW Innovations, a bestselling author, and an international speaker. His work has been featured... Read More

Rob McGavin
Managing Director, Scotia Wealth Management

Rob Olsen
Partner and National Leader, Corporate Finance, Deloitte

Robert is the National Leader of Corporate Finance, the Global Co-Leader of Debt & Capital Advisory and is also on... Read More

Frank Pizzolato
Co-Founder & CEO, Clarity Systems

Frank Pizzolato is an angel investor, advisor and serial entrepreneur. Frank co-founded Clarity Systems, an enterprise software company focused on... Read More

Matt Barasch
Chief Canadian Equity and Structured Note Strategist, RBC Capital Markets

Matt is the Chief Canadian Equity and Structured Note Strategist for RBC Capital Markets. Prior to this, Matt ran the... Read More

Victoria Sopik
CEO & Co-founder, Kids & Company

Victoria Sopik is first and foremost the mother of eight children and grandmother of many. The CEO and Co-founder’s experiences... Read More

Carey Singer
Partner - Tax, Richter LLP

With over 20 years’ experience Carey Singer is an accomplished tax consultant. Having relocated to Toronto from his native Chicago... Read More

Harry Blum
Managing Partner, Collins Barrow Toronto LLP

As the Managing Partner of Collins Barrow Toronto, Harry sets vision and direction for the firm nationally and internationally, spearheading... Read More

Giselle Bodkin
Partner, Accounting & Auditing, BDO Canada LLP

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
Partner, MNP Corporate Finance Inc.

Don Carson, CPA, CA, is the Regional Tax Leader for MNP in the Greater Toronto Area and the National Leader... Read More

Steven Smith
Senior Manager, Private Client Services, MNP

Blair Cameron
Partner, Corporate Finance, KPMG Management Services LP

Adam Peaker
Partner, Holcan Investments

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
Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.

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
Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP

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
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Matthew Cumming is a partner in our M&A and Securities Group in Toronto. He has expertise in a broad range... Read More

Samuel L. Duboc
LinkedIn Co-Founder, EdgeStone Capital Partners Chair of the Board, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

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
Former President & CEO, Trader Media Corporation (Sold to Yellow Pages Group)

John Francis is the Managing Director of Fraser Kearney Capital Corp., an investment company that oversees the Francis family office.... Read More

Ted Shoub
Partner, Bennett Jones LLP

Ted Shoub has a corporate commercial practice and advises private companies on mergers and acquisitions, financings, corporate governance and general... Read More

Paul Eldridge
Partner, Fulcrum Capital Partners

Paul has extensive experience in all aspects of Fulcrum’s private equity investments including originating, executing and managing investments. He brings... Read More

Rachel Gervais
Partner, Taxation, BDO Canada LLP

Rachel is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Tax Partner with BDO Canada LLP out of Toronto. She assists clients in... Read More

Ed Giacomelli
Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.

Ed Giacomelli has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance and capital markets, having advised numerous clients... Read More

Steve Hartman
Founder, Industrial Thermo Polymers Limited

Steve Hartman is a founder of Industrial Thermo Polymers Limited (ITP), a leading manufacturer of extruded polyethylene foam products in... Read More

Robin Goodman
Vice President, Insurance, Trust and Estate Planning, RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc.

Robin is responsible for providing advanced trust, estate and succession planning to affluent business owners, with a specialization in tax-effective... Read More

Doug H. Scott
Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Doug practises mergers and acquisitions and all aspects of commercial law with a particular emphasis on company acquisitions and dispositions,... Read More

Howard Johnson
Managing Director, Veracap M&A International Inc.

Howard is a Managing Director at Veracap M&A International and its sister firm, Campbell Valuation Partners. He advises business owners... Read More

Prashant Patel
Vice President, High Net Worth Planning Services, RBC Wealth Management Services

Jeff Noble
Director & Practice Leader, Business Transition Services, BDO Canada LLP

Jeff is the Director of Business Transition Services in the BDO Special Advisory Services Group. A highly trusted advisor with many... Read More

Jason Marley
Vice President - Mergers & Acquisitions, Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc.

Jason is a member of the Lead Advisory team where he focuses on M&A, divestitures, buyouts and capital-raising activities. Jason... Read More

Tony Maiorino
VP & Director, RBC Wealth Management

David Rae
Chairman & CEO (Principal), Bill Gosling Outsourcing

David began his career with Allied International Credit in the UK, after graduating from the University of Western Ontario with... Read More

Luanna McGowan
President, The McGowan Group Inc

Luanna McGowan is the President of The McGowan Group Inc., former National Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, and founder of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Centre... Read More

Graham Smith
Partner, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP

Graham has extensive domestic and international experience advising corporations and financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate finance... Read More

Ezer Mevorach
CEO, Mevotech

Ezer Mevorach is the C.E.O. of Mevotech LP, based in Toronto, Ontario. Mevotech is a North American market leader in... Read More

Michele Middlemore
Senior Vice President, MNP LLP

Haroon F. Mirza
Entrepreneur in Residence, OneEleven

Haroon F. Mirza is the Entrepreneur in Residence of OneEleven, a post-seed tech accelerator focused on helping Canada’s most promising,... Read More

Tim Morton
Managing Partner and Founder, Prompta Consulting Group

As Managing Partner and founder of Prompta Inc., a leading consultancy, Tim brings 20+ years of experience successfully leading transformational... Read More

Michael Morrow
Managing Director, Deloitte

Doris Valade
President, Malabar Super Spice Co. Ltd.

Doris Valade is founder and President of Malabar Super Spice Co. Ltd., a distributor and manufacturer of quality spices and... Read More

Shubo Rakhit
Corporate Finance, Cranson Capital Solutions

Shubo’s focus is on helping entrepreneur managed companies with Mergers & Acquisitions. He was previously an Equity Partner/Managing Director at... Read More

Brent Walker
Co-Founder and Managing Director, MPA Morrison Park Advisors

Brent is responsible for transaction origination and execution, financial advisory and capital raising activities. These activities have been across a... Read More

Jason Saltzman
Partner, Dentons Canada LLP

Alan Sellery
President & Managing Partner, Ironbridge Equity Partners

Al co-founded Ironbridge in September, 2005. Prior to Ironbridge, from 2003 to 2005, he was a Partner in the Equity... Read More

Vince Simonelli
Partner, Granite Partners LLP

Vince has 20+ year experience working with private companies in services, distribution and manufacturing sectors.  Prior to joining Granite, Vince... Read More

Laura Zanchin
Principal and Executive Vice President, Zanchin Automotive Group

Growing up in a car dealership has always been second nature to me.  My earliest memories include the smell of... Read More

Angelo Zeni
Managing Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC

Angelo Zeni is Team Lead, Growth & Transition Capital in our Mississauga office. Angelo joined BDC in 2011, bringing more than... Read More

Bruno Suppa
Partner, Financial Advisory Services, BDO Canada LLP

Bruno has held various roles at BDO, most recently as Manager, Financial Advisory Services. Bruno has spent the past several... Read More

Steve Suske
President and CEO, Suske Capital Inc.

