Independent Fund Directors - Hedge Fund GovernanceBell Rock Group
This guide provides a summary of the attributes to look for when appointing directors to the board of investment funds. It also raises a number of questions to ask when deciding on board composition for a hedge fund. Hedge fund governance should be an area of focus by investors as it is important that those tasked with overseeing the activities of the fund structure are suitably qualified, experienced and add real value to the board of the investment fund.
Startup Mistakes: What to Avoid, and How to SucceedDavid Ehrenberg
Everyone who's been down the startup road has made a mistake or two -- and we don't just mean the sandals-with-socks kind of mistake...
Nope, we're talking real mistakes, some of which can even be fatal. The good news? Many of these same mistakes are also avoidable.
Key topics include:
- Financial forecasting
- IP protection strategy
- Setting appropriate funding objectives
- Issues with resource allocation
- Understanding and monitoring your cash burn
- Getting your best valuation
- Building the essential infrastructure your business needs to scale
- and more...!
Independent Fund Directors - Hedge Fund GovernanceBell Rock Group
This guide provides a summary of the attributes to look for when appointing directors to the board of investment funds. It also raises a number of questions to ask when deciding on board composition for a hedge fund. Hedge fund governance should be an area of focus by investors as it is important that those tasked with overseeing the activities of the fund structure are suitably qualified, experienced and add real value to the board of the investment fund.
Startup Mistakes: What to Avoid, and How to SucceedDavid Ehrenberg
Everyone who's been down the startup road has made a mistake or two -- and we don't just mean the sandals-with-socks kind of mistake...
Nope, we're talking real mistakes, some of which can even be fatal. The good news? Many of these same mistakes are also avoidable.
Key topics include:
- Financial forecasting
- IP protection strategy
- Setting appropriate funding objectives
- Issues with resource allocation
- Understanding and monitoring your cash burn
- Getting your best valuation
- Building the essential infrastructure your business needs to scale
- and more...!
Business Breakups (Series: Common Commercial Conflicts)Financial Poise
As any entrepreneur will attest, starting and operating a business comes with unique challenges. These challenges are a key reason that, by some estimates, half of the companies that are founded today will not exist four years from now. It can be argued that the effort and attention needed to find success precludes business owners from planning for failure. This webinar focuses on the realities of a failing business from the owners’ perspective. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the various considerations that should be given at the outset of start-up negotiations and through business breakup, including dispute negotiation and litigation.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/business-breakups-2019/
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs): Adding Value in Construction & InfrastructureNigel Brindley
Investors in infrastructure project companies are experiencing an unprecedented assault on their value whilst facing the looming and increasingly risky challenges of concession expiries.
Similarly, construction and services SMEs are facing complex challenges of lock-down induced corporate debt, supply chain volatility, post-Brexit labour shortages, the trend to off-site fabrication and, despite expectations of rising construction demand, increasingly unpredictable workload forecasting.
These are creating the most challenging business environments for construction and infrastructure investors for a generation.
The appointment of independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to Project Company and SME boards can help to preserve shareholder value, improve operational oversight and contribute broad experience and perspective to board business. So why is such a cost-effective solution not more widely adopted?
This presentation explores the pros and cons of appointing independent NEDs to infrastructure project companies and SMEs in the construction sector.
02 Mar 10 - Business finance options seminar - the choices simplified
A seminar looking at the building blocks of business finance and helping to unravel the jargon.
Speaker: Mike Stutter
Professional Advisors Alliance; PAA believes that working with firms in a true strategic partnership offers the best model for success. So we work with you on a consultative basic to help you make the right choices for your practices. If you are a CPA or Lawyer, together we can make a difference. For a free, no-obligation Firm Assessment, contact me today.
Acquisition Financing for Fundless Sponsors: 6 ways to negotiate better Indep...Greg Porto
Independent (fundless) sponsors can improve their deal economics (equity ownership or carried interest, transaction fee, annual management fee) by following these 6 guidelines
Business Breakups (Series: Common Commercial Conflicts)Financial Poise
As any entrepreneur will attest, starting and operating a business comes with unique challenges. These challenges are a key reason that, by some estimates, half of the companies that are founded today will not exist four years from now. It can be argued that the effort and attention needed to find success precludes business owners from planning for failure. This webinar focuses on the realities of a failing business from the owners’ perspective. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the various considerations that should be given at the outset of start-up negotiations and through business breakup, including dispute negotiation and litigation.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/business-breakups-2019/
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs): Adding Value in Construction & InfrastructureNigel Brindley
Investors in infrastructure project companies are experiencing an unprecedented assault on their value whilst facing the looming and increasingly risky challenges of concession expiries.
