Getting Deal-Ready: How to Prepare for Market from Both Sides of the Table
Presented By: Cohen & Co / Hahn Loeser Parks
Taking a company to market requires more than strong performance—it demands preparation, alignment, and a clear understanding of how both buyers and sellers approach a deal. In this session, operators, investors, and advisors share perspectives from both sides of the table on what it takes to get deal-ready. Learn how to position your business, anticipate diligence, and navigate the process with confidence to maximize outcomes when the time comes.
Moderator:
Partner, Chair, Business Practice Area
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Benjamin Cooke serves as chair of Hahn Loeser’s Business Practice Area and co-chair of the firm’s Corporate Transactions Group. Benjamin has a wide range of experience representing both private sellers and buyers in M&A transactions and has advised sellers and buyers across a variety of industries. He represents private equity and independent deal sponsors and serves as outside general counsel to private companies both in Ohio and nationally, where he handles all contract and transactional matters including shareholder and corporate governance issues, executive compensation, and business succession planning.
Partner - Co-Lead Private Equity Services
Cohen & Co
Phil Ryan is a partner in Cohen & Co's Cleveland office and co-leads the firm’s national Private Equity industry services group. In his Private Equity Market Leader role, Phil helps develop, implement and execute the firm's strategy towards private equity firms and owned businesses. He helps provide tailored, industry-focused solutions across the private equity ecosystem, including at the fund level, operating company level and M&A advisory.
Panelists:
President & CEO
Royce-U.S. Protection Service; Tenable Event Services
Joe began his career in the security industry in 1994 in a sales and operations role with Metro Cleveland Security. He joined Royce Security in 1996 as Director of Business Development and Operations. In 2001 he acquired Royce and built it from a small local Cleveland firm into a regional company with over 800 employees and eight branch offices. Growth has been driven organically and through five strategic acquisitions. Joe continues to lead the company’s expansion, operational excellence and vision across the region.
Managing Director
SCG Partners, LLC
Jonathan is a Managing Director at SCG Partners, a Cleveland-based $200 million family office. Jonathan leads the private equity and corporate development efforts for the firm, including deal sourcing, managing deal flow, analyzing and executing on acquisition opportunities, and developing and maintaining intermediary relationships. SCG focuses on control buyouts of family/founder owned lower middle market companies that provide inspection, maintenance and repair services primarily in the real estate and insurance industries.