Mergermarket M&A Forum Nordics 2023

The must-attend event for the Nordic M&A community!

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm

08.15 - 09.10
CEST

Coffee and networking

08.30 - 09.10
CEST

Transactional Risk Breakfast Briefing - Structuring an optimal sell-side process, due diligence requirements and a market update on the latest trends

M&A processes in the Nordics have in the last 6-8 months tended to include more uncertainty in respect of valuations, available financing, engagement from bidders and overall timing. In this panel conversation Magnus Toftgård from Marsh and Anders Malmström from DLA Piper will discuss how a W&I process can be best structured by the sell-side together with the broker to facilitate the transaction. In addition, they will discuss the most common due diligence- and scoping related issues and corresponding mitigants. Finally, current trends such as the growth in multiple policies per deals, ESG and North American inbound deals.

hosted by Marsh

09.25 - 09.45
CEST

Keynote: Navigating the nordics business through a volatile global macroeconomic environment

The keynote will provide a view on the global and Nordic economies, exploring the risk implications of rising interest rates and market volatility. We will also discuss how the macro environment has affected capital markers, the risks and opportunities banks will need to navigate and how investors and advisors can position accordingly.

09.45 - 10.30
CEST

Panel: Global M&A outlook

This session will feature discussion with acquirers that have hit the headlines in the past year including how lower deal valuations have impacted deal origination and are today’s valuations sustainable in a new inflation and interest environment? 

  • Where are we in the cycle currently? Is it still a sellers’ market or we seeing signs that a shift is underway to a buyers’ world?
  • How are corporates and funds going about identifying possible M&A targets and what tools do they use? 
  • How has the environment for financing deals changed in the past few years and what steps are corporates/advisors taking into account to address these developments?
  • What are some successful strategies buysiders can pursue to win auctions or close deals?
10.30 - 11.15
CEST

Panel: ESG transforming the M&A and Private Equity industries?

In this session, our experts will discuss why ESG has become such a prominent part of the investment agenda in recent years and impact of ESG on M&A practices, ESG reporting and disclosure, and ESG as a source of deals. 

  • What are some of the hottest topics and themes that we are seeing within ESG right now?
  • Where does ESG show up in the dealmaking process? How is the emphasis on ESG in the due diligence and/or origination process.
  • Where is all the pressure to invest in ESG coming from and to what extent is ESG transforming the investments in M&A and PE?
  • What can we expect from the added pressure indicated by regulators?
  • What are some examples of ESG-compliant assets that corporates are acquiring?
11.15 - 11.45
CEST

Break and networking

11.45 - 12.30
CEST

Panel: The importance of DEI in M&A Transactions

47% of deals fail to achieve the deal thesis due to people related aspects. Failing to consider Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) aspects in the due diligence process can lead to hampering value creation during the improvement as well as integration progresses if applicable.  

  • Why is it important to include DEI analysis already in the due diligence process? 
  • How do you activate DEI throughout the deal lifecycle?
  • If approaches to DEI cultures are too far apart to bridge – which risks can be foreseen?
  • What is the key impact of current EU Legislation related to DEI?
  • What DEI solutions are available?
  • How to ensure an equal and inclusive workplace culture?
12.30 - 13.00
CEST

Panel: What are the global and Nordic M&A trends?

In this session, partners at the global law firm DLA Piper will guide you through the latest insights from DLA Pipers global M&A report, based on analysis of all private M&A deals undertaken in 2022. Partners will also share their experiences in recent M&A transactions giving insights into the most difficult situations faced and the best practices to overcome common challenges and new hardships. 

  • What are the trends and main drivers shaping the M&A market in 2023? 
  • Current legal developments in Global, European and Nordic M&A?
  • Strategic vs. private equity - who is favoured by the latest M&A trends?
  • What are some of the new trends in M&A transaction agreements?
13.00 - 14.00
CEST

Lunch

14.00 - 14.45
CEST

Panel: Optimism or pessimism – ECM market dissection and outlook for 2023

This session will examine recent listings on stock exchanges across the Nordic region and whether this opens new M&A opportunities for innovative companies. Insight behind the decision-making process and why you should choose an IPO in the current market?

  • Why are people listing on the local Nordic market and the importance of staying local when it comes to listing on capital market
  • What can you expect performance wise on the stock market and pricing?
  • Which IPOs have been successful, and which have been disappointing? 
  • Are carveouts the right solution to the challenging market conditions and what are the current challenges? 
David Lillo
David Lillo Senior Vice President, Private Equity and M&A, Marsh
Johan Flintull
Johan Flintull Co-Head Investment Banking, Sweden & Head of ECM, Carnegie Investment Bank
Per Löfgren
Per Löfgren Head of ECM Nordics, BNP Paribas
Gustav Sandstrom
Gustav Sandstrom Senior News Editor EMEA, Public Markets, MERGERMARKET
14.45 - 15.30
CEST

Panel: GP’s strategies and LP’s expectations - The truths behind a successful portfolio

Our panel of expert GP’s will share their views on navigating the market and keeping up a successful portfolio. Our LPs will discuss a winning strategy for fundraising in an overcrowded market targeting a limited pool of options.

  • What are some successful strategies GPs can pursue in terms of portfolio management in the current challenging environment and does the threat of inflation change your portfolio construction approach?
  • What characteristics are LPs keen to see in GPs when it comes to deploying capital for the next generation of PE funds and how do they differ from past portfolio management tactics?
  • Which asset classes are you putting on hold and why? What are you doubling down on instead?
  • Which risk factors have the most influence on portfolio?
  • What are all the implications for LPs when there is an extension or failure during the fundraising process? 
15.30 - 16.00
CEST

Networking break

16.00 - 16.30
CEST

Fireside Chat: ChatGPT - A Deep Dive into the AI Phenomenon

ChatGPT is the new technology that everyone is talking about. Unveiled in November 2022, the innovative and disruptive technology promises to revolutionize industries across the board. Join us for a discussion on its potential impact to the world of M&A, alternative investments and investment banking. Explore the AI technology’s robust capabilities and benefits, while evaluating real-world examples of its business impact. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a newcomer to chatbot technology, this panel is a must-attend event for those looking to stay ahead of the curve.

16.30 - 17.00
CEST

Fireside chat: Cross-border M&A – strategies and challenges 2023

This panel will highlight how investors should be responding to the geopolitical tensions, more complex regulations and higher risks associated with cross-border deal making globally. The experts will look at both inbound and outbound challenges and opportunities. 

  • Which regions and sectors are dealmakers seeing the most cross-border activity?
  • Are cross-border deals still being made fully virtually or more of a blended method?
  • With political tensions rising across Europe, is now the time to be investing?
  • Can we expect more inbound and outbound Asian deals? 
Norman Rafael
Norman Rafael Chief Corporate Development Officer, MBCC Group
Rasmus Jostrup
Rasmus Jostrup Head of Strategy and M&A, Lesjöfors Group
17.00 - 18.00
CEST

Conference end and networking drinks