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The CCH SME Mergers and Acquisitions Conference 2008

1 day (6 CPD Hours)

Introduction

The boom in SME mergers and acquisitions shows no signs of abating. Private equity companies and the capital markets are still willing to back this market despite the pressures on private equity following last year’s credit crunch.

If you’re looking to go on the acquisition trail or grow your business through outside investment, now could be the time to take advantage of the current climate.

However there is a lot more to a successful merger or acquisition than just getting the cheque book out.

This conference will look at the mergers and acquisitions process – from planning to implementation and will provide you with an insight into both the challenges and the pitfalls facing a successful merger.

Whether you are considering putting your company onto the mergers and acquisitions market, or if you have already embarked on this path, your chances of a successful merger can be enhanced with an understanding of the current market conditions and knowledge of the processes involved.

The course in detail

09:30 – 09.35 Welcome from the Conference Chairman
William Brooks, Managing Director, Brandenburg Securities

09:35 – 10:15 Overview of merger and acquisition activity in the current economic climate
  • What economic factors drive mergers & acquisitions (M&A) activity?
  • How might the recent financial market turmoil impact M&A in 2008?
  • Is there a global or regional bias to M&A activity?
  • What does the flow and value of M&A look like for UK firms and what are the prospects for 2008?
Trevor Williams, Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, Economic Research, Corporate Markets

10:15 – 10:55 Acquisition and disposal planning
A unique look at planning from the view of the acquirer as well as the vendor.
Naima Siddiqi, Associate Director, Brandenburg Securities

10:55 – 11:10 Refreshments

11:10 – 11:50 Deal execution “Road Map”
Executing the deal from start to finish.
William Brooks, Managing Director, Brandenburg Securities

11:50 – 12:30 Raising finance in uncertain times – the effect of the credit crunch on acquisition finance
When making an acquisition it is vital to use a funding mechanism which enables business expansion and which also allows for some flexibility in case things don't go exactly to plan. A volatile economic environment creates opportunities as well as risks for potential acquirers and their backers. This session will provide an overview of the following areas:
  • what types of funding are available
  • how should an acquisition be financed
  • how do you successfully fund an acquisition
  • sourcing a funding package
  • does size matter and are there other ways to complete the deal
  • case studies of some recently completed transactions.
Marc Fecher, Partner, Kingston Smith

12:30 – 13:00 Structuring management buyouts
Buyouts account for over 20% of global M&A activity by volume. Margarita will offer a brief overview of how to identify attractive deals, executing them effectively, and develop sustainable, long-term value.
Margarita Rodriguez-Piza, Partner, Mazars

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 14:40 Buyer beware… how to get the best out of due diligence
  • What is due diligence?
  • Overview of different types of DD
  • How DD providers should work together
  • Agreeing the specification of work
  • What should you expect from your DD provider?
  • Helping them to give real opinions
Kevin Simmons, Partner, Chadwick LLP

14:40 – 15:20 When it goes awry – contingency planning and moving forward
  • Common pitfalls
  • Key issues
  • Revising plans and sensitivities
  • Managing stakeholders expectations
  • Critical path/timing
David Brooks, Head of M & A, Grant Thornton

15:20 – 15:35 Refreshments

15:35 – 16:15 Dealing with warranty claims
  • Introduction – how warranty claims arise
  • What to consider when drafting your Sale Purchase Agreement
  • Standard exclusion clauses
  • Limitation periods
  • Notification of claims and practical points to remember
  • Post-notification matters
  • Conclusion and checklist – avoiding
  • problems in the future!
Andrew Cromby, Bracher Rawlins LLP

16:15 – 16:45 Unity or hostility – successful management of the people affected
  • A cautionary tale
  • Why the people matter
  • Managing pre completion
  • A post completion success strategy
  • What about the deal makers?
  • When things go right
Pat Scott, Partner, Leading Edge Change

16:45 – 17:15 External communication challenges in the wake of a merger/acquisition
  • Why M&A fails due to lack of communication
  • Informing shareholders and other key stakeholders
  • Ensuring internal communications drives external messages
  • Keeping it on track
Richard Carpenter, Development Director, Radley Yeldar

17:15 – 17:20 Round-up and close
William Brooks, Managing Director, Brandenburg Securities – Conference Chairman

What are the benefits of attending?

  • Learn how to take advantage of the current economic climate and potentially grow your business
  • Gain expert advice on how to implement a successful merger
  • Avoid the challenges and pitfalls that can prevent a successful merger
  • Gain 6 CPD hours by attending

Who should attend?

  • Chief executives, finance directors and senior executives of companies active in acquisitions or disposals or considering them
  • Accountants and advisers to companies involved with acquisitions or disposals
  • Corporate developers and entrepreneurs
  • Companies seeking to divest non core activities

List of events

Date Time Location Code Options

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