“The Anatomy of a Deal” NYC Panel October 7th, 2010
Yesterday’s ACS, CM&E luncheon panel discussion “The Anatomy of a Deal”, hosted by Chris Cerimele of Houlihan Lokey and sponsored by Neil A. Burns LLC, GenNx360 Capital Partners and Houlihan Lokey, was a resounding success. We sold out the venue last week and had to establish a waiting list, such was the appeal of a panel consisting of the following hard hitting practitioners in the world of chemicals M&A:
- Chris Cerimele, Leader of Chemicals Practice, Houlihan Lokey
- Jeff Kolke, Senior Vice President, GE Capital
- Drew Shea, Managing Partner, GenNx360 Capital Partners
- Bill Rowland, Partner, Jones Day
- Ray Newhouse, CFO, Lanxess Corp.
Chris and I conceived of the idea, early in the year, of having a panel of experienced specialists examine a chemicals M&A deal each from their own unique perspective. And so, rather like in a medical thriller, our specialists discussed and debated the patient’s condition, what to do, what not to do, what’s important, what’s a distraction and what, in general, is the prognosis. The I-Banker, Lender, PE Investor, Lawyer and Corporate CFO kept the record crowd of around 80 lunch guests spellbound for 90 minutes as they debated, discussed, argued and even joked a little around the subject matter. What I personally found particularly impressive was, not a single PowerPoint slide was used and the audience remained in rapt attention (Blackberries temporarily forgotten) until Q&A time, when a forest of hands shot up to quiz and challenge the panel. Equally as impressive was the pre-lunch networking reception where chemicals executives and CEO’s mixed with lenders, investors, lawyers, I-Bankers, analysts, insurance providers and consultants.
Of special note was the geographic spread of our panelists and attendees. Four out of five of our panelists flew in from out of town (two from Chicago, one from Pittsburgh and one from Atlanta). Attendees also hailed from as far as Chicago, Atlanta and Houston.
This was one of the monthly luncheons organized by the American Chemical Society’s CM&E (Chemical Marketing and Economics) Group, on whose board I sit. At least a couple of times a year, we have an M&A themed event. This one followed one in March where Tim Wilding of Oppenheimer presented his perspectives on the M&A trends in the Chemical Industry. Like the March event, due to the unscripted nature of the comments from speakers and guests alike, no webcast or printed materials can be provided from yesterday. As I like to say, sometimes “you just gotta be there”.
Like all CM&E events, net proceeds go to support charitable initiatives including the ACS Chemicals scholarship program
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