Steve Suske is President and CEO of Suske Capital Inc. A proven entrepreneur with over 40 years of professional experience... Read More

John Wilson
Co-CEO, Managing Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager, Ninepoint Partners

John Wilson is Managing Partner at ninepoint partners, an alternative asset manager based in Toronto with $3 billion in AUM... Read More

Dr. Basil Peters
CEO, Strategic Exits Corp

While still in grad school, Basil co-founded Nexus Engineering. Nexus grew to seven companies with over 300 employees with operations... Read More

Andrew Walton
Partner, Ironbridge Equity Partners

Andrew joined Ironbridge in November 2014. Prior to Ironbridge, from 2011 to 2014, Andrew was a Partner with Signal Hill... Read More

John Warrillow
Founder, The Value Builder System™

John Warrillow has been helping companies understand and market to the SME segment for more than two decades. He has... Read More

Barry Wood
President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.

In 2013, Barry joined Ontario Excavac (“OE”) as an investor and CEO. OE is the largest and leading provider of... Read More

Wendy Sage-Hayward
Adjunct Professor, Sauder School of Business at UBC and Senior Consultant, Family Business Consulting Group

Wendy is a senior consultant at the Family Business Consulting Group, working closely with business leaders, family firms, and boards.... Read More

Jamie Windle
Senior Manager, Transaction Services, BDO Canada LLP

Jamie Windle is Director in the Transaction Advisory Services practice at BDO specializing in transaction support and due diligence services... Read More

Fay Wu
Managing Partner, NFQ Ventures Ltd.

Fay Wu is a recognized strategic leader and exemplary business builder with depth and breadth across all major operational areas.... Read More

Bill Zinger
Founder, Kissner Milling Company Limited, CEO Pestell Minerals and Ingredients, CEO Blendtek Fine Ingredients

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

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

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022
2016 Toronto Program: Day 1
*FEA CE Credits are Approved for Every Educational Hour
8:05am-8:35am
 
The Big Picture: Today’s Mergers & Acquisitions Environment
How does the current mergers and acquisitions environment favour business owners who are thinking of transitioning in the coming years? How will financial markets, interest rates or the Canadian dollar impact potential transition outcomes and your ability to sell some or all of your business in the near term or long term? This bird’s-eye view of the economy and the M&A environment will put things into perspective so that you can plan for successful succession.
Speaker: Matt Barasch, Chief Canadian Equity and Structured Note Strategist, RBC Capital Markets
7:15am-8:00am
 
Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:05am
 
Forum Overview by Conference Chairman

CS-SamDuboc

Chairman: Samuel L. Duboc, LinkedIn Co-Founder, EdgeStone Capital Partners Chair of the Board, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
9:45am-10:10am
 
Networking and Coffee Break
9:05am-9:45am
 
How Much Is Your Company Worth? 8 Things That Drive the Value of Your Company
Seasoned advisors know that the price you’ll receive for your company is determined by many, many factors. Regardless, as a business owner you still want to know what your company is theoretically worth. If you’re like a lot of business owners, you might use your P&L to figure out what your company is worth, by applying a multiple to your profit or EBITDA. The question remains, why are some companies worth many multiples more than the average value in their industry, while others are worth less than half of their peers? Why would one company be worth two or three times more than a similar company in the same industry? The speaker will identify eight factors that impact your company’s value more than the industry you’re in. During this informative and engaging talk, you’ll learn tactics to maximize your company’s value, find strategic buyers, boost your cash flow, differentiate your business and ultimately minimize your company’s reliance on your personal involvement to create a business that can thrive without you.
Speaker: John Warrillow, Founder, The Value Builder System™
8:35am-9:05am
 
How to Build A Saleable Business: Your Roadmap to a Successful Transition
Whether the sale of your business is on the horizon or many years away, most experts agree that it can take years to optimally structure a company to increase the probability of a successful sale. Who’s to know if and when there may come a knock on your door? What exactly should you be doing now in order to get your business ready? This presentation will provide a high-level overview of the process of selling a business so that you can start preparing, mitigate risk, improve upside and ultimately secure the reward you deserve when the time is right.
Speaker: Eric Castonguay, Partner, National Corporate Finance Leader, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP
11:15am-12:05pm
 
Session A1 – Your Family Business: Understanding Generational Perspectives to Successfully Navigate your Transition

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.

sponsor-cafesponsor-ifea

Speaker: Luanna McGowan, President, The McGowan Group Inc
10:15am-11:10am
 
Understanding Your Liquidity Options
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? 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 address the pros and cons of various options that could allow you to take some chips off the table.
  • Strategic buyers
  • Private equity
  • Going public
  • Buying out partners
  • Management buyouts
  • Other recapitalization options
Moderator: Brent Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Director, MPA Morrison Park Advisors
Panel:
Robert Duffy, Managing Director, Growth & Transition Capital, BDC Capital
Paul Eldridge, Partner, Fulcrum Capital Partners
Jeff Pocock, Partner, Transactions National M&A and Private Equity Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
Shubo Rakhit, Corporate Finance, Cranson Capital Solutions
David Simpson, Director, Ivey Business Families Centre, Ivey Business School, Western University
11:15am-12:05pm
 
Session A2 – The Due Diligence Process & Why Sellers Should Care
While the idea of providing unfettered access to the confidential information of 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 this 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.
This session runs at the same time as Session A1.
Moderator: Doug H. Scott, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Panel:
Haroon F. Mirza, Entrepreneur in Residence, OneEleven
Alan Sellery, President & Managing Partner, Ironbridge Equity Partners
Jamie Windle, Senior Manager, Transaction Services, BDO Canada LLP
1:10pm–1:35pm
 
Luncheon Keynote

JohnFrancis

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.

