The Vancouver Enterprise Forum's February event is focused on giving entrepreneurs what they need to know about exits through M&As and IPOs, and they'll hear it directly from the pros who make it happen.
Jon Gelsey from the Microsoft M&A group in Redmond, Mark Waissar, managing director at Savvian, LLC in San Francisco, and Steve Swaffield of Canaccord Adams will talk about what they do, how M&As and IPO transactions occur, and what can be expected from an Investment banker. They'll cover common mistakes and misperceptions and explain what it really takes to get an M&A/IPO done.
Gelsey's appearance couldn't be any more timely with Microsoft's offer to purchase Yahoo! for $44.6 Billion in cash and shares late last week. Gelsey will deliver the buyer's perspective from a company which, according to Steve Ballmer, is planning to buy 20+ technology firms a year for the next five years in order to achieve its strategic goals.
Steve Swaffield will provide the perspective of a local Investment banker in an international marketplace, while Mark Waissar will provide the US and in particular the Silicon Valley perspective.
The Feb 26th Forum will be moderated by John-Paul Bogden of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and kicks off at 5:30pm at the Vancity Theatre with a light dinner and networking event.
