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Session B

Look Before You Leap: Mitigating Risk on the Buy Side of M&A

Presented By: AON / Davis Graham

Every acquisition comes with risk—the challenge is knowing where to look before it becomes your problem. From diligence and deal structure to financial, legal and operational exposures, buyers need to identify what could undermine value before signing on the dotted line. This panel explores how experienced acquirers and advisors assess risk, uncover potential trouble spots, protect against the unexpected and make smarter decisions throughout the deal process.

Moderator:

Anthony Valentine
Resident Sales Director
Aon

As Managing Director and Resident Sales Director, Anthony not only leads the producer team, but also serves as the senior client contact, ensuring that each team member and solution line meets and exceeds our client’s expectations. By developing strong relationships with prospects, clients, and the markets, Anthony assists in developing solutions to challenges that align with the client’s goals. In addition to providing strategic support for our clients, Anthony is also responsible for growth initiatives and management of the producers in the Denver Office.

Anthony has worked in the insurance industry for over 14 years where he has worked on hospitality, ski, retail, food and beverage, and real estate accounts. Anthony also had the unique opportunity to experience what it is like to be an Aon client for three years while working as the Chief Operating Officer of a consumer goods company. Recently, Anthony has been working to develop a Mountain Town HOA Property program to address the wildfire exposure challenges that HOA’s and condo-owners are facing.

Panelists:

David Denious
Partner
Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

David S. Denious is a partner at Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, where his practice focuses on complex corporate transactions. He regularly counsels private equity and other financial investors in structuring and completing platform, add-on, recapitalization, and exit transactions and the debt and equity financing used to complete such transactions. He also advises corporate clients on complex, multibillion-dollar mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Clients have variously described him as “exceptional at negotiations,” having a “great blend of strong business sense and legal experience,” and as “a practical, solution-oriented, problem-solving deal lawyer who understands his clients’ needs.” A widely published author, David works with clients in a range of industries, including technology, health care, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing.

Scott Evans
Co-Founder & MP
Guardian Capital Partners
Mr. Evans is a founding partner of Guardian and leads new investment acquisitions, manages portfolio companies, and manages Guardian Capital Partners’ strategy and team operations. He has been with Guardian for seventeen years. While serving on the board of numerous portfolio companies, Mr. Evans is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and Chairman of Havis, Precision Roll Solutions, Upper Echelon Products, LINX, Heatscape, and Raptor Power Systems.
Prior to Guardian, Mr. Evans had an extensive professional career in private equity, operations management, and corporate finance. He was a Vice President with Cerberus Capital Management L.P. leading due diligence and execution of transactions, facilitating ownership transition plans, and monitoring and assisting with post-transaction business planning. Earlier in his career, Mr. Evans was a Vice President with TenX Capital Management, a middle market private equity firm. Prior to TenX, Mr. Evans was with Crowe, Chizek, and Company LLP and with Deloitte Consulting LLP, as a Senior Manager in their M&A and Corporate Recovery practice.
Mr. Evans earned his MBA from Northwestern J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management and his BS in economics from Miami University (Oxford, OH).
Wendy Knobel
Managing Director
Aon

As a highly accomplished former corporate /M&A attorney and a dynamic leader currently running the West Region and Latin America for RWI, she has a proven track record in driving successful transactions and mitigating risks for clients across diverse industries and jurisdictions. Her collaborative approach, strong interpersonal skills and deep market understanding makes her a trusted partner for executives and risk managers, legal advisors, and financial sponsors. She thrives in fast-paced environments, leveraging her ability to navigate challenges and provide valuable insights to support clients' business objectives. Her leadership has fueled Aon's growth in Latin America, and her passion for excellence drives a high-performing team. Please connect with her to benefit from her expertise in mergers and acquisitions insurance solutions in the US and/or Latin America.

Darius McCurty
CFO
Kodiak Interior Group

With 15+ years of progressive leadership in accounting and finance, I serve as Chief Financial Officer at Kodiak Interiors Group, overseeing financial strategy, investor relations, and compliance. Previously, I held senior roles at Kodiak Building Partners, driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. My expertise lies in fostering financial transparency and building strong investor partnerships aligned with organizational goals. Committed to collaboration and sustainable growth, I strive to deliver long-term value and operational success.

Conference Location

4125 S. University Blvd.
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Tel: (303) 350-5200