CFA's Summer Conference – A Focus on Private Equity and Cross-Border Transactions

Corporate Finance Associates wrapped up their 2011 Summer Conference in Chicago in mid-August. The conference was attended by Dealmakers from across North America and India and focused on private equity and cross-border transactions.

A highlight of the Summer Conference was a panel of private equity experts discussing the state of the middle-market M&A industry and the impact of recent economic uncertainty on deal flow and deal volume. Panelists included Gretchen Perkins of Huron Capital Partners, Michael Jordan of Bayside Capital, Jeff Walters of LaSalle Capital Group and Maneesh Chawla of Prospect Partners.

Each panelist added their unique perspective on an extremely competitive private equity market. Gretchen Perkins, when asked about current valuation multiples, commented "In the current environment, we are seeing strong valuations for strong companies, and don't see that changing anytime soon." Jeff Walters of LaSalle Capital Group added, "There's an abundance of equity, mezzanine and senior debt capital available for top performing companies. It's a good time to be selling a well performing business."

On the topics of deal financings and transaction closings, Mr. Jordan of Bayside Capital commented, "With Bayside Capital's ability to invest throughout the capital structure, we are finding tremendous opportunities to deploy debt capital for recapitalizations, acquisitions, growth, buyouts, and refinancings. We are actively looking to commit additional capital in situations that fall outside the parameters of traditional lending institutions, adding value in the form of creative financing solutions, speed to close and an appetite for challenging situations." Maneesh Chawla of Prospect Partners added, "In our experience, deals continue to flow to those sponsors that are able to close a transaction. Leverage remains available in this market if needed, especially to well-capitalized private equity firms with strong track records and longstanding lender relationships."

At the close of the conference, Corporate Finance Associates announced that the upcoming Winter Conference 2012 would be held on January 25th and 26th in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

About Corporate Finance Associates
Corporate Finance Associates is a major investment banking services firm with over twenty offices in North America, three in India and 14 partner offices in Europe and Latin America providing middle-market companies with a wide range of financial advisory services and access to capital resources. From project inception to completion, a senior principal guides clients through every challenge, advocates on their behalf, and leverages CFA's experience and extensive resources. More information is available via the internet at www.corporatefinanceassociates.com.