Limited Registration: Learn from M&A Experts & Attend Private Breakout Sessions

UNSURE WHAT A SUCCESSFUL ACQUISITION LOOKS LIKE?

Learn to Successfully Exit Your Company

or Increase Your Wealth Through Acquisition

Teaching Business Owners to Position Their Companies for Successful Exits

and Efficiently Growing Through Acquisition is What We Do Best

Thursday, May 23 9a-6p

MAWTC Denver, The Westin Downtown

RSVP for our Denver Conference & Register for Your Breakout Sessions

Identify the Steps from Today to Exit

Identify the Steps from Today to Exit

Identify the Steps from Today to Exit

Event Sponsors

M&A is and has been a viable option for growth and transition. In the past several years the world has been experiencing the largest transition of wealth it has ever seen. Ten trillion dollars will transfer over the next decade.

M&A and Wealth Transfer Conference is about the JOURNEY. If you have considered M&A as a growth strategy or as a possible exit then where do you begin? Who can you speak with?

We have brought together world class experts in the Entrepreneurial world to create the M&A movie which depicts what you don't want to happen, and the book Finish Strong which outlines the members of a team you may want to have. We spoke with thousands of business owners, CPA's and M&A advisors to aggregate this information.

We bundled this information together with Strategy, Organization and Preparedness and now are presenting this to you for your journey.

Come join us . . .

Learn more in the video below & register for the event for free today

World Class M&A Experts

& Presenting Partners

Thomas J. Handler

Keynote Speaker

Managing Partner, Handler Thayer, LLP

Mr. Handler is an advanced planning attorney focused on the analysis and

structuring of sophisticated estate plans and family offices, and handling

taxation and business planning issues for business owners, executives,

professional athletes, celebrities and family offices. He has extensive experience

in the analysis, design and implementation of domestic and international

business planning, financial and estate planning, asset protection, family office compliance and advanced tax planning strategies.

Breakout Sessions

Scott Bushkie

Managing Partner & Founder, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Scott Bushkie is the Managing Partner and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services, specializing in M&A strategies for the lower middle market. With over 20 years of experience, he has executed numerous successful transactions and holds leadership roles in industry organizations like the IBBA and M&A Source.

Darren Sugiyama

Founder

Lionsmark Capital

Darren Sugiyama, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker, began his career as a counselor and teacher before founding Apex, an employee benefits firm. He later expanded into the life insurance industry with DaVinci and founded Lionsmark Capital, a prominent premium financing intermediary firm.

Kelly Carter

CEO

Beacon Retirement Planning

Kelly is an experienced advisor & CEO with over 30 years experience. He holds a CEPA designation, assisting business owners in optimizing transitions aligned with their goals. Kelly's role includes strategic advice, valuations, buyer/target identification, deal negotiations, and overseeing transaction processes with his team.

Tyler Smith

Managing Director &

EOS Implementor

Tyler's expertise encompasses marketing, technology, and strategy across Retail, Finance, Real Estate, and Business Coaching. Recognized for guiding leadership teams through mergers and acquisitions.

Jason Zins

Senior VP, Private Markets

Capital Solutions Group

Jason Zins, a Senior Vice President at First Trust Portfolios L.P., focuses on fund distribution and provides economic commentary on alternative investments. With over 12 years of experience in financial services, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Van Carlson

Founder & CEO

SRA 831(b) Admin

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James Reid

Partner,

Honigman Law Firm

James Reid, a labor and employment attorney, advises on strategic business decisions and legal compliance for employers. He offers services like audits, investigations, training, and document preparation to minimize litigation risks.

