Mergermarket Corporate Development Forum - Europe 2022
The Mergermarket Corporate Development Forum - Europe returns in-person to London!
The Biltmore Mayfair, London
Agenda
Registration and Breakfast
Keynote Presentation: Building A More Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Workplace in 2022
Has the pandemic hindered progress made in recent years? There are many crucial moments in dealmaking and quite often diversity and inclusion of different backgrounds/cultures has been viewed as the intangible element left to address in the post-integration phase.
- How has COVID-19 impacted the industry’s progress towards inclusion and diversity?
- How can you adapt global strategies to be sensitive to local needs while keeping core company values?
- What ‘culture’ moments really matter in a deal and how can you make sure you embed these into your value creation plan at the pre-deal phase?
- Where are we losing people in our D&I efforts and what are the hard questions we should be addressing in the corporate world?
Panel: Deal leaders panel – Has European M&A reached new heights?
This panel will evaluate where we are in the cycle to inform future impact on deal flow and value drivers for M&A in the current uncertain global economy but specifically the skittish European market.
- Where are we in the cycle? Is now the right time to sell – what can we expect from the current inflation environment?
- Will the ambitions of the Net zero drive in M&A bring dealmaking to new heights?
- What are the new M&A defence strategies companies are using to stay afloat?
- Which key value drivers are dealmakers paying particular attention to? How do deal teams evaluate value successfully?
- Which sectors are ripe for consolidation?
- What is the outlook for international linked M&A?
Networking coffee break
The long view of M&A – private equity vs. corporate acquirors
If youare a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch -or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond. If youare a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch -or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond. If youare a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch -or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond. If youare a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch -or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond. 10:50The long view of M&A –private equity vs. corporate acquirorsIf youare a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch -or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond.Philip Whitchelo, Board Advisor, Sterling Technology11:20 Panel: Positive thinking around ESG If you are a corporate acquiror in 2022 then private equity is coming to eat your lunch - or to eat you. With M&A multiples at 30-year highs find out how competition between private equity and strategic acquirors for deals is driving a valuation frenzy, how private equity is gatecrashing strategic acquirors' growth plans, and what corporate acquirors can do to respond.
Panel: Positive thinking around ESG
2022 – The world has dramatically changed, ESG is on everyone’s agenda and now is becoming a money-making strategy instead of another checkbox.
- Are net-zero emissions on the agenda finally?
- Will the new EU regulations prompt the UK government to adjust their own regulations?
- How have changing consumer priorities and motivations created market opportunities?
- How are sustainability strategies affecting M&A decisions?
- What is best practice for sustainability considerations versus growth strategies are two becoming one?
- What are the business risks associated with neglecting an ESG strategy?
- How can firms mitigate business and reputational risks?
- How can firms turn a vulnerability into an opportunity?
Networking lunch break
Panel: Supremely confident activists in Europe – no one is immune
Britain remains the most attractive country for activists. Brexit, the pandemic and supply chain disruptions have put made many firms targets with growing focus on environmental, social and corporate governance causing concern.
- Can we expect these recent developments to emerge across Europe and will we see more international activists pick up targets?
- Looking at the increasing significance of ESG Activism, will firms broaden their commitments to climate solutions for their clients – how will this be implemented?
- What sectors are high on an activists hit list?
- Which other European countries are ripe for an activist’s pick?
Panel: Incorporating innovation and new technologies into the M&A processes
Big data, analytics and AI have the potential to transform the effectiveness of corporate development teams, but are yet to reach their full potential particularly in M&A.
This panel will examine where experts think the biggest innovations in the industry are and what new technologies are available to aid the M&A process more smoothly.
- How are companies using new technologies to shape M&A deals – is it just used in the due diligence phase?
- What are the best ways to determine the value added and how do you monetise these technologies?
- Bloc-chain in action
- Understanding the changing roles of the workforce because of new technology and what do you need to plan for?
- Identify cyber-risks in business and the new developments for resilience
- How can firms access financing via new technology such as enabler platforms and easier connectivity?
Fireside chat: A day in the life of Head of M&A
A head of M&A will give an insight into his day, discussing issues such as deal origination and due diligence, active portfolio management and the challenges of managing simultaneous acquisitions and divestments, the team and how it fits into the corporate setting as well as sharing deal specific insights. The speaker will also highlight the importance of retaining critical talent and ensuring the best individuals are in the leadership roles as well as discussing the current competitive market for hiring talent.
