The 17th Annual Southeastern M&A/Private Equity Forum

This year’s Forum opens with our annual examination of key trends and updates in the M&A/Private Equity market. In an exploration of 2020’s turbulent dimensions and impact on current transactions, our distinguished faculty will note specific wins and losses in Southeastern deals, and address what dealmakers can expect in the year to come.

Moderator:
Erik Belenky, Partner, King & Spalding LLP

Panelists:

Steve Brady, Partner, CPA, Market Leader, Transaction Advisory, Withum
Chrystelle Chevalier-Gagnon, Partner, McCarthy Tetrault LLP
David C. Clifton, VP, M&A and Integration, Intercontinental Exchange
David French, M&A Reporter, Energy & Financial Services, Reuters
Amanda Norcross, Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Due diligence is an essential process to every good deal, but in our current environment, the stakes for conducting a solid process are more crucial than ever. The pandemic’s effects are likely to extend to such areas as vendors and supply chains, personnel, PPP loan liabilities, representations and warranties, or key considerations encircling profitability.  This session will offer invaluable insight around areas where the pandemic’s impact should be specifically considered when delving into due diligence.

Moderator:
Shiriki Cavitt Jones, President-Elect, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys; Commercial Transactions Attorney, Coyote Logistics, LLC – a UPS Company

Panelists:
Andrew Belisle, Senior Vice President, McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc.
Andrea Farley, Partner, Troutman Pepper
Elliott Holland, Managing Director, Guardian Due Diligence
Jonathan Lanken, Executive Director of M&A, Cox Communications

Debt is a deal staple for many corporate buyers.  Yet, as the world thaws from a pandemic winter, what should dealmakers anticipate as the credit market responds to new rivers of M&A opportunity, coupled with the still melting glaciers of risk?  As we consider the current market–whether “senior,” “sub” or “mezz”–our panel will review crucial credit considerations for dealmakers and offer guidance on market sentiment in our post-pandemic environment.

Moderator:
Hazen Dempster, Partner, Troutman Pepper

Panelists:
Nancy Halwig, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, Atlanta Middle Market, BBVA USA Now a Part of PNC
Peter Panos, Managing Director, Group Head of Energy & Southwest Corporate Banking, Citizens Bank
Joe Rodgers, Managing Director, Source Capital LLC
Spalding White, Managing Partner, Route 2 Capital Partners

In the past year, Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have garnered significant interest and are increasingly viewed as a key player in the M&A stage. Given the economic stability of 2020, SPACs offer an attractive path of exit for companies, thus making 2021 an opportune time for acquisition. As such, what do dealmakers need to know before turning their attention to SPACs? This session will explore the sectors most likely to see a continued rise in SPACs and the advantages and disadvantages contained therein.

Moderator:
Keith M. Townsend, Partner, Corporate, Finance and Investments, King and Spalding LLP

Panelists:
Dr. Klaas Baks, Professor of Finance, Executive Director of the Emory Center for Alternative Investments, Emory University
Emily Maier, Partner, Senior Vice President, National Group Leader M&A Insurance, Woodruff Sawyer
Dr. David Panton, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Navigation Capital Partners

Deal disputes can arise for any reason. And in an era of seismic economic shifts, the fertile deals ground is ripe for distress. Whether as a result of financial risk, deal pricing, or operational concerns, savvy dealmakers should keep abreast of all applicable solutions at their disposal.  Our expert faculty will explore potential trouble spots, including working capital issues, tax covenants, disputes under representations and warranties insurance, and more for today’s revitalizing albeit cautious deals environment.

Moderator:
Matthew Grosnack, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP

Panelists:
Don Bravaldo, President, Bravaldo Capital Advisors
Leann Collins, Partner, Southeast M&A Tax Services Leader, RSM US LLP

Please join us on the rooftop patio at the offices of Nelson Mullins for drinks and canapes as we celebrate the return of our in-person event.