Shark Tank Panel hosted by Scott Buskie

Scott Bushkie

Managing Partner, Founder, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Scott Bushkie

Managing Partner, Founder, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Kelly Carter

Managing Partner, Founder, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Scott Bushkie

Managing Partner, Founder, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Conference Schedule

May 23, 2024 | The Westin Downtown

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM:

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM:

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM:

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM:

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM:

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM:

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM:

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM:

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM:

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM:

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM:

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM:

Registration Open

Opening Ceremony

M&A Movie Premiere

Break

Breakout Session 1

A CPA's Top 5 Do's & Don'ts for M&As

Retaining Wealth when Estate Planning

A Financial Advisors approach to M&A Taxes

M&A Strategy, Preparedness & Organization
Break (lunch)

Keynote Presentation

Break

Breakout Session 2

In's & Out's of M&A from a M&A Advisor

Pitfalls to Avoid from an M&A Attorney

The Journey & Emotions of Exit Planning / Valuation

Strategy, Preparedness & Organization

Break

Shark Tank (Exploring the difference in valuations from VC, PE & Strategic Buyer Perspectives

Closing Remarks

Networking

Conference Schedule

May 23, 2024

The Westin Downtown

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Open Registration

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM: Opening Ceremony
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM: M&A Movie Premiere
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Breakout Session 1

A CPA's Top 5 Do's & Don'ts for M&As

Retaining Wealth when Estate Planning

A Financial Advisors approach to M&A Taxes

M&A Strategy, Preparedness & Organization
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM: Break

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Keynote Presentation
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Break

In's & Out's of M&A from a M&A Advisor

Pitfalls to Avoid from an M&A Attorney

The Journey & Emotions of Exit Planning/ Valuation

Strategy, Preparedness & Organization
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Breakout Session 2
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Break

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Shark Tank
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM:Closing Remarks
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Networking

NAVIGATING THE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

What to expect in each breakout session

Navigating Financial Complexity: The CPA's Role in M&A Success

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are indispensable in the M&A landscape, offering multifaceted expertise crucial for seamless transactions. From conducting meticulous financial due diligence to devising tax-efficient structures and facilitating post-acquisition integration, CPAs ensure accuracy, mitigate risks, and optimize financial outcomes. Join this breakout session to delve into the pivotal role of CPAs in navigating the intricate financial terrain of mergers and acquisitions.

Wealth Preservation Strategies in M&A: Insights from Estate Planning Attorneys

Amidst the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions, safeguarding personal assets and orchestrating seamless transitions are paramount. Estate planning attorneys offer strategic counsel on asset protection, tax optimization, succession planning, and integration with personal estate plans. Join this breakout session to explore tailored strategies that harmonize personal objectives with the intricacies of M&A transactions, ensuring holistic wealth preservation and legacy continuity.

Mastering Legal Landscapes: The Vital Role of M&A Attorneys

Embarking on M&A endeavors demands meticulous legal guidance to navigate complexities and mitigate risks. M&A attorneys adeptly oversee due diligence, draft agreements, ensure regulatory compliance, and orchestrate seamless closures. This breakout session delves into the indispensable role of M&A attorneys in safeguarding interests, fostering compliance, and facilitating successful transactions in the ever-evolving legal landscape of mergers and acquisitions.

Navigating Financial Crossroads: Maximizing Value in M&A Transactions

In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, financial advisors equipped with Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation provide invaluable expertise in optimizing financial outcomes and ensuring holistic planning. From determining lifestyle numbers to enhancing business value and managing tax implications, CEPA advisors offer strategic insights crucial for business owners embarking on transition journeys. Join this breakout session to gain comprehensive insights into financial strategies that pave the path for seamless M&A transitions and post-sale prosperity.

Charting Success in M&A: Insights from Experienced Advisors

Selling a business demands astute navigation of market dynamics, valuation intricacies, and negotiation nuances. M&A advisors bring unparalleled experience, valuation knowledge, extensive buyer networks, and confidentiality assurances to the table. Join this breakout session to unravel the expertise of M&A advisors in maximizing value, mitigating risks, and orchestrating successful transactions, ensuring optimal outcomes for business owners in the ever-evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions.

Strategic Valuation: Paving the Path for Successful Exits

Embarking on the journey of business exit necessitates strategic valuation and meticulous planning to optimize outcomes and mitigate risks. Valuation firms provide objective assessments, set realistic expectations, and facilitate strategic planning crucial for maximizing returns and ensuring legal protection. Join this breakout session to explore how professional valuations empower business owners with informed decisions, facilitating seamless transitions and unlocking maximum value in M&A transactions.