Speaker: John Francis, Former President & CEO, Trader Media Corporation (Sold to Yellow Pages Group)
12:05pm-1:05pm
 
Networking Lunch
1:40pm-2:30pm
 
Session B1 – Taxation: Effectively Structuring Your Company for Transition

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.

Moderator: Tim Cestnick, Co-Founder and CEO, Our Family Office Inc.
Panel:
Don Carson, Partner, MNP Corporate Finance Inc.
Maria Severino, National Tax Leader, RSM Canada
Mitch Silverstein, Partner, Richter LLP
1:40pm-2:30pm
 
Session B2 – On Your Terms: What to Expect When You Sell Your Baby

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.

Moderator: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
Panel:
Matthew Cumming, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Jason Marley, Vice President - Mergers & Acquisitions, Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc.
Ezer Mevorach, CEO, Mevotech
Ted Shoub, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
2:35pm-3:15pm
 
Can You Afford to Sell? Strategies for Wealth Management & Preservation After a Transaction

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.

Moderator: Howard Johnson, Managing Director, Veracap M&A International Inc.
Panel:
Robin Goodman, Vice President, Insurance, Trust and Estate Planning, RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc.
James Kraft, Vice President and Head of Business Advisory and Succession Planning, BMO Wealth Management
Jacoline Loewen, CEO, Loewen Capital Partners
3:15pm-4:00pm
 
How to Build the Best Exit Team (& What It Will Cost)
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.

Moderator: Dr. Basil Peters, CEO, Strategic Exits Corp
Panel:
Darin Brock, Business Development, TorQuest Partners Inc.
Ed Giacomelli, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
Bruno Suppa, Partner, Financial Advisory Services, BDO Canada LLP
Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
4:00pm-4:45pm
 
Done Deal: A Roundtable Discussion with Entrepreneurs Who Have Sold

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.

Moderator: Samuel L. Duboc, LinkedIn Co-Founder, EdgeStone Capital Partners Chair of the Board, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Panel:
Steve Hartman, Founder, Industrial Thermo Polymers Limited
Mike McCarron, Founder, Left Lane Associates
Steve Suske, President and CEO, Suske Capital Inc.
Barry Wood, President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.
4:45pm
 
Closing Comments, followed by Wine & Cheese Networking Reception

BMO
sponsor-pwc

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
2016 Toronto Program: Day 2
*FEA CE Credits are Approved for Every Educational Hour
7:30am-8:15am
 
Registration, Networking, & Continental Breakfast
8:15am-8:20am
 
Overview of the Program
8:20am-9:35am
 
Home Run: Strategies & Tactics to Maximize Your Selling Price
It’s often possible to sell your business for 50% more if you do everything right. Unlike selling a share on the stock exchange or a home in the residential real estate market, the market for selling your business is described as “inefficient” by economists. In an efficient market, the price of your asset is not significantly affected by the actual selling process. In contrast, in the M&A market, the selling process will have a major impact on the price and terms you receive for your company. Plan and execute the process well and you could increase the price of your company by as much as 50%. The speaker will elaborate on industry myths and misconceptions to provide you with the knowledge and tools to sell your company for a fair price.

You’ll learn why:

  • 75% of saleable companies are not sold successfully
  • “Riding it over the top” is the most heartbreaking mistake owners make
  • Companies should be sold – not bought
  • It’s critically important to have multiple bidders
  • Excellent advisors will consistently sell companies for more
Speaker: Dr. Basil Peters, CEO, Strategic Exits Corp
10:05am-10:50am
 
Unintended Consequences: Important Considerations for Owners to Prepare for the Unexpected
Your business is a very valuable asset. You have invested heavily in time and financial resources in order to build it from the ground up. You have a business plan, you might have at least the beginnings of a succession plan and a transition plan. But do you have a “Plan B?” Any aspirations you may have to sell your business one day could be wasted if an unexpected event triggers a premature and unexpected transition of ownership. The unfortunate truth is that many businesses transitions occur as a result of the 4 D’s: Death, Disease, Divorce or Dispute – what should you be doing now to ensure that your livelihood is protected? Are you protecting your hard earned dollars from the tax man. This session will draw your attention to major risk areas – from wills that misalign with shareholder’s agreements to powers of attorney and tax issues. What can you do now to avoid being in business with your partner’s spouse? Broader estate planning issues will also be addressed, such as use of insurance as a risk management and funding vehicle, as well as the use of trusts.
Panel:
Giselle Bodkin, Partner, Accounting & Auditing, BDO Canada LLP
Rachel Gervais, Partner, Taxation, BDO Canada LLP
9:35am-10:00am
 
Coffee Break
10:50AM - 12:00PM
 
Maintaining Confidentiality During a Competitive Sale Process
The most successful transactions are those that bring the “outlier” to the surface, that one acquirer or investor who sees more value in a business than any of the others. It’s often difficult to identify the outlier, it is essential that multiple parties be contacted through a structured sale process to uncover outliers. To keep bidders honest, the competitive tension between bidders should be palpable. How do you run a competitive sale process under the radar without information leaks to employees, customers or suppliers? How do you protect yourself against potential competitors using information gained through the due diligence process against you in the marketplace? What strategies come into play when speaking to different potential buyers concurrently and how can business owners manage the complexity of a confidential sale process? At what stage should personnel within and outside your organization be made aware of the bigger picture? What do you say (and do) if there is a leak? How should the announcement be made when the deal is finalized? What role can you expect your senior management, board, advisors and the rest of your employees to play?
Moderator: Paris Aden, Founding Partner, Valitas Capital Partners
Panel:
Harry Blum, Managing Partner, Collins Barrow Toronto LLP
Curtis Cusinato, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Tim Morton, Managing Partner and Founder, Prompta Consulting Group
12:00PM
 
Wrap-Up
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
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MAY 15 – WELCOME RECEPTION
5:30pm-7:00pm
 
VIP Welcome Reception for Business Owners – by invitation
MAY 16 – 2017 TORONTO PROGRAM
7:15am-8:00am
 
Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:10am
 
Forum Overview by Conference Chairman
Chairman: Barry Wood, President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.
8:10am-8:50am
 
Your Successful Transition Roadmap

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.

Speaker: David Simpson, Director, Ivey Business Families Centre, Ivey Business School, Western University
8:50am-9:30am
 
Tactics to Maximize the Value of Your Business and Make it Sellable

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.

