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Session A

The Buyer’s Playbook: Winning Deals and Mitigating Risk in a Competitive Market

Presented By: Burr Forman / Lockton

In today’s high-stakes M&A environment, smart buyers know that winning the deal is only half the battle—mitigating risk is just as critical. This session brings together seasoned acquirers and deal advisors to explore how strategic buyers and PE firms are navigating competitive processes, tightening diligence windows, and addressing valuation gaps. Learn how to structure offers that stand out while safeguarding your downside—and walk away with proven approaches to close smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.

Moderator:

Ty Roofner
Managing Partner
Burr Forman LLP

Ty is the Managing Partner of Burr & Forman's Orlando office, a former member of Burr's Executive Committee and a member of its Corporate & Tax practice group. His legal practice involves representing clients in general corporate matters, mergers & acquisitions, venture capital and start-up/early-stage financings and other corporate financing transactions.

Panelists:

Nick Friedman
Co-Founder
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving

Nick Friedman is a renowned serial entrepreneur best known as Co-Founder of the iconic franchise brand- 'College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving,' which he started with a highschool buddy in a beat-up cargo van, and today has over 200 franchises doing over $300M annually.

Michael Needler, Jr.
Owner
MSN Companies

Michael Needler, Jr. is formerly the President and CEO of Fresh Encounter, Inc., a 100 store independent retailer headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Fresh Encounter stores operated in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida. Michael attended the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business for his M.B.A. He completed the Executive Management Development program at Cornell University and received his B.A. from Hanover College in Indiana.

Matt Simmons
Executive Vice President
Lockton

Matt received a BAcc from the University of Florida and an MBA in Finance from the University of Tampa and maintains a CPA and multiple insurance licenses. Matt spent the first five years of his career at the public accounting firm Grant Thornton. Matt then joined Wells Fargo Insurance in 2013 (acquired by USI in 2017). During this time, Matt built one of the largest insurance teams in the country. In January 2023, Matt joined Lockton Companies to help grow the Central Florida marketplace. Matt has extensive insurance experience supporting diverse clients with risk management and employee benefits.

Michael Skat
Chief Strategy Officer
Atlantic Pipe Services

Mike is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison earning his BA in Economics.  He also attended the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College graduating with an MBA-Finance.  Mike spent a number of years working for super-regional banks, specializing in asset-based finance, enterprise value lending and venture debt.  Following his time at the banks, Mike has also worked for private capital groups helping them establish production offices in the Southeast.  After a lengthy run in the lending field, Mike founded and built several corporate crisis management groups and M&A advisory firms.  In his current role at Atlantic Pipe Services, Mike coordinates revenue growth strategies driven by both green-fielding and acquisitions.  He is deeply involved in managing the Company’s capital markets interaction and working capital forecasting.

Conference Location

211 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Tel: (813) 204-3000