Unleashing Operational Excellence: The Role of Business Operating Systems

In the fast-paced arena of mergers and acquisitions, operational efficiency is paramount for sustained success. A robust business operating system serves as the playbook, aligning teams, defining expectations, and fostering synergy towards common goals. Join this breakout session to discover how implementing a business operating system fosters clarity, accountability, and cohesion, enabling organizations to navigate M&A complexities with agility, efficiency, and resilience.

These breakout sessions offer a comprehensive exploration of the diverse facets underpinning the merger and acquisition landscape, providing attendees with invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the complexities and maximizing value in M&A transactions.

Your Six & 1

The Six Trusted Advisors and 1 Operating System needed to maximize transaction value

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) plays a critical role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for privately held companies. The role of the CPA is multifaceted, encompassing financial due diligence, valuation, tax planning, integration planning, and post-acquisition financial management.

Financial Due Diligence: One of the most significant roles a CPA plays in M&A is conducting financial due diligence. This involves a thorough examination of the target company’s financial statements, underlying financial systems, and related records to ensure accuracy and uncover any potential risks or liabilities.
Valuation: A CPA with expertise in valuation will determine the fair market value of the target company. They use various valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow, market multiples, or asset-based approaches, depending on the nature of the business and the industry.
Tax Planning: Mergers and acquisitions can have significant tax implications. A CPA helps structure the transaction in a way that is tax-efficient for both parties. This includes considering the tax consequences of asset vs. stock sales, the use of loss carryforwards, and other tax attributes.
Integration Planning: After the deal, there’s the challenge of integrating the acquired company’s operations, systems, and finances. A CPA can provide guidance on how to best merge the financial and operational systems of the two entities.
Post-Acquisition Audit and Review: After the transaction, a CPA may be engaged to review or audit the combined entity’s financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance.

An estate planning attorney may not be the primary professional one thinks of in the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for privately held companies. However, they can play a significant role, especially when the business owners have significant estate planning concerns.

Asset Protection: The attorney can advise on strategies to protect the personal assets of the company's owners, especially in light of the merger or acquisition. This might include using trusts or other entities to ensure the owner's personal assets are insulated from potential liabilities associated with the transaction.
Tax Optimization: One of the primary roles is to ensure that the transaction is structured in a tax-efficient manner. This includes considering estate tax, gift tax, and other tax consequences that might arise as a result of the merger or acquisition. By doing so, the attorney can potentially save the business owner significant amounts in taxes.
Succession Planning: If the company is family-owned, an estate planning attorney can help ensure that the business passes on to the next generation in a manner consistent with the owner's wishes, especially in light of the M&A activity. This may involve creating or updating trusts, wills, and buy-sell agreements.
Integration with Personal Estate Plan: It's essential that the business owner's personal estate plan aligns with the M&A strategy. For example, if shares of the business are held in a trust, the trust's terms must be considered in the transaction. The attorney will review and adjust the owner's estate plan as needed to account for the M&A activity.
Liaison with M&A Team: An estate planning attorney will work in tandem with other professionals involved in the M&A process, such as M&A attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. This collaboration ensures that the business owner's personal and estate planning goals are considered and integrated into the broader M&A strategy.

An M&A (mergers and acquisitions) attorney plays a crucial role when it comes to the merger and acquisition of privately held companies.