Speaker: John Warrillow, Founder, The Value Builder System™
9:30am-10:00am
 
Networking and Coffee Break

10:00am-11:00am
 
Who Will Buy your Business? Understanding your Liquidity Options

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.

  • Strategic buyers
  • Private equity
  • Buying out partners
  • Management buyouts
  • Other recapitalization options
Moderator: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
Panel:
David Hastie, Managing Director, First West Capital
Zulf Karim, Director, Growth Equity, BDC Capital
Jeff Pocock, Partner, Transactions National M&A and Private Equity Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
David Rae, Chairman & CEO (Principal), Bill Gosling Outsourcing
11:05am-Noon
 
Session A1 – Taxation: Effectively Structuring your Company for Transition

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.

Moderator: Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Panel:
Colleen Ciccozzi, Director of Wealth Planning, Western Canada, UBS Bank (Canada)
Lyne Gaulin, Partner - Tax, Richter LLP
Ken Moore, Managing Partner, NewPoint Capital Partners Inc.
11:05am-Noon
 
Session A2 – Strategies to Maximize Your Price & Negotiate Terms

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:

  •   Why companies should be sold, not bought
  •   How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process
  •   Why timing and deal tension matters, and how to create it
  •   Common terms that can be negotiated
  •   Which terms have an impact on price, and which do not
  •   The roles an advisor can play through the sale process, and when and how to manage them

This session runs at the same time as Session A1.

Moderator: Jeff Noble, Director, Business Transition Services, BDO Canada LLP
Panel:
Brad Geddes, President & CEO, Zucora Home
Ted Shoub, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Colin Walker, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
Andrew Walton, Partner, Ironbridge Equity Partners
Noon-1:00pm
 
Networking Lunch
1:00pm–1:30pm
 
Luncheon Keynote

 

Join conference chairman Barry Wood in a “fireside” chat with Stephen Gunn as he discusses Sleep Country Canada’s unique transition story.

1:35pm-2:30pm
 
Session B1 – How to Build the Best Exit Team (& What It Will Cost)

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.

Moderator: Paris Aden, Founding Partner, Valitas Capital Partners
Panel:
Devon Cranson, Founder & President, Cranson Capital Solutions Inc.
Mario Nigro, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Maria Severino, National Tax Leader, RSM Canada
Vince Simonelli, Partner, Granite Partners LLP
Bill Zinger, Founder, Kissner Milling Company Limited, CEO Pestell Minerals and Ingredients, CEO Blendtek Fine Ingredients
1:35pm-2:30pm
 
Session B2 – Family Business Or Not – Understanding Your Post Transition Plan

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.

Moderator: Matt Hall, Managing Director, Market Square Equity Partners
Panel:
Earl Brosseau, President and Co-Founder, D.M. Robichaud Associates Ltd.
James Kraft, Vice President and Head of Business Advisory and Succession Planning, BMO Wealth Management
Aileen Miziolek, Business and Family Wealth Specialist, Scotia Wealth Management
Adam Peaker, Partner, Holcan Investments
2:35pm-2:50pm
 
Afternoon Refreshments
2:50pm-3:45pm
 
Top Deal Breakers & How To Avoid Them

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:

  • Structuring your business for sale on your terms while maintaining its attraction for prospective purchasers
  • Disagreements over calculation of purchase price and timing for payment of purchase price, whether there’s a holdback or not
  • Dealing with issues that come up during due diligence (e.g. fixing historic issues)
  • Understanding how to have your employees and customers on side and when to advise key staff on the pending changes
  • Sharing risk in the deal (including limitations on claims that can be brought by purchaser), and
  • Working capital issues/adjustments – how owners can avoid getting hammered on this subject
Moderator: Brent Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Director, MPA Morrison Park Advisors
Panel:
Randy Ambrosie, Former President & CEO, 3Macs
Jeff Karry, Co-Founder, OpenVenue e-Research Solutions
Rob Olsen, Partner and National Leader, Corporate Finance, Deloitte
Doug H. Scott, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
3:45pm-4:40pm
 
Lessons From the Edge: A Roundtable Discussion with Entrepreneurs Who Have Sold

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.

Moderator: Barry Wood, President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.
Panel:
Ashley Herman, Former President, Green Soils Inc.
Giovanni Marcelli, Founder, Accubid Systems and CEO, Northern Transformer
Michael Merrithew, Founder & CEO, Farpointe Investments
Frank Pizzolato, Co-Founder & CEO, Clarity Systems
4:40pm
 
Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception

 

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
APRIL 30, 2018 | VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
5:30PM-7:00PM
 
VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – BY INVITATION ONLY
MAY 1, 2018 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
7:15am-8:00am
 
Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:10am
 
Forum Overview by Conference Chairman

Introduction by Robert Duffy, Vice President, Growth & Transition Capital Ontario and Atlantic, BDC Capital

Chair: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
8:10am-8:40am
 
Today’s M&A Activity and The Big Picture

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.

Speaker:
Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research & Chief Economist, BDC
8:40am-9:15am
 
Exit Ready: Your Transition Depends On It

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.

Speaker:
David Simpson, Director, Ivey Business Families Centre, Ivey Business School, Western University
9:15am-10:15am
 
Understanding your Liquidity Options

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:

  • Strategic buyers
  • Private equity
  • Management buyouts
  • Other recapitalization options
Moderator: Paris Aden, Founding Partner, Valitas Capital Partners
Panel:
Brad Geddes, President & CEO, Zucora Home
David Hastie, Managing Director, First West Capital
Karen Killeen, President, Springboard Management Advisors Inc.
Dan Lioutas, Managing Director, Transactions, Grant Thornton LLP
10:15am-10:45am
 
Networking and Coffee Break

10:45am-11:45am
 
Session A1 – Selling Your Business To a Third Party For the Best Price and Terms

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:

  • Which types of third party buyers are potential suitors
  • Why companies should be sold, not bought
  • How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process
  • Why timing and deal tension matters, and how to create it
  • Why terms are just as important as dollars
Moderator: Ted Shoub, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Panel:
Ray Gingras, Founder & President, Succession Dynamics Inc.
Miriam Merkur, Director, NeoGraft Solutions Inc
Doris Valade, President, Malabar Super Spice Co. Ltd.
Colin Walker, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
10:45am-11:45am
 
Session A2 – Selling to Insiders – A Management Buyout Deep Dive

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:

  • Management Buyout (MBO) and Leveraged Management Buyout (LMBO)
  • What buyers will need to ensure that the venture is profitable
  • The impact and strategies to increase cash flow
  • Different types of financing
  • Opportunities and risks
Moderator: Zulf Karim, Director, Growth Equity, BDC Capital
Panel:
Brian Love, Chief Operating Officer and Principal, Field Aviation
Sab Ravalli, Executive Chair, Prodomax Automation Inc.
Graham Smith, Partner, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP
Brent Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Director, MPA Morrison Park Advisors
John Wilson, Co-CEO, Managing Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager, Ninepoint Partners
10:45am-11:45am
 
Session A3 – Family Business: Is an Intergenerational Transition Right for Your Business?

