Where to Go When Your Bank Says "No!"

Wednesday, February 17, 2010:: 7:30am - 9:00am

Insight on the Current Status of the Subordinated Debt Markets

A panel discussion featuring David Gezon, Midwest Mezzanine, Ronald Kahn, Lincoln International and Shawn Ely, South Franklin Street Partners.

What you will learn:

* What are subordinated debt lenders looking for?
* What are the leverage metrics under which the markets are operating?
* What are senior lenders expecting from subordinated lenders in a transaction?

Who should attend this meeting:

* Companies looking to Borrow, Expand, Acquire or Grow
* Those looking to Invest or Lend or Advise Clients who are.

About our Panel:

DAVID GEZON, Senior Managing Director, Midwest Mezzanine Funds

Mr. Gezon is the founder of Midwest Mezzanine Funds ("Midwest"), a 17 year old mezzanine firm that is currently investing its 4th fund with $210 million of capital commitments. Midwest invests $5-$15 million of subordinated debt and non-control equity in lower middle market companies with enterprise values generally less than $50 million. Since its inception in 1992, Midwest has invested in 75 companies made up of manufacturers, distributors and service businesses.

RONALD A. KAHN, Managing Director, Lincoln International LLC

Mr. Kahn heads the firm’s Debt Advisory Group. For over 15 years, Mr. Kahn has been actively involved in assisting both corporate clients and financial buyers raise capital for acquisitions, growth and recapitalizations. Because of his expertise in the placement of subordinated debt, for the past ten years Mr. Kahn has been chairing the Atlantic Conferences’ "Symposium on Mezzanine Finance" a national conference on mezzanine capital which has been recognized as the leading forum for providers of junior capital in the United States. In addition, he has authored numerous articles on mezzanine finance and is a frequent speaker on raising debt and equity capital. Prior to joining Lincoln International, Mr. Kahn held similar positions with Duff & Phelps and Mesirow Financial.

SHAWN ELY, Managing Director, South Franklin Street Partners

Mr. Ely has over 20 years of diverse and practical business experience, including private equity, investment banking and turnaround & restructuring experience, coupled with true hands-on operating experience in both an entrepreneurial and a large corporate setting. He joined South Franklin Street Partners ("SFSP") in 2007 as a Managing Director. His broad focus at SFSP includes new deal sourcing, as well as transaction processing and post-closing management of portfolio investments. On the administrative side, he also manages the firm’s relationship with its LP base and is currently leading SFSP’s fundraising efforts for its second fund. He sits on several boards of SFSP portfolio companies.

More about our panel

When:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
7:30 to 8:00 a.m. - Registration & Networking
8:00 to 9:00 a.m. - Presentation

 
Where: 
Kent Country Club
1600 College Avenue Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5098
(616) 363-6112

Registration Fee:
Members: $20
Non-members: $40 
 
RSVP By:
Monday, February 15, 2010

Where to Go When Your Bank Says "No!" - February 17, 2010

Insight on the Current Status of the Subordinated Debt Markets
A panel discussion featuring David Gezon, Midwest Mezzanine, Ronald Kahn, Lincoln International and Shawn Ely, South Franklin Street Partners. Attendees learned: What are subordinated debt lenders looking for? What are the leverage metrics under which the markets are operating? What are senior lenders expecting from subordinated lenders in a transaction?

Valuing Strategies for Startup Enterprises - January 20, 2009

The valuation of a early stage startup company before revenue generation is always a challenge for entrepreneurs and investors alike. This process is critical in determining how much ownership in the company the owners and equity investors will enjoy.

Private Equity Panel - September 16, 2009

ACG has assembled an esteemed panel of private equity experts to discuss recent developments and projected trends in the world of professional capital. The panel will include Craig Collister, partner of RoundTable Healthcare Partners, an operating-oriented private equity firm focused on the healthcare industry, and Michael Foster, a managing director of Midwest Mezzanine Funds, an active mezzanine financier of middle market buyouts. The panel will be moderated by Tracy Larsen, the managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg's Grand Rapids office and a seasoned merger and acquisition lawyer.

Venture Capital Panel: Sourcing Capital for Early Stage Companies - June 17, 2009

Technology Transfer: From Research Labs to Private Sector Companies - April 22, 2009
A panel presentation from the area’s leading technology transfer experts to learn about the technology transfer process, technology being developed right here in our backyard and learn how your company can get plugged into West Michigan’s pipeline of innovation.

Moderator:
Jerry Callahan, Ph.D., MBA, Business Development at Van Andel Institute

Panel:
Brent Mulder, Ph.D., MBA, Director of Technology Transfer at Van Andel Institute
Dave Brenner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Innovation Park at Notre Dame
Michael Sharer, Ph.D., MBA, Director of Technology Transfer at Western Michigan University
Michael Harris, Executive Director, Enterprise Center of Calvin College

Innovation Success Story: Shawn Eshragh of Concept Industries - February 18, 2009
Choosing Green: Are We Cashing In Our Legacyω
Breaking our dependency on oil is critical to America's economic stability, national security and environmental health. But, it's easier said than done. Or is itω Grand Rapids-based Concept Industries is an innovative player among a growing global manufacturing movement that's leveraging green technology in its processes and products. Join us at our February 18, 2009 breakfast meeting to hear Concept Industries President, Shawn Eshragh, talk about what it takes for manufacturers to go green, the short- and long-term economic incentives to do so as well as learn about new and exciting green manufacturing inovations happening right here in our region.
To view the presentation, please click here.

Innovation and Intrapreneuring: Unleashing the Potential of Your Company's Internal Entrepreneurs - January 21, 2009

To view the presentation, please click here.

The Western Michigan Chapter of ACG hosts regular breakfast meetings on growth-related topics throughout the year.

WMSTI: Innovation and Intrapreneuring
January 21, 2009

Innovation Success Story: Concept Industries
February 18, 2009

Technology Transfer: From Research Labs to Private Sector Companies
April 22, 2009

Innovation Success Story: Earthtronics
May 20, 2009

Venture Capital Panel: Sourcing Capital for Early Stage Companies
June 17, 2009

Private Equity Panel
September 16, 2009

Non Member Attendance Policy:
Non-members are welcome to attend two meetings a year as guests, at the non-member rate of $35. If non-members are interested in joining ACG Western Michigan to gain access to all our meetings, please click here or call our office at 616-732-7149 for membership information.

Reservation/Payment Policy:
Payment is required to confirm your reservation. If you would like to pay by credit card, please click the register button below. If you would like to pay with a check, please click the register button below but please note we must receive your payment no later than the Monday prior to the breakfast meeting. Please make checks payable to ACG Western Michigan and please include your reservation number. Mail to P.O. Box 6661, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6661.

Cancellation Policy: 24 hours prior. "No Shows" will be billed.