Key Mistakes Companies Make Before Going to Market for a Deal.... And How to Avoid Them
Presented By: CohnReznick / Jensen McComas
When companies decide to raise capital, make an acquisition, or sell, many unintentionally create obstacles that hurt their deal process before it even begins. The most common mistakes fall into three areas: Clarity, Control, and Commitment. This session brings together seasoned advisors, acquirers, and a CEO who’s been through the process to share the pitfalls they’ve seen—and lived—and how to avoid them.
Moderator:
Co-Founder
Jensen McComas
Recognized as one of the region's leading technology attorneys and ranked by Chambers for his corporate expertise, he represents clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies on commercial transactional matters. His practice focuses on helping businesses improve their core functions through legal counsel in areas including financing, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and general corporate matters.
Bill has established himself as an expert in managing and developing commercial technology strategies, providing representation on complex business transactions such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, electronic commerce, outsourcing, and intellectual property management. His unique value stems from his executive business and technology management background, having worked for one of North America's largest book manufacturers and a major global ocean carrier before becoming an attorney, where he developed software and managed major vendor contracts.
A cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law with a B.A. in Computer Science from Brown University, Bill has received numerous professional recognitions including being named Lawyer of the Year for Information Technology Law in Baltimore multiple times (2019-2022) and for Copyright Law in 2024. He is a frequent business and technology law columnist for publications including the Legal Times, National Law Journal, Baltimore Business Journal, and The Daily Record.
Panelists:
Managing Director
The Heico Companies, L.L.C.
Jon Hicks has pursued M&A for The Heico Companies since March 2000. Heico is a privately held holding company with a portfolio of over 50 middle market industrial companies. At Heico Jon has responsibility for origination, analysis, negotiation and execution of acquisition opportunities. Jon holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University.
Chief Customer Officer
Augmodo
At Augmodo, my mission is to revolutionize retail through the power of spatial computing, transforming how physical work is done. My role as Chief Customer Officer is centered on fostering growth through strategic engagements with retailers, brands and ecosystem partners, leveraging my expertise in customer success to forge an Augmented Workforce.
Previously, as COO and CGO at InContext Solutions, I spearheaded growth initiatives and steered company strategy through innovation in our offering and partner network. With a track record of double digit growth, my leadership in new business, marketing and customer success is underscored by my commitment enduring client relationships and value creation through technology adoption of real-world applications.
Managing Director, Merger Integration and Carve-out Services
CohnReznick
As a Managing Director in the Merger Integration and Carve-out Services practice, David Morris has more than two decades of leadership experience in mergers, integrations and separations, corporate restructuring, transaction due diligence, and synergy realization for both private equity and corporate clients. He specializes in leading clients through carve-outs and integrations from pre-deal operational diligence through Day 1 and the development and negotiation of Transitional Service Agreements (TSA).