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.

1:15pm-1:45pm
 
Entrepreneur Exits: Fireside Chat

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.

11:45am-1:15pm
 
Networking Lunch

1:50pm-2:40pm
 
Session B1 – Taxation: Structuring your Company to Maximize Proceeds

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.

Speaker:
Lyne Gaulin, Partner - Tax, Richter LLP
1:50pm-2:40pm
 
Session B2 – The Exit Team – Understanding the Roles and Necessity of Exit Advisors

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.

Moderator: Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Panel:
David Anderson, Former Co-President, Calico Food Ingredients Ltd
Miguel Amaral, Partner, Transaction Advisory, RSM Canada LLP
Sam Castiglione, Director of Private Equity, Ardenton Capital Corporation
Sean Foran, Managing Director, Business Transition Planning, CIBC Commercial Banking
Stella Gasparro, Partner, Tax & Accounting, MNP LLP
1:50pm-2:40pm
 
Session B3 – Your Post Transition Plan: What Will You Do After You Sell?

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.

Moderator: Susan Fulford, Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy Inc.
Panel:
Jacoline Loewen, CEO, Loewen Capital Partners
Jonah Mayles, Partner, Tax & Estate Planning, Sterling Park Financial Group
Barry Wood, President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.
2:45pm-3:30pm
 
Top Deal Breakers & How To Avoid Them

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:

  • Preparing the business for sale in a way that buyers expect to see it, including addressing and mitigating historical issues
  • Disagreements over calculation of purchase price and timing for payment of purchase price
  • Dealing with issues that come up during due diligence (e.g. weakness in contract language, gaps in proprietary code, etc.)
  • Understanding how to have your employees and customers on side and when to advise key staff on the pending changes
  • Sharing risk in the deal (including limitations on claims that can be brought by the purchaser)
  • Working capital issues/adjustments
Moderator: Ilan Jacobson, Founding Partner & CEO, FirePower Capital
Panel:
James Johnson, Managing Partner, Signal Hill Equity Partners
Andrew Mark, Executive Director, Rhyno Equity Group
Arlene O’Neill, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Gord Riddle, CEO, Applied Comfort Products Inc.
3:30pm-4:15pm
 
Reflections – Life After The Close

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.

Moderator: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
Panel:
Michael Back, Founder & CEO, HonkMobile & Former Founder of Collective Point of Sale Solutions
Bill Coyle, President, Coyle Corrugated Containers Inc.
Mary Beth Denomy, Chair & Founder, Proof Experiences
Pat McNamara, Founder and former CEO, Apex Public Relations
4:15pm-5:30pm
 
Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
MAY 2, 2018 | VALUE/RISK WORKSHOP (ADD-ON OPTIONAL)
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
 

“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.)

 

7:30am-8:00am
 
Continental Breakfast
8:00am-9:45am
 
Part I – Value and Process
  • 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.
Workshop Leaders:
Alan Chettiar, Partner, M&A Advisory, FirePower Capital
Ilan Jacobson, Founding Partner & CEO, FirePower Capital
9:45am-10:15am
 
Refreshment Break – Network with other business owners
10:15am-noon
 
Part II – Managing Unintended Consequences
  • How to protect yourself from unexpected business risk prior to a transaction
  • How to prepare your company (and you personally) for a successful sale.
  • Learn what risks should be addressed, including subtleties of legal agreements, non-compete clauses, wills that misalign with shareholder’s agreements, powers of attorney and more
  • There are several ways to structure the sale your company (including how and when you get paid). What are your options?
  • Learn how to manage confidentiality and protect yourself against rogue competitors, suppliers, employees or customers.
  • Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises
  • Shrewd buyer tactics that you need to know about
Workshop Leaders:
Alex Eisenberg, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Arlene O’Neill, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
MAY 27, 2019 | VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
5:30PM - 7:00PM
 
VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – BY INVITATION
MAY 28, 2019 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM
 

*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.

7:15 AM - 8:00AM
 
Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
 
Forum Overview by Conference Chair

Introduction of Conference Chair: Michele Cooper, Managing Director, BDC Capital

Chair: Eric Berke, Managing Partner, TorQuest Partners
8:10 AM–8:40 AM
 
The Big Picture: How Will the Economy Impact Your Business Today & in the Future?

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.

Speaker:
Pierre Ouimet, Executive Director, Head Investment Strategist, UBS Bank (Canada)
8:40 AM – 9:15 AM
 
Putting the Right People on the Bus: Human Capital is Your Most Valuable Asset

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.

Speaker:
Eric Termuende, Co-Founder, NoW Innovations
9:15 AM – 10:10 AM
 
The Buying Journey: A Purchaser’s Perspective

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)

Moderator: Ilan Jacobson, Founding Partner & CEO, FirePower Capital
Panel:
Jason (Jake) Bullen, Partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Jeff Pocock, Partner, Transactions National M&A and Private Equity Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
Loren Rafeson, Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC Capital
Rachel Skelton, Principal, TorQuest Partners
10:10 AM – 10:35 AM
 
Networking & Coffee Break
10:35 AM – 11:30 AM
 
Concurrent Sessions: A1 – A3
 
A1: Strategic Partners & Private Equity Purchasers

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:

  • How the right type of partner can prepare you for the sale that is right for your business
  • How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process
  • Why timing and creating deal tension matters
  • Terms that affect price and those that don’t
  • How to manage majority and minority shareholder agreements
  • How to prepare your management team for the cultural transition that lies ahead

Moderator: Ian Michael, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Panel:
Paul Emond, CEO, Versature
Joanna Gibbons, Deals Partner, Corporate Finance, PwC Canada
Ken Skinner, Managing Director, Morrison Park Advisors
Victoria Sopik, CEO & Co-founder, Kids & Company
 
A2: Management Buyouts & the Leadership Team

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:

  • When should you begin your succession planning
  • How to prepare your senior management team for transition and the shift in leadership roles
  • How to ensure your management team is well-advised and independently advised.
  • Strategies for partner buyouts
  • Different types of financing and strategies to increase cash flow
  • Implementing your post-closing transition plan
Moderator: Darryl Sam, Senior Director, First West Capital
Panel:
Michelle Alphonso, Partner, Advisory, National Transaction Advisory Services Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
Bruce Friedman, Co-CEO, Evergreen Consumer Brands Inc.
Christopher Jones, Partner, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP
Perry Phillips, President & Founder, ESOP Builders Inc.
Colin Walker, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
 
A3: Professionalizing Your Family Business

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.