Conference end and networking drinks
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Ryan Terpstra is the Chief Product Officer of ION Analytics and the former Chief Technology Officer of Acuris. Prior to that, he was the Founder & CEO of Selerity, an AI-powered contextual search and analytics company, until its successful sale to Dealogic, an ION Analytics company. Before Selerity, Terpstra held several senior roles at Thomson Reuters, including Director of Quantitative News and Senior Strategist in the Corporate Strategy group. Terpstra also worked for the World Economic Forum in the Center for Global Industries, where he worked on projects for the Forum's financial services and alternative investment members. He was recognized as a New York Power 30 Under 30 and holds a B.A. in Finance & Entrepreneurship, graduating with honors from Miami University (Ohio).
Heading Mergermarket and Dealreporter editorial output across EMEA, leading a team of more than 50 reporters across both products.
Tristan Nagler joined Aurelius in January 2014 to lead the London office and is responsible for sourcing and executing investments across the UK and Ireland. He began his career with KPMG, where he became a director in the London-based M&A team, and in 2010 joined Investec Growth & Acquisition Finance.
Louise Wallace is Head of the International CMS Corporate group, leading the team of over 1000 corporate lawyers globally, corporate lead for the Consumer Products sector and also has a very active Hotels & Leisure practice, being recognised as Band 1 for Hotel and Leisure M&A.
Louise was appointed as CMS Head of Corporate in January 2021 and she specialises in acting on some of the largest multi jurisdiction transactions and advisory work across the globe and is recognised in Chambers for M&A. Most of her transactions have an international element, including recent transactions for, and advice to, for Invesco, Logistics Capital Partners and Associated British Foods as well as for long standing client including Advance Publications, Conde Nast, Lone Star, Patron Capital, DTGO and Nestle.
- 24 years of Corporate Finance experience
- Joined BNP Paribas in 2016
- Previously Managing Director at Greenhill & Co and CEO of Greenhill & Co Sweden AB
- Started in investment banking in 1997 at Enskilda Securities
- Based in New York at Blackstone’s office between 1999-2001 focusing on US-Nordic cross-border deals
- Master of Science and Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics including studies in Finance at HEC outside Paris
Heading Mergermarket and Dealreporter editorial output across EMEA, leading a team of more than 50 reporters across both products.
Philip is chief strategy & marketing officer at Sterling Technology, a premium provider of virtual data room solutions for M&A, capital markets, and real estate. He has more than 30 years' experience working in strategy, M&A, corporate development, and corporate finance leadership roles in management consulting, investment banking, public companies, and private equity backed firms. Philip is a non-executive adviser to startups, investment management and private equity firms. He has served as an honorary visiting fellow in finance, and as a member of the advisory board of the M&A Research Centre, at Cass Business School. He is a co-author of over a dozen published M&A research studies and papers, as well as a co-inventor and patent holder for computerised, networked secure collaboration technology. Philip graduated from the University of London with Masters degrees in computer science and finance.
Laura Houët is a partner in CMS’ Financial Services and Products team and CMS’ Co-Head of ESG. Laura has over 14 years’ experience advising the asset management industry. She is a regulated funds specialist with particular expertise on the product side across all types of asset class.
Laura is a sustainability expert advising a wide range of international fund houses on sustainable investment strategies, on the implementation of sustainability related regulation and reporting, including SFDR, TCFD and the EU Taxonomy, and on strategic governance and internal preparation for climate transition. Her practice in this area spans the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.
Laura also sits on the CMS sustainability board committee and the FMLC ESG scoping forum. She is a frequently invited speaker on sustainable investment issues.
Laura is a sustainability expert advising a wide range of international fund houses on sustainable investment strategies, on the implementation of sustainability related regulation and reporting, including SFDR, TCFD and the EU Taxonomy, and on strategic governance and internal preparation for climate transition.
Niall is a senior deal lead in Shell’s global M&A team, currently responsible for renewables M&A in the Americas and oil refinery divestments in Europe.
A chemical engineer by education, his 25 year career in the energy sector has spanned oil refinery and chemical plant operations, fuel supply chain optimisation, biofuels, corporate strategy and consultancy, and M&A across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Prior to his current role he led the design of Shell’s new group-wide M&A organisation. He is passionate about leading change, developing people and building high-performing organisations and is fascinated by diverse cultures.
