Trends in Mergers and Acquisitions and Internal Ownership Transition Planning
Although 2016 and 2017 saw a softer M&A market than the buoyant 2015, there is still continued interest (both buy- side and sell-side) as well as ESOP buyouts, and we are seeing more firms renewing their focus on internal ownership transition options to support their leadership development and transition needs. Join this session as we share insights on the impact that these activities have on valuation and growth strategies. The discussion will include updates on deal activity, successes and misses from 2016 and 2017, and how other firms are planning their ownership and M&A growth. We will also discuss how firms are building up their capital base to support growth while preparing for a potential cyclical downturn.
About the Speaker:
David Cohen, Esq., ASA
Managing Partner, Matheson Financial Advisors
David brings over a decade of experience in consulting clients on ownership transition, business valuation, financial management, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to becoming a principal at Matheson Financial Advisors, he was managing principal of Exit Strategy Management, a consulting firm he founded to provide financial advisory services to the design industry. David assumed the position of principal at Matheson Financial Advisors in 2006 when Exit Strategy Management and Matheson Financial Advisors merged.
David has completed appraisal assignments for purposes of mergers and acquisitions, internal ownership transition and succession planning, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), and various litigation support engagements. He has assisted clients with all facets of ownership transition planning including analyzing the financial makeup of the company, designing stock valuation formulae, testing the financial feasibility of various stock transition options, and making recommendations for the shareholder’s agreement. He has also advised clients through the mergers and acquisitions process-helping them identify potential buyers or sellers, conducting due diligence, negotiating, structuring and closing the deal, and integrating the firms.
As an expert in financial advisory services, David conducts seminars on the topics of financial management, valuation, and ownership transition planning for the design industry, as well as leading in-house educational presentations for firms nationwide and speaking at ACEC and AIA National and State conferences and seminars. Prior to founding Exit Strategy Management, David was a shareholder with another industry consulting firm, where he headed up the ownership transition planning unit within the Financial Advisory Services group. He also holds a Law Degree and has practiced law in the areas of class action litigation, commercial proceedings, and civil actions.