Moderator: Neil Nisker, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Our Family Office Inc.
Panel:
Susan Fulford, Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy Inc.
Jennifer Gourley, President & CEO, Harding Fire Protection Systems
Melissa Gracey, President and CEO, DTA Services Ltd.
David Shlagbaum, Managing Principal, DSBL Business Law
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
 
Networking Lunch
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
 
No Regrets: 4 Secrets to a Happy (and lucrative) Exit

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:

  • The 4 factors that lead to a happy and lucrative business exit
  • The “Happy, Rich or Famous?” paradox
  • The single most important trick to a satisfying exit
  • 1 surprising test to evaluate how much of your ego depends on your company
  • The single biggest regret most owners have when they exit (and how to avoid it)
Speaker:
John Warrillow, Founder, The Value Builder System™
12:50 PM – 1:25 PM
 
Luncheon Keynote: The Business Owner Succession Transition

In this fireside chat, you will hear from business owner about critical moments in their succession — in the transition of leadership and ownership.

Moderator: Tina Di Vito, Partner, Family Office Services, MNP
Panel:
Laura Zanchin, Principal and Executive Vice President, Zanchin Automotive Group
Nancy Adamo, Owner, Hockley Valley Resort
1:30 PM – 2:20 PM
 
Concurrent Sessions: B1 – B3
 
B1: Common Deal Challenges: How to Address & Avoid them

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:

  • Working capital and tax structure issues
  • Declining company or economic performance during the process
  • Unsophisticated legal counsel
  • Delays in obtaining third-party consents
  • Cyber-security risks
  • Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises
  • “Deal fatigue”
Moderator: Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Panel:
Ray Gingras, Founder & President, Succession Dynamics Inc.
Kristi Miller, Managing Partner, Krystal Growth Partners
Marc Petruccelli, President, Dom Enterprises & Mfg. Ltd.
Maria Severino, National Tax Leader, RSM Canada
 
B2: How to Build an Exit Team & What it Costs

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.

Moderator: Mario Nigro, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Panel:
Steven Coffey, Vice President, Exit Planning Group
Jonathan Piurko, President & CEO, Monarch Bridge Financial Inc.
Ryan Farkas, National Corporate Finance Leader & Partner, BDO Canada LLP
 
B3: Wealth Strategies & The Personal Side of Post-Transition

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.

Moderator: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
Panel:
Ron Haik, Senior Financial Advisor & Regional Manager Ontario, Nicola Wealth
Jacoline Loewen, CEO, Loewen Capital Partners
Mike McCarron, Founder, Left Lane Associates
2:20PM - 2:40PM
 
Networking & Coffee Break
2:40 PM – 3:30 PM
 
Fireside Chat: From Acquisition to Transition: Life on the Other Side of the Close

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

Host: Conor Snape, Director, Growth & Transition Capital Greater Toronto Area, BDC Capital
In discussion with:
Len Kipp, Investor, All Canadian Display Company
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
 
Exit Stories: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

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.

Moderator: Eric Berke, Managing Partner, TorQuest Partners
Panel:
Bob Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, SCM Insurance Services
Michael Merrithew, Founder & CEO, Farpointe Investments
Ryan Newell, President, Spinrite LP
David Simpson, Director, Ivey Business Families Centre, Ivey Business School, Western University
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
 
Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
MAY 29 2019 | BUSINESS OWNERS WORKSHOP (ADD-ON OPTIONAL)
 

“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.)

7:30AM - 8:00AM
 
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00AM - 9:45AM
 
PART I – ENHANCING THE VALUE OF 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.
Workshop Leaders:
Alan Chettiar, Partner, M&A Advisory, FirePower Capital
Ilan Jacobson, Founding Partner & CEO, FirePower Capital
9:45AM - 10:15AM
 
REFRESHMENT BREAK – NETWORK WITH OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS
10:15AM - NOON
 
PART II – MANAGING UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
  • How to protect yourself from unexpected business risk prior to a transaction
  • How to prepare your company (and you personally) for a successful sale.
  • Learn what risks should be addressed, including subtleties of legal agreements, non-compete clauses, wills that misalign with shareholder’s agreements, powers of attorney and more
  • There are several ways to structure the sale your company (including how and when you get paid). What are your options?
  • Learn how to manage confidentiality and protect yourself against rogue competitors, suppliers, employees or customers.
  • Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises
  • Shrewd buyer tactics that you need to know about
Workshop Leaders:
Samantha Horn, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Mario Nigro, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Nancy Ramalho, Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
OCTOBER 14, 2020 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM
8:30AM - 8:35AM
 
Welcome Remarks
Chair: Paul LeBlanc, Founder + CEO, 7th Wave Capital
8:35AM - 9:10AM
 
Paving the Road to Recovery? How to restart your business in the wake of COVID-19

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 the 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.   

Speaker:
Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research & Chief Economist, BDC
9:20AM - 9:45AM
 
From Survival to Growth – Your Roadmap to Transition
Speaker:
Tracey McVicar, Managing Partner, CAI Capital Partners
9:55AM - 10:40AM
 
Valuations of Yesterday and Tomorrow – How Will 2020 Value Drivers be Different in the Post COVID World
Speaker:
Alana Geller, Partner, Richter
Jillian Murray, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
Darryl Sam, Senior Director, First West Capital
Stephen Shaw, Managing Director, MNP Corporate Finance Inc.
10:50AM - 11:30AM
 
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
 
Negotiation Skills – How to Position your Business to Maximize Price (and Terms)

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.

