We have assembled a panel with experience in our sector and SME’s to give their objective view of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). We will be exploring how consolidation pressures are manifesting themselves and what outputs and opportunities does this present for those with an appetite to thrive and grow?

We are all aware of the headwinds affecting our economic uncertainty associated with the fallout from Covid19 which will likely be with us for a while. But, with transformational deals and an increased awareness of the value in the marketing, M&A activity could be seen as an opportunity. 

Questions that we will be exploring are: 

• How do Banks view restructuring and bolt on acquisitions?
• Has Private Equity opened up opportunities to fund deals in a more creative way?
• How to maximise the process of acquisition and gain support – looking at how niche businesses could be an opportunity to transform your business model?
• Has the M&A process changed for an SME owner whether a buyer or seller? 
• How can financial institutions look to manage this more effectively with headwind pressures?

Our Speakers 

Emma Jones, Corporate Finance Specialist, BTG Advisory

Emma has extensive experience in advising clients on acquisitions, disposals and equity fundraising, across a broad range of industries and deal sizes. A qualified chartered accountant, she has specialised in corporate finance since 2000 and joined the firm in 2006. She has a particular specialism in disposals of owner managed business, carefully guiding the owners through the sales process.

https://www.begbies-traynorgroup.com/our-people/emma-jones

Will Arnold, Partner, Sentio Corporate Finance

Will joined Sentio Corporate Finance in June 2012 where he continues to work as a partner at the firm. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1998 whilst working at Arthur Andersen in Leeds. Furthering his career, he moved to the corporate finance team at PwC, before joining the team at what is now BTG Corporate Finance, as well as moving to work at Ernst and Young. 

Graeme Lipman, Director, Begbies Traynor

Graeme initially joined Begbies Traynor 10 years ago before moving on to a mid-sized firm and then two smaller independents. He re-joined Begbies in May 2017, he is now responsible for the development of the southern region for both insolvency and corporate finance. Graeme deals with all aspects of insolvency and finance, with particular emphasis on the printing and publishing, motor and construction sectors.

https://www.begbies-traynorgroup.com/our-people/graeme-lipman

John Mort, Director, BTG Advisory

John works as a Director at BTG advisory, looking after Corporate Solutions. Before joining he had experience at MBCF Ltd and Time Finance. John has experience in asset based lending, corporate, M&A, Assets and loans for business growth. 

Alex Tuya, CEO, Page Bros

Alex developed an increasing interest in Entrepreneurship through Acquisition and Search Funds whilst supporting various Spanish companies established in the UK. In the beginning of 2018, he and his partner Patrick set up Blue Knot Partners, intending to acquire a UK SME to drive long-term growth with a focus on digital transformation and international expansion. Alex holds degrees in Telecommunications Engineering and Business Management, and earned his MBA at London Business School with academic distinction. Blue Knot Partners : Venture Capital & Private Equity are a team of entrepreneurs, executives and investors, investing their own money alongside investors with a focus on nurturing values and core strengths of the business, while developing its potential through business expansion, financial efficiency and digital transformation.

Mark Nelson, Director, Compass Business Finance

Mark and Jamie Nelson established Compass Business Finance 15 years ago as an independent finance company with an innovative and relational approach to the market. Specialising in specific industry sectors, Mark has an in depth understanding of the print industry, supporting everything from investments, capital release and term loans to mergers and acquisitions, new ventures and relocations. Compass are uniquely placed in the market and have supported numerous mergers and acquisitions within print.