Deal Due Diligence: A fundamental and pivotal task for an M&A attorney is performing due diligence. This process entails a comprehensive review of the target company's financial data, contracts, obligations, intellectual property entitlements, employment terms, potential legal exposures, and other key facets. This ensures the acquiring entity has a clear understanding of its purchase. Based on the type of companies involved and the specific goals of the deal, an M&A attorney will advise on the best structure for the transaction, be it a stock sale, asset sale, or a merger.
Drafting and Reviewing Documents: They are responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the definitive agreements, such as the purchase and sale agreement. These documents lay out the terms and conditions of the transaction, including representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, and closing conditions.
Regulatory Compliance: They ensure that the transaction complies with all applicable laws, including antitrust, securities, tax, environmental, and employment laws. For privately held companies, although there may be fewer securities law concerns than with public companies, other regulatory concerns remain paramount.
Coordination with Other Advisers: An M&A attorney often collaborates with other professionals involved in the transaction, such as investment bankers, accountants, and industry experts. This ensures that all aspects of the deal are aligned, and any potential challenges are addressed in a coordinated manner. Throughout the process, the attorney will identify potential risks associated with the transaction and will advise on how best to mitigate those risks.
Closing the Deal: The attorney assists with the final stages of the transaction, ensuring all conditions to closing are met, coordinating the signing of documents, and helping with any last-minute issues that might arise. After the deal closes, there might be post-closing obligations, adjustments, or disputes that arise. The M&A attorney will be involved in addressing these issues and ensuring that all terms of the agreement are adhered to.

Given the sensitive nature of M&A transactions, maintaining confidentiality is essential. The attorney ensures that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are in place and that all parties adhere to them. In essence, an M&A attorney provides comprehensive legal guidance and oversight, ensuring that the transaction is executed smoothly, efficiently, and in the best interests of their client.

By determining what comes after the sale—whether it's retirement, a new venture, philanthropy, travel, or other pursuits—a financial advisor helps in making the transition smoother and less disorienting.

It is critical to work with an advisor who is an expert specifically trained to understand the complexities of selling or otherwise leaving a business. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) isn’t just concerned with your business goals; they consider your personal and financial objectives as well. A CEPA takes a holistic approach to help you develop a business strategy that integrates all aspects of your life and assist you to define your professional, financial and personal goals, and develop a holistic strategy to achieve them by the time you leave your company.

When you work with a CEPA, you’ll get an expert who will examine issues related to your professional industry with a holistic approach that integrates all aspects of the business exit planning decision when considering the sale of your business and planning for post-sale life is vital for several reasons:

Expertise: When you work with a CEPA, you’ll get an expert who is specifically trained to understand the complexities of selling or otherwise exiting your business. They will examine issues related to your professional industry; your tolerance for risk; your timeline for retirement; and other critical areas of operating a business. They’ll help you decide when’s the best time to sell your business and how to minimize your taxes from the sale.
Determine the Lifestyle Number: The "Lifestyle Number" refers to the amount of money a business owner needs after the sale to maintain their desired standard of living throughout retirement. This is a critical part of a business owner’s decision to transition to “what’s NEXT?”. Determining your Lifestyle Number is essential as it provides a clear financial target to aim for, ensuring that you can live comfortably without the risk of outliving your savings.
Understanding the Value Enhancement process: A CEPA can assist the business owner to understand what issues may need to be addressed to enhance the value of the business prior to selling. These insights help ensure that the owner receives the best possible price. Acting as a quarterback, the CEPA can assemble valuation experts to ensure that the business is ready to sell at the desired price.
Tax Efficiency: There are many tax implications to consider when selling a business. A financial advisor with the CEPA designation can advise on strategies to minimize tax liabilities, which can significantly impact the net proceeds from a sale. It is critical that you know the “net number” to determine what an exit from your business means to you. Will it be enough to live your ideal life and continue to check off the items on your bucket list?
Risk Management: Financial advisors can help business owners and their family to understand how to create Volatility Control Portfolios to diversify investments post-sale. These strategies focus on transitioning from asset allocation to priorities and purpose. This also includes income planning with an emphasis on tax-efficiency and protecting against market volatility to ensure that the proceeds from the sale continue to support the owner's Lifestyle Number.

In conclusion, selling a business is one of the most significant financial events in an entrepreneur’s life. Engaging with a financial advisor who is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor ensures that business owners are well-prepared for the transition, maximize their financial benefits, and are set up for success in their life post-sale.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory firms provide specialized expertise and services that can be invaluable to business owners seeking to sell their privately held businesses.

