Panelists:
Frank (Bo) Wood, Secret Communications
Pat Harlow, Contech
Dave Williams, Chemed Corporation
Moderator:
Jack Wyant, Blue Chip Venture Company
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Frank (Bo) Wood received
the 2006 Deal Maker Lifetime Achievement Award. As his nomination states,
"Bo is a dreamer - a big dreamer." He is able to spot an "out-there" idea
and visualize how it can be "mainstreamed". In 1967, with just a $5,000
investment, Bo bought WEBN and in 1999 when he divested Secret
Communications of the last 15 radio stations (from a high of 22 radio
stations), more than $550M went to pay debt and investors. The
WEBN Labor Day weekend fireworks are well known throughout the U.S. as a
major fesitval attraction. Secret Communications at one time owned
stations in nine major markets. Bo co-founded The Darwin Group, a
venture capital firm specializing in second-stage technology
investments, in 1998. He serves as Chairman of the Board of 8e6
Technologies, a developer of internet filtering software, Healthy Advice
Networks, a place-based media company with a presence in physicians'
offices, and Sub Rosa Communications, publisher of Tracks
magazine. He is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Chicago
Law School. He is currently is a board member of Chemed, Marketron
(maker of radio and television traffic systems) and Rewards Network,
Inc.
Pat Harlow with Contech Construction
Products will represent one of our Corporate Deal Maker award
recipients. Contech is an industry leader and the only nationwide
manufacturer in the emerging and
expanding stormwater, bridge, drainage and
earth stablization markets. In business for more than 100 years and
a spin-off of AK Steel in 1987, Contech was acquired by Butler Capital
Corporation in 1997. Contech acquired four companies prior to 2004
and recent M&A transactions include Apax Partners, L.P., Armortec,
Stormwater Management, BridgeTek, Con/Span Bridge Systems, Vortechnics,
and Central Supply. The total enterprise value is approximately $1
billion.
Dave Williams, CFO with Chemed
Corporation will be on hand to answer questions and speak about
the corporation that operates VITAS Healthcare Corporation (VITAS), the
nation's largest provider of end-of-life care, and Roto-Rooter, the
nation's largest commercial and residential plumbing and drain cleaning
services provider. In early 2004, the company completed a merger of its
wholly owned indirect subsidiary, Marlin Merger Corp. and Vitas Healthcare
Corporation. The transaction, including the refinancing of existing
Vitas debt and other payments made in connection 
with the merger, totaled approximately $415
million in cash. During 2004, the company conducted its business
operations in three segments: Vitas Group, Roto-Rooter Group and Service
America Network. In late 2004, the board of directors authorized the
discontinuance of the operations of the company's Service America segment
through an asset sale to employees of Service America. The
transaction was completed in the first half of 2005.Panelists will spend time explaining their principal product or service, and what factors drive their industry. Discussions will take place on organic growth versus growth through mergers and acquisitions and what value drivers are considered by the panelists in determining a viable balance between the two. Learn which panelists have been pro active in pursuing acquisitions and from the time an acquisition target has been identified, their pre-closing game plans.
Have these individuals walked away from a deal and what caused them to do so? Most importantly, if these panelists were to start over, growing their companies, what would they do differently and why? These questions amongst others and an open forum from the audience will be featured at the February luncheon.
Professionals involved in all aspects of corporate growth, including chief executive officers, chief financial officers, investment bankers, investors, lawyers, bankers, accountants and deal makers of all types should plan to attend this informative session.
The luncheon is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. To register for the February 14th luncheon, click here or call (866) 500-ACGC.
The sponsor for this luncheon is First Financial Bank. At First Financial, they blend a rich heritage with a promising future.
With a tradition of service that dates back to 1863 First Financial Bank has the eighth oldest national bank charter. They are rich in tradition, and continue to build on this tradition while also innovating and building upon their successes.
They have combined the resources and expertise of a mega-bank with the care and perspective of a neighborhood community bank. They make their decisions locally so they can provide clients with the appropriate guidance and solutions to achieve their financial goals.
Service areas include loans and lines of credit, CRE, and Treasury Department Services. First Financial Bank has as Wealth Resource Group that includes First Financial Capital Advisors LLC.
