The Smart Business Dealmakers Conference featured an all-star lineup of entrepreneurs, investors, and advisers for a day of dynamic discussions and one-on-one networking.
HBM’s SVP & CFO, Don Roberts, and Andy Fulford, VP of Corporate Development and Strategy helped kick-off the St. Louis Smart Business Dealmakers Conference on February 13th.
At the CEO Dealmakers Roundtable, Andy joined fellow leaders in the local M&A community to discuss lessons learned, best practices, and their views on what the future of middle-market M&A looks like for both the St. Louis area and across the United States. The panel discussed how the low economic growth and low cost of debt environment will continue to promote an active M&A environment for the foreseeable future as businesses rely more on acquisitions for growth.
Don and other strategic acquirers led a panel focused on the opportunities associated with buying family-owned businesses. Given HBM’s experience with this topic, Don spoke in detail about the risks and benefits acquirers face when dealing with family dynamics during a purchase process. He offered advice to the audience on how to handle the sometimes more challenging market, as well as insight into the value working with a family can bring.
HBM will continue to participate in additional M&A conferences throughout the year and share more about what it means to be a part of HBM as well as how we plan to grow and diversify our portfolio.