Experience: M&A advisors have experience navigating the complex process of selling a business. They understand market trends, valuation methodologies, and the nuances involved in negotiations. While business owners are skilled in running their businesses, selling a business is a full-time job in and of itself. M&A advisors take on this task, allowing owners to continue focusing on their day-to-day operations, which maintains the business's performance and value during the sales process.
Valuation Knowledge: Properly valuing a business is critical to ensure you get the best price. M&A advisors have the tools, databases, and industry insights to help derive an accurate and optimized valuation. There are various ways to structure a deal (e.g., asset sale, stock sale, mergers). M&A advisors can guide sellers on the best structure based on their specific circumstances and objectives. Valuation is based on risk, real or perceived, and future cash flows for the buyer. The more you enhance your business, the more attractive your company will be and the greater value you will receive.
Wider Buyer Network: M&A firms have access to a vast network of potential buyers, including private equity firms, strategic buyers, and high-net-worth individuals. This can increase the chances of finding the right buyer who is willing to pay a premium. Furthermore, these buyers will conduct a rigorous examination of your business during the due diligence phase. M&A advisors can help prepare for this, ensuring that the process goes smoothly, and any potential issues are addressed proactively.
Confidentiality: Selling a business can be a sensitive transaction. The confidentiality required to protect your employees and other strategic partners is critical. M&A advisors can market your business discreetly, ensuring that information is only shared with serious and qualified prospective buyers.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The process of selling a business involves numerous legal and regulatory considerations. M&A firms often work with legal teams to ensure that all transactions are compliant with relevant laws. After the sale, there may be transitionary periods or contingencies to address. An M&A advisory firm can help smooth this process, ensuring that both parties fulfill their obligations, and the transition is seamless.

In summary, selling a privately held business is a complex and pivotal moment for many business owners. An M&A advisory firm provides the necessary expertise, resources, and support to navigate this process, optimize outcomes, and ensure that the sale is conducted efficiently and effectively.

Employing a valuation firm before planning an exit ensures that business owners are making informed decisions, maximizing their returns, and facilitating a smoother sale process.

Objective Assessment: Valuation firms provide an unbiased and objective assessment of a business's worth. Their methodologies are grounded in established industry practices, ensuring credibility. When potential buyers see that a professional valuation has been done, it can enhance their confidence in the integrity and transparency of the sale process.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Knowing the business's true value helps business owners set realistic price expectations, which can reduce the time a business spends on the market and improve the likelihood of a sale. Owners often have emotional ties to their businesses, which can skew perceptions of its value. A third-party valuation helps ground decisions in factual data rather than sentiment.
Strategic Planning: Understanding the current value can highlight areas of strength and weakness in the business. This can guide business owners on where to invest and make improvements before the sale, potentially increasing the value. A professional valuation acts as a strong reference point during negotiations. Sellers can defend their asking price with data, and buyers can trust the due diligence done by a third party.
Tax and Estate Planning: A precise valuation can assist in tax planning and minimizing potential capital gains tax implications upon selling. Moreover, for estate planning purposes, understanding the value of the business is crucial. Understanding the value of the business can also be crucial for insurance purposes. If a business is underinsured, it may not receive adequate compensation in case of a loss.
Legal Protection: In some cases, there may be disputes or challenges regarding the sale price of a business. A professional valuation can act as a defense, demonstrating that the price was set based on rigorous analysis.

In essence, employing a valuation firm before planning an exit ensures that business owners are making informed decisions, maximizing their returns, and facilitating a smoother sale process.

See an exclusive screening of "M&A" for Free

You are personally invited to an EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED ENGAGEMENT movie, ‘M&A’. This documentary will provide an in-depth look at the state of mergers and acquisitions to help inform business owners of key considerations to keep in mind when planning to sell a business.

REGISTER FOR MAWTC NOW

Learn to Successfully Exit Your Company

or Increase Your Wealth Through Acquisition

Thursday, May 23 9a-6p

MAWTC Denver, The Westin Downtown

RSVP for our Denver Conference & Register for Your Breakout Sessions