Similarly, construction and services SMEs are facing complex challenges of lock-down induced corporate debt, supply chain volatility, post-Brexit labour shortages, the trend to off-site fabrication and, despite expectations of rising construction demand, increasingly unpredictable workload forecasting.
These are creating the most challenging business environments for construction and infrastructure investors for a generation.
The appointment of independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to Project Company and SME boards can help to preserve shareholder value, improve operational oversight and contribute broad experience and perspective to board business. So why is such a cost-effective solution not more widely adopted?
This presentation explores the pros and cons of appointing independent NEDs to infrastructure project companies and SMEs in the construction sector.
02 Mar 10 - Business finance options seminar - the choices simplified
A seminar looking at the building blocks of business finance and helping to unravel the jargon.
Speaker: Mike Stutter
Professional Advisors Alliance; PAA believes that working with firms in a true strategic partnership offers the best model for success. So we work with you on a consultative basic to help you make the right choices for your practices. If you are a CPA or Lawyer, together we can make a difference. For a free, no-obligation Firm Assessment, contact me today.
Acquisition Financing for Fundless Sponsors: 6 ways to negotiate better Indep...Greg Porto
Independent (fundless) sponsors can improve their deal economics (equity ownership or carried interest, transaction fee, annual management fee) by following these 6 guidelines
Company Overview of CFOs2GO financial consulting firmCFOs2GO
Overview presentation of the capabilities of the boutique financial consulting and recruiting firm, CFOs2GO. Includes an overview of the services, practice groups and specialties as well as consulting CFO leaders associated with the firm. Traditional Consulting | Innovative Recruitment
We support our team of financial consultants with training and administrative support. Our consultants can either work through our company or contract direct to the client with their own company.
Comments on Sunshine Act...reporting of payments and transfers of value to ph...Dickson Consulting
CMS solicited comments and this letter was written in response.Bottom line is that this is a regulatory burden that costs companies and the government money with little or no benefit.
CMS solicited comments and this letter was written in response. Bottom line is we need to reduce to the deficit by eliminating programs like this.
The Team Member and Guest Experience - Lead and Take Care of your restaurant team. They are the people closest to and delivering Hospitality to your paying Guests!
Make the call, and we can assist you.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities to radically reinvent the way we do business. This study explores how CEOs and top decision makers around the world are responding to the transformative potential of AI.
The case study discusses the potential of drone delivery and the challenges that need to be addressed before it becomes widespread.
Key takeaways:
Drone delivery is in its early stages: Amazon's trial in the UK demonstrates the potential for faster deliveries, but it's still limited by regulations and technology.
Regulations are a major hurdle: Safety concerns around drone collisions with airplanes and people have led to restrictions on flight height and location.
Other challenges exist: Who will use drone delivery the most? Is it cost-effective compared to traditional delivery trucks?
Discussion questions:
Managerial challenges: Integrating drones requires planning for new infrastructure, training staff, and navigating regulations. There are also marketing and recruitment considerations specific to this technology.
External forces vary by country: Regulations, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure all differ between countries.
Demographics matter: Younger generations might be more receptive to drone delivery, while older populations might have concerns.
Stakeholders for Amazon: Customers, regulators, aviation authorities, and competitors are all stakeholders. Regulators likely hold the greatest influence as they determine the feasibility of drone delivery.
Senior Project and Engineering Leader Jim Smith.pdfJim Smith
I am a Project and Engineering Leader with extensive experience as a Business Operations Leader, Technical Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Experience for Domestic and International companies such as Electrolux, Carrier, and Deutz. I have developed new products using Stage Gate development/MS Project/JIRA, for the pro-duction of Medical Equipment, Large Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Appliances, HVAC, and Diesel engines.
My experience includes:
Managed customized engineered refrigeration system projects with high voltage power panels from quote to ship, coordinating actions between electrical engineering, mechanical design and application engineering, purchasing, production, test, quality assurance and field installation. Managed projects $25k to $1M per project; 4-8 per month. (Hussmann refrigeration)
Successfully developed the $15-20M yearly corporate capital strategy for manufacturing, with the Executive Team and key stakeholders. Created project scope and specifications, business case, ROI, managed project plans with key personnel for nine consumer product manufacturing and distribution sites; to support the company’s strategic sales plan.