Jacob Siebert advises strategic investors and private equity funds on M&A transactions, joint ventures and private equity investments, mostly in a cross-border context. He is particular experienced advising on buy-outs and public takeovers. With special life sciences, automotive and consumer goods sector expertise, Jacob also assists his clients on an ongoing basis in all aspects of corporate law.
Jacob joined the CMS Stuttgart office in 2003. In 2009/2010, he was seconded to investment funds in London for six months. At the end of 2010, Jacob joined the firm’s Hamburg office and was made partner in 2012.
Advises Boards and senior leadership of European clients with respect to preparing for, and responding to, shareholder engagement and communication, shareholder activism, unsolicited approaches and other related matters.
Eric Sibbern, 1979, has over fifteen years of experience as a specialist for corporate and capital market law.
Prior to joining VERAISON Capital he worked at Homburger AG in Zurich and at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York. In this role, he was responsible for a broad range of strategic transactions of private and listed companies. He advised boards of directors and senior management on corporate policy and strategy in both growth and restructuring situations with emphasis on corporate finance, regulatory, corporate governance as well as M&A matters. Most recently he worked as a director in the Corporate Development team at Credit Suisse and helped to implement the bank’s new strategy around the world.
Eric holds a master degree in law from the University of Zurich and Geneva. Further he attended the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA) and holds a master degree in Banking and Finance. Eric is admitted to the bar as attorney at law. He is father of three children.
Cas has more than 25 years’ experience in international investor relations and shareholder identification and has been with Georgeson since 1998. As responsible for Georgeson’s Global activism and M&A practice, he has been involved in the highest profile M&A and activist situations.
Cas has a longstanding knowledge of Global proxy voting mechanics and key governance matters affecting issuers and shareholders globally. Having worked for several activists and against many more he has in-depth experience in how activists run their campaigns and the different stakeholders they look to influence in sensitive activist campaigns.
Prior to joining Georgeson he had five years’ experience in international investor relations and shareholder identification. While honing his skills in the US, Cas has been in the UK since 2002.
Since 2010, David has led more than a 2,500 shareholder communication mandates across the EMEA region including listed companies such in his career and more than one trillion dollars worth of deal value. Previously, David worked for John Mayo, CBE, in a series of vehicles including Beehive Capital (finance), Efficient Capital Structures (shareholder activism) and Salisbury Associates (shareholder communications). He was European Co-Head at Georgeson. David was an investment banker from 1992 to 2005 at Deutsche Bank and Société Générale with a specialization in M&A debt financing in the O&G sector. David holds a Master’s Degree from Columbia University (School of International & Public Affairs), completed the foreign degree with honors from l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College. He is professionally qualified with the Certificate in Corporate Finance from the CISI, is FSA-approved and holds a Series-7 brokerage license. He is a member of France’s CLIFF, including its Corporate Governance Board, the UK IR Society, Germany’s DIRK and the ICGN. He speaks regularly on Corporate Governance and Shareholder Engagement internationally. David is a recognized expert is several shareholder engagement subjects including: M&A, corporate governance and shareholder activism.
Head of Virtual Data Room sales and Client Managers in Norway with extendened sales teams in Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Admincontrol is the leading Virtual Data Room provider in Norway and with a fast growing market share in other Nordic countries, the Netherlands and the UK.
Admincontrol is a Visma company.
Sector lead for Telecoms, Media and Technology coverage in EMEA
Based in Paris, Emilio Zito is EDF Group Head of M&A, Investments and EDF Invest. He is also in charge of Investor Relations.
Emilio joined EDF in 2008 and since he originated, led and executed a wide range of greenfield and brownfield transactions across the energy chain and related infrastructure. He has also been holding Boards positions within several subsidiaries of the Group, mainly in the Renewables business.
Emilio started his career as an investment banker in London, covering natural resources, energy and power sectors. He joined EDF in 2008 as an M&A and Investment Manager and relocated to London in 2011 to take on the M&A and Investment responsibility of EDF Energy, the largest subsidiary of the Group. Between 2018 and 2020 he also held the position of Deputy Head of M&A for EDF Group, before being appointed EDF Group Head of M&A and Investor Relations. On March 1st, 2023, Emilio had his responsibilities widened to include the Group’s principal investments activity and EDF Invest.
Originally from Milan, Emilio holds a double MSc in General Management from Milan Bocconi University and HEC Paris. He also graduated from the University of California San Diego with a major in Corporate Finance.
Emilio is an Italian native speaker, and speaks fluent English and French.