Speaker:
Peter Stefanovich, President, Left Lane Associates
Bill Black, President, Exit Planning Group
Andreea Crisan, President and CEO, Andy Transport
Emanuel Ross, Director, Corporate Finance, BDO Canada LLP
 
The Advisory Team – Why your transition team is more important than ever

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.

Speaker:
Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Shane King, National Leader, Succession Services, MNP LLP
Malcolm Fraser, President & CEO, Innovacorp
 
What Does Your Business Structure Look Like Going Forward and What Changes are Required?

 How will the new normal post COVID work environment and structure affect how you run your business?  This discussion with a small-medium size business owner will look at how business plans and strategies for growth have been impacted since the onset of COVID-19, what challenges and opportunities have presented themselves, and how plans and strategies moving forward have been impacted as a result of COVID-19.   

Speaker:
Yemi Akindoju, President/CEO, Vanity Fashions Limited
11:35AM - 12:20PM
 
Who Are the Buyers and Investors in the Post COVID Era?

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?

Speaker:
Wade K. Dawe, Chairman and CEO, Numus Financial Inc.
Rob Normandeau, President, SeaFort Capital
George Rossolatos, CEO, Canadian Business Growth Fund (CBGF)
Paul LeBlanc, Founder + CEO, 7th Wave Capital
12:20PM - 1:00PM
 
Meet & Greet
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
OCTOBER 15, 2020 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM
8:35AM - 9:10AM
 
Leadership in the Post COVID Era – Looking at different approaches going forward

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.

Speaker:
Matthew Gould, Co-Founder & President, MORECO Ltd.
9:20AM - 9:55AM
 
Fireside Chat with Business Tycoon, John Risley
Host: Marie Mullally, President & CEO, CUA
In discussion with:
John Risley, to Chairman & CEO, CFFI Ventures Inc.
10:05AM - 10:40AM
 
How to get a deal done during COVID-19?

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.

Speaker:
Ian Michael, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Jason Sellakumar, Director, First West Capital
Ian Macdonell, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
10:50AM - 11:30PM
 
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
 
Are MBO’s/MBI’s More Attractive Going Forward? Why?
Speaker:
Don Mills, Chair & Senior Counsel, Corporate Research Associates Inc.
Jeff Pocock, Partner, Transactions National M&A and Private Equity Leader, Grant Thornton LLP
Guillaume Felx, Principal, Growth Equity, BDC Capital
Martin Vidal, President, Corporation Genacol Canada Inc.
10:50AM - 11:30PM
 
Family Business Post COVID

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 panel will discuss many strategies that should be considered to effectively position your business post COVID.

Speaker:
Jeff Noble, Director, Business Transition Services, BDO Canada LLP
David Shlagbaum, Managing Principal, DSBL Business Law
Jon Stanfield, Chairman, President & CEO, Stanfield's
11:35AM - 12:15PM
 
Survival Stories – And why they worked!

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.

Speaker:
Eamonn McConnell, Senior Managing Director and CIO, Kensington Capital Partners Limited
Geoff Flood, Founder,T4G Limited
Sarah Young, Managing Partner, National Public Relations, an Avenir Global Company
Laura Zanchin, Principal and Executive Vice President, Zanchin Automotive Group
12:15PM - 12:15PM
 
That’s a Wrap!
Chair: Paul LeBlanc, Founder + CEO, 7th Wave Capital
12:15PM - 1:00PM
 
Networking Reception
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
MAY 3, 2022 | VIP WELCOME RECEPTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
MAY 4, 2022 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM
7:15AM-8:00AM
 
Registration
7:15AM - 8:00AM
 
Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00AM – 8:05AM
 
Welcome & Forum Overview by Conference Chair
Chair: Claude Miron, Managing Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC
8:05AM - 8:35AM
 
Opening Keynote: The Big Picture-Overview of Canadian Business Going Forward and the Impacts of COVID 19

What do economic conditions and market trends look like in a world recovering from COVID? How has the pandemic affected your business and will the economy rebound to pre pandemic numbers? This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as provide insights on regional and industry sector differences. You will also get an understanding of the current mergers and acquisitions environment and factors which might impact it in the future. 

speaker:
Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research & Chief Economist, BDC
8:35AM – 9:25AM
 
The Golden Egg: The Impact of People on the Value of Your M&A Deal

Both buyers and sellers recognize that human capital is one of the most important assets in a company, but will it be preserved during the transition of a merger or acquisition? Strategies for talent retention, HR due diligence, structuring deals to keep people post deal, communication to staff, surviving general HR trends (like the Great Resignation) should be addressed long before a deal hits the table.  It takes time to build a strong corporate culture and an acquirer wants to know that it is resilient enough to fit into a new mother ship and talent won’t peel off with a sale? 

This session will cover issues such as: 

  • Retention strategies 
  • Timing: when/ how to tell staff re: transition 
  • Building a resilient culture and trust on your team when an M&A deal is on the table.  
  • The importance of integration and instilling an agile mindset in leaders and their teams after a merger.  
  • Accessing senior management for due diligence
speaker:
Debby Carreau, CEO & Founder, Inspired HR Ltd
Panel:
Mark Brodkin, Private Equity National Head, Roynat Capital
Brad Geddes, President & CEO, Zucora Home
9:25AM – 10:15AM
 
Lessons (and Ideas) from Seasoned Buyers

What do buyers look for when assessing a potential acquisition? Growth prospects, financial health, management team, COVID impacts and strategic fit are just a few of the considerations. 

In this panel strategic advisors and private equity purchasers will discuss the metrics that matter most to them, lessons they have learned along the way and what to consider if you are just looking for liquidity options (ie, you just want to take some cash off the table). 

Moderator: Alan Chettiar, Partner, M&A Advisory, FirePower Capital
Panel:
Dan Lioutas, Managing Director, Grant Thornton LLP
Mike McIsaac, CEO & Managing Director, Baker Tilly Canada Corporate Finance
Don Montgomery, President, M&A Advisor, True North Mergers & Acquisitions
Stephanie Mooney, Director, Business Development, Canada & US Pacific NW, Trivest
10:15AM – 10:45AM
 
Networking & Coffee Break
10:50AM – 11:50AM
 
Concurrent Sessions: 1A – 1C
 
1A: Strategies to Negotiate the Best Deal & Terms

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.  Through an interactive discussion you’ll learn: 

  • Why companies should be sold, not bought 
  • How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process 
  • Why timing and deal tension matters, and how to create it 
  • Which terms have an impact on price, and which do not 
  • The roles an advisor can play through the sale process, and when and how to manage them 
Moderator: Ian Michael, Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Panel:
Kenan Dizdarevic, CFA, Managing Director, FirePower Capital
Fay Wu, Managing Partner, NFQ Ventures Ltd.
 