Over 15 years of experience managing and developing cost improvement projects with key Stakeholders, site Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance, and facility support personnel to optimize pro-duction operations, safety, EHS, and new product development. (BioLab, Deutz, Caire)
Experience working as a Technical Manager developing new products with chemical engineers and packaging engineers to enhance and reduce the cost of retail products. I have led the activities of multiple engineering groups with diverse backgrounds.
Great experience managing the product development of products which utilize complex electrical controls, high voltage power panels, product testing, and commissioning.
Created project scope, business case, ROI for multiple capital projects to support electrotechnical assembly and CPG goods. Identified project cost, risk, success criteria, and performed equipment qualifications. (Carrier, Electrolux, Biolab, Price, Hussmann)
Created detailed projects plans using MS Project, Gant charts in excel, and updated new product development in Jira for stakeholders and project team members including critical path.
Great knowledge of ISO9001, NFPA, OSHA regulations.
User level knowledge of MRP/SAP, MS Project, Powerpoint, Visio, Mastercontrol, JIRA, Power BI and Tableau.
I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to discussing this role with you, and how I can lead your company’s growth and profitability. I can be contacted via LinkedIn via phone or E Mail.
Jim Smith
678-993-7195
jimsmith30024@gmail.com
Specific ServPoints should be tailored for restaurants in all food service segments. Your ServPoints should be the centerpiece of brand delivery training (guest service) and align with your brand position and marketing initiatives, especially in high-labor-cost conditions.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
2. M&A Presentation By Bob Dickson
• Bob Dickson is the founder of Dickson Consulting, and is a
partner with McCracken Alliance Partners (MAP). After
working for a major independent accounting firm for almost
ten years, Bob was a financial officer of smaller and publicly
traded companies for almost 40 years.
• Bob was CFO of Dynamet when it it sold for $125 million and
CardiacAssist dba TandemLife when it sold for $250 million.
Bob has also participated in several smaller transactions.
Bob’s LinkedIn profile can be found at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickson1/
Dickson Consulting
2
3. Professional Services to Support Merger and Acquisition Activity
• Serve on a M&A Advisory Board
• Manage the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
• Address Capital Formation Issues
• Support the Execution of a Transaction
• Investment Banker for a Professional Exit
• Search for Acquisition Candidates
• HR Strategic Advisory Services
• HR Support Services
• Risk Management and Employee Benefit
Advisory
3
Dickson Consulting
4. M&A Service=Serve on a M&A Advisory Board
• A presentation entitled “Creating a M&A Advisory Board” was
developed provide guidance on the benefits of an M&A Advisory
Board and the overall issues related to an M&A Advisory Board. Please
let us know if you would like a copy of the presentation.
• As an example of our experience, Bob Dickson was CFO of
CardiacAssist (dba TandemLife) when it was sold to Livanova for $250
million and was CFO of Dynamet incorporated when it was sold to
Carpenter Technology for $125 million.
4
Dickson Consulting
5. M&A Service=Manage the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
As experienced CFO’s, we are accustomed to the role of managing
the CFO functions of an organization. For example, we can:
• Act as a full-time, part-time, interim/transitional or
consultative/coach CFO.
• Provide a broad management role or focus on specific issues.
• Access support staff, if needed.
• Focus on support of CEO and board objectives.
• Manage the complexities of the Office of the CFO:
o Controllership
o Taxation
o Treasury and Risk Management
Please let us know if you would like a copy of our presentation “The
Role of the Chief Financial Officer”.
5
Dickson Consulting
6. M&A Service=Address Capital Formation Issues
Services we can assist with an organization’s capital formation
include the following:
• Debt/equity structure and cap table evaluation.
• Debt issuance, review of agreements, etc.
• New equity issuance/fundraising.
• Investor relations.
We periodically respond to regulatory proposals. For example, we
recently responded to the Security & Exchange Commissions
“Proposed Exemptive Relief from Broker Registration
Requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission”.
Please let us know if you would like a copy of our response.
6
Dickson Consulting
7. M&A Service=Support the Execution of a Transaction
We are experienced CFO’s and can support the
execution of a transaction. For example, by performing
the following services:
• Financial modelling of alternatives and valuations.
• Initial due diligence.
• Working with legal counsel on letter of intent.
• Detailed due diligence.
• Assistance with development of a data room.
• Work with legal counsel for a document review.
• Transitional staffing.
7
Dickson Consulting
8. M&A Perspective=A Transaction...A Major Effort and Diversion!
Dickson Consulting
8
• A successful transaction will require significant dedication and
effort by the board of directors and executive team.
