Mitigating Transaction Risk: Smarter Strategies for Today’s Deal Environment
Presented By: Merchant Advocate
Every transaction carries risk—but the most successful dealmakers know how to identify, manage, and turn those risks into opportunities. Join the leader of a manufacturing holding company, general counsel of a large family office, private equity firm deal leader, and M&A advisor for a rousing discussion about how disciplined cost management, vendor oversight, and operational rigor can reduce risk, smooth any type of deal, and positively impact any company’s bottom line.
Moderator:
Deal Partner
Blackmore Partners
As Deal Partner of Blackmore Partners, a Chicago-based independent investment firm that specializes in "EXECUTIVE-1ST " investment strategies, Edelstein leads all deal activities with the objective to generate returns above 3x MOIC.
Panelists:
Chairman & CEO
Jasper Holdings Inc.
1976 joined JASPER-sales trainee, advertising manager, sales manager, vice president. Purchased company 1987 and elected president. 1991 NASCAR owner, 2001 teamed with Roger Penske for Penske Jasper Engines, 2003, Penske Jasper Racing. 2009 sold to Penske to focus on NASCAR Transmissions. 100% ESOP in 2009. Through 2023, have distributed $609 Million in stock. Chairman/CEO of Jasper Holdings with 4600+ Associates, $1.1 Billion+ in Revenue. Motto –“Do It Right and Have Fun…”
CEO
Merchant Advocate
A veteran of the finance industry, Eric Cohen founded Merchant Advocate in 2006. After his extensive experience in the merchant services industry, he was determined to create a fair value proposition and transparency for merchants with their credit card processors. He established Merchant Advocate to act as a trusted advisor on behalf of all size and categories of businesses. As the CEO and founder of Merchant Advocate, Eric leads the team with passion that comes from saving merchants over $300MM. He is always striving to help business owners save money. His unique vision has driven the development of an entirely new industry of Advocacy in Merchants Services.
Prior to founding Merchant Advocate, Eric held various sales and training positions in the industry, gearing up for the formation of his own organization as an independent advocate for merchants. Eric earned his undergraduate degree in Communications from Rutgers College and his MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Eric lives in New Jersey with his beautiful wife and three adorable daughters.
Chief Legal Officer
Fernandez Holdings, Inc.
In over 15 years of private practice, Francisco (Cisco) Connell established himself as a highly respected practitioner, with vast experience in litigation and transactional matters. Having transitioned to in-house CLO, he applies that experience and skillset to grow and improve the Fernandez Holdings’ multi-billion-dollar portfolio of companies by providing informed advice and measured guidance.