1B: Common Deal Challenges: How to Address & Avoid them

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 work within your business so that you and your advisors can prepare. Common challenges that will be discussed include: 

  • Working capital and tax structure issues 
  • Declining company or economic performance during the process 
  • Unsophisticated legal counsel 
  • Delays in obtaining third-party consents 
  • Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises 
  • “Deal fatigue” 
Moderator: Randy Williamson, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Panel:
Andreea Crisan, President and CEO, Andy Transport
Barbara Mech, Regional Vice President, Roynat Capital
Michael Levin, Partner, Turtle Holdings Limited
Peter Stefanovich, President, Left Lane Associates
 
1C: Lessons Learned in Building a Successful Multi-generational Business

Family businesses are unique in that transitioning them to the next generation is a complex, often deeply emotional, endeavour. How do you prepare for a generational business that is resilient, while keeping the legacy you have built 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 presenters will share their unique tools and perspectives so that you can successfully plan for your own family business transition. 

Moderator: Jacoline Loewen, CEO, Loewen Capital Partners
Panel:
Patrick Bermingham, Principal, Bermingham Studio Inc.
Colin Brown, Managing Director, Management Consultant & Business Advisor, McNally Brown
David Shlagbaum, Managing Principal, DSBL Business Law
Danielle Walsh, Family Business Practitioner, MNP
11:50AM – 12:40PM
 
Networking Lunch 
12:40PM – 1:20PM
 
Luncheon Keynote:
 
A Family Transition Plan that Ultimately lead to an Outright Sale – But Why?

Cinespace Film Studios, a leading service provider to the television, film and digital streaming industry, was founded by three brothers with an extraordinary vision.  During their growth, they successfully transitioned the business to a second generation. 

It was after this transition that The Mirkopoulous family assessed their strategic options; ultimately concluding that a sale to a strategic acquirer would accelerate the next stage of the company’s growth. The deal has elevated Cinespace, now the second largest independent owner of sound stages in North America and a world-leading studio/real estate platform for film, tv and media production. 

In this session you will hear how a 35 year-old family-owned and operated business pivoted from succession mindset to a search for a strategic acquirer.    What pledges did the acquirer make to satisfy the operating family and what changed the course of this family transition and ultimately lead to a successful transition?

Moderator: Eddy Burello, Partner, MNP
In discussion with:
Chrisoula Mirkopoulos, Former CFO, Cinespace Film Studios
Steve (Stilianos) Mirkopoulos, Former CEO and President, Cinespace Film Studios
1:30PM – 2:20PM
 
Concurrent Sessions: 2A – 2C
 
2A: Alternative Transition Structures: Exploring if an MBO or Minority Equity Investor Could be a Good Fit for Your Business

COVID has prompted a surge in non-traditional M&A deal structures and accelerated deals. There are a number of transaction structures 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:

  • When should you begin your succession planning and prepare your senior management team for transition and potential shifts in their leadership roles
  • Strategies for partner buyouts
  • Different types of financing to increase cash flow
  • Implementing your post-closing transition plan
  • Factors to consider in an alternate financing structure is right for you
Moderator: Bruce Harbinson, TEC Chair, TEC Canada
Panel:
Arlene O’Neill, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Dave Rae, CEO, Bill Gosling Outsourcing
Jason Sellakumar, Director, First West Capital
 
2B: Are You Ready to Sell?

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.  The ability to shift from an entrepreneurial mindset to a capital management position requires planning and with the right preparation and enough time to implement. 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  
  • Help you consider all of your business options to reap the benefits and avoid pitfalls  
  • Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises  
  • Tips for shifting from an entrepreneur mindset 
  • Wealth management tips and managing former business expenses post-transition 
Moderator: Stephen Rupnarain, Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Services, RSM Canada
Panel:
Stephanie Hickmott, Principal, Portfolio Manager, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd.
Khasha Ighanian, President, Prollenium Medical Technologies Inc.
Marino Jeyarajah, M&A Tax Partner, RSM Canada
 
2C: Scaling Your Business in Preparation for Transition

Putting an emphasis on systematically growing your organization could be your secret weapon when looking to attract the right type of buyer for your business. Increasing revenues, market share or scaling operations will help make your business that much more attractive to potential acquirers. 

This session will explore the necessary steps to maximizing business value before you engage the sale process including strategies, tactics and metrics you can put to work right away that will have immediate impact as well as set your company up for greater future success. 

Moderator: Ian Macdonell, Managing Director, Crosbie & Company Inc.
Panel:
Cedar Swan, CEO, Adventure Canada
Karen Fisman, Director, Business Development, Origin Merchant Partners
John Hotson, Partner & Marketing Strategist, Business Transition Alliance
2:20PM - 2:40PM
 
Coffee Break
2:45PM – 3:20PM
 
What’s Your Company Really Worth?

Do you really know what your business is worth? Has COVID affected your company’s valuation? 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:
Dennis Leung, Partner, Grant Thornton
3:20PM - 4:00PM
 
Exit Stories: The Good, The Bad & The Different

Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through transition with their business and now have the opportunity to reflect on the process in the rear-view mirror.  This panel will share insights on what they wish they had known at the beginning of their transition journey and their key learnings for their next endeavours.  What would they change, if anything, if they were to do it all again? These business owners will help build and broaden your frame of reference by sharing their own war stories and tales from the trenches.   

Moderator: Claude Miron, Managing Partner, Growth Equity Partners, BDC
Panel:
Ashlynne Dale, Executive Chair and former CEO of Norwood Sawmills, Norwood Sawmills
Noemie Dupuy, Co-Founder, Budge
Barry Wood, President & CEO, Ontario Excavac Inc.
4:00PM – 5:00PM
 
Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception
Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice
MAY 5, 2022 | ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP (ADD-ON OPTIONAL)
 

 

speakers:
Alan Chettiar, Partner, M&A Advisory, FirePower Capital
Alex Eisenberg, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Jonathan Lehun, Vice President, M&A Advisory, Firepower
 
Masterclass Workshop – A Deeper Dive
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
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