• Engage the board early to ensure they are aware of overall
concepts involved in a transaction.
• Ensure that the team has a common objective.
• Support staffing of executives involved in the transaction
should be sufficient to enable enough time and resources to
accomplish the transaction.
• Incentives and compensation should align with the
accomplishment of the objective and the effort required.
• Understand that stressful situations will occur and should me
managed to avoid interpersonal differences.
9. M&A Service=Community of Professionals
We routinely works with proven, value added service firms that we have
previously worked with and know their capabilities. For example:
M&A transaction-oriented law firms and lawyers.
Investment bankers who work as registered broker dealers.
A firm that focuses on acquisition searches.
CPA’s who examine the financial statements and provide tax services.
Insurance brokers who have experience with corporate insurance and
employee benefits.
Investment advisors who manage financial assets.
An HR firm that specializes in strategy and execution.
Please let us know if you would like a referral for any these services. The
capabilities of a few of these firms follows.
9
Dickson Consulting
10. M&A Perspective= Legal Counsel-A Critical Player!
Dickson Consulting
10
• Select a law firm with a partner assigned who has been there and done that for
transactions in your industry, size, etc. Experience is important.
• Legal counsel should be involved early in planning a transaction to ensure the direction is
adequately evaluated.
• As a transaction evolves legal counsels role becomes more and more important.
• Frequently the advice may be more strategic than legal and is important.
• Fully engage legal counsel. Everything should be disclosed and discussed.
• Do not make assumptions about the importance of anything. Early discussions of matters
is important.
• Review the legal documents. One critical word might make a difference in the transaction.
• Understand the legal counsel's advice and execution of a transaction are critical to the
success and their fees will reflect their contribution to a successful transaction.
11. M&A Perspective= Investment Bankers-Begin With The End In Mind!
Dickson Consulting
11
• An investment banker can open the door to opportunities to realize value
and it may be necessary to engage an investment banker early in the
process to make contacts and market the company. Carefully evaluate the
investment banker's ability to make these contacts and effectively market
the company.
• What approach do they use, what are their contacts and experience in
your industry, etc.?
• Think beyond the investment banker's role in identifying a transaction
partner. After a transaction partner is identified what role will the
investment banker play and does the banker how the ability to execute
this role.
• With the above in mind carefully evaluate the fee structure if the
investment banker and whether it is reasonable based on their value
added. Ensure that the agreement with the banker covers all your
expectations.
12. M&A Perspective=HR-Leadership After Transaction Closing
Dickson Consulting
12
• While a lot of time and effort is focused on completing
the transaction, HR's role is different. They must plan for
work issues after the transaction is closed.
• Changes may occur in personnel, HR policies,
compensation, employee benefits, etc.
• These issues should be evaluated and plans in place for
execution when after the transaction closes!
• Everybody will have concerns and questions which will
require significant effort for HR to manage!
• HR is a key to workforce stability and reducing
uncertainty!
13. M&A Perspective=Referrals
• As a service to support your M&A activity, we would
be pleased to provide you with a referral to or help
you select another non-CFO professional service
firm to assist you with your professional needs. This
slide clarifies the nature and limitations of the
referral of the professionals.
• We have previously worked with these professionals
and understand their overall business approach.
• We will perform an overall, preliminary evaluation
of whether their services fit your needs before
making a referral. However, we have taken no
specific, detailed investigation to support your
needs or their proposed work for you.
• Unless we are specifically engaged to do so,
we will not supervise or monitor a referred
professional services for you. It is your
responsibility to evaluate, select and retain
any professional and determine whether
their services will meet your needs.
• You agree that there is always a risk that a
referred professional will not meet your
needs and agree to hold us harmless in that
event.
• We assume no responsibility for a referred
professional’s work product.
13
Dickson Consulting
14. M&A Service=Referral: Investment Banker for a Professional Exit
We have worked with an outstanding investment banking and corporate
development firm that provides services to middle market family-owned and
privately-held companies and publicly traded corporations. These services include:
• Sales of family-owned and privately-held businesses
• Corporate divestitures
• Strategic assessments and corporate development advisory services
• M&A valuations and fairness opinions
The firm is rooted in transaction experience developed within the corporate
development organizations of successful large, multinational corporations. They are
committed to delivering the same level of expertise and performance demanded by
Fortune 100 companies of their investment bankers to smaller and mid-size
companies.
