Executives Provide Pulse of M&A Landscape

PHILADELPHIA—The ins and outs of the 2013 merger and acquisition landscape drew more than 1,000 registrants to the two-part Webinar series "M&A 2013, The Rules of Engagement," hosted by Printing Impressions magazine and sponsored by Consolidated Graphics (CGX). The presenters were Joe Davis, chairman and CEO of the Houston-based printer, and Jim Cohen, executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions.

The two-part series wrapped up June 11 with "Art of the Deal: The Path to Completion," which examined all the key elements of a deal leading up to closing day. Part one, titled, "Initial Considerations," provided an overview on how prospective buyers and sellers embark on an M&A conversation, and what documents/information are required to help stimulate talks.

The Webinars generated positive feedback from participating registrants. Among the comments:

"The manner that CGX set the expectations for the potential sellers, the realistic appraisal of the current market and difficulty in getting legitimate buyers involved—Mr. Davis came across as the sage uncle offering sound advice, and Jim was the consummate financial professional cutting straight to the facts."

"Straight forward discussions are so much more valuable than fluff...this was very informative and presented as direct experience. Very good!"

Davis provided the audience with an overview of the general commercial printing market and CGX's role within it, before touching on the hot button issues and key attributes he seeks out when analyzing an acquisition candidate.

"I keep it pretty simple," he said. "I look for companies with good management, good employees and good customers. The potential to grow that company is important to me. The reputation of that company in the marketplace is also very important. The cultural fit is a large piece for a successful company for us."

Cohen touched upon disclosure, transaction structure and various other facets that help to take a deal from initial overture to the signing of a letter of intent, and finally, closing day.

"The financial analysis is really half the equation, the other half is cultural fit," Cohen noted. "It is very important that the companies we buy fit in with our culture and are able to cross-sell across our network."

You can view these free Webinars by clicking here.