Please let us know if you would like to utilize these services!
14
Dickson Consulting
15. M&A Service=Referral: Search for Acquisition Candidates
15
After an acquisition strategy is developed, an important next step is identifying and
approaching potential candidates. We have an alliance with an experienced firm that
focuses on performing searches for acquisition candidates. Their services include:
• Obtaining an understanding of overall markets and the sector the company is
interested in.
• Identifying potential candidates and performing initial due diligence to ascertain
the degree of fit with the company’s acquisition criteria.
• Approaching the potential candidate and engaging in initial discussions to
determine the level of interest.
• Review of the candidates with the company to evaluate strategy for acquisition and
next steps. Introduction of parties and assistance with drafting a term sheet.
• Continued engagement and support during the transaction to facilitate closing.
If you would like assistance with your acquisition search, please let us know.
Dickson Consulting
16. M&A Service=Referral: HR Strategic Advisory Services
• Crucial to any successful M&A engagement is an effective
human resources strategy. People are important assets and
managing these human resources is essential.
• We have worked with a human resource consulting firm that
can assist in aligning HR strategy with business strategy. And
executing the strategy. Some of the HR services that can be
provided follow on the next slides.
• Please let us know if you would like to utilize these services!
16
Dickson Consulting
17. M&A Service=Referral: HR Support Services
• Compliance with federal and state government employment laws
• Background checks, credential verification and drug tests
• Performance management programs
• Workplace investigations
• Rewards and recognition programs
• Covid-19 processes and procedures
• Employee terminations/separations; worker’s compensation; FMLA
• Stay and exit interviews
17
Dickson Consulting
18. M&A Service=Referral: HR Support Services
• HR processes and procedures
• Job descriptions and FLSA job analysis
• Recruiting and staff augmentation of front-line staff, professionals,
management and executive level searches
• Employee manuals and employee relations
• Compensation/benefit analysis
• Staffing plans, talent gap analysis, restructuring, outplacement and
career transition
• Onboarding new employees
18
Dickson Consulting
19. M&A Service=Referral: Risk Management & Employee Benefit Advisory
Corporate insurance and employee benefits are issues that need to be addressed in
connection with any M&A transaction. We have worked with an insurance and
employee benefits advisor who has the knowledge, innovative solutions, and
creativity to meet the needs of employers and workforces, so that employers can
attract and retain quality employees. They advise on:
• Employer sponsored health and welfare benefits programs with access to all
insurance companies and premium funding options.
• Property and casualty insurance including workers' compensation, property, liability.
• ACA, ERISA, and legislative guidance and support.
Our experience in working with this advisor is that they listen to the needs of
employers and employees and recommend a sound and practical solution. Let us
know if you need a solution!
19
Dickson Consulting
20. M&A Perspective=The World Has Changed! Services From
Anywhere/Anytime!
• We prefer to work locally with periodic face to face meetings. However, COVID
has changed the workplace so sometimes this is difficult. Technology has
supported this change in workplaces.
• There is no longer a need for corporations to incur high fees to cover the overhead
of advisors or consultant’s offices, travel, down time and other expenses.
• Many of these services can be conducted from anywhere with enhanced ability to
stay in touch with and advisor or consultant.
• Technologies such as Zoom have enabled this significant change in business
practices and when taken advantage of companies can have superior service with
reduced costs.
• The quality of services may be higher because distractions such as travel, and
office inefficiencies are eliminated.
20
Dickson Consulting
21. McCracken Alliance Partners
• Bob Dickson, Founder of Dickson Consulting, is a partner with
McCracken Alliance Partners (MAP). MAP is partnership of CFOs
and finance executives experienced as public and private
company CFO's whose skills and knowledge can create
immediate value.
• Services include a full range of financial leadership services
including full time or interim CFO's; board membership,
particularly audit committees; M&A Advisory board roles; and
performance of special projects.
21
21
Dickson Consulting
22. Who Is McCracken Alliance Partners?
• McCracken Alliance Partners was founded with a vision of helping finance
professionals reach their potential through becoming leaders that everyone
wants to follow.
• MAP’s plan is to execute the vision through finance-specific board and
advisory board roles, leadership programs, peer networks, and providing
CFO type services to solve companies needs.
• The MAP organization consists of CFO type partners throughout the U.S.
who work locally or by travelling or virtually. Additional partners are
frequently added to provide additional resources and capabilities for clients
in particular geographic regions.
• Additional information can be found at: www.mccrackenalliance.com
22
Dickson Consulting