Mitigating Risk in Buy-Side M&A: Structuring Deals to Avoid Surprises
Presented By: Barnes & Thornburg / Lockton
Every acquisition carries risk — but experienced buyers know how to manage it. In this session, investors, operators, and advisors examine how acquirers structure transactions, conduct diligence, and use tools such as representations & warranties insurance to protect value. Through real-world examples, panelists discuss how buyers identify potential liabilities early, structure deals to address them, and keep transactions moving toward a successful close.
Moderator:
Senior Vice President
Lockton
Dan Hoppe joined Lockton in 2024 as a Senior Vice President focused on Representations and Warranties Insurance on the industry-leading Transaction Liability Team. Before joining Lockton, Dan was a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in their Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions practice where he advised private equity funds and their portfolio companies in a wide scope of transactions.
Panelists:
Partner
Longhouse Partners, LLC
Nick has spent over 25 years in M&A and corporate development with firms including Huron Capital, CCC Information Services, Ryan Enterprises Group, and Bear, Stearns & Co. He has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan, and an M.B.A. with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Kevin DiDio navigates clients through complex transactions, guiding them through high-stakes transactions across the automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors. His experience spans a broad spectrum of corporate law disciplines, ranging from governance and structure to private equity investments and business taxation. His background as a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor further enhances his ability to navigate complex deals.
COO
Ascension Group International
With over 25 years of experience in the industrial space, Phil specializes in spearheading operations-focused initiatives that help organizations improve their business. He is responsible for managing relationships and new pursuits with an emphasis on operations performance improvement, planning, and lean process opportunities. Phil has extensive experience in multiple industries including automotive, industrial, food processing, and medical device manufacturing. Phil is the COO of Ascension Group International, a technology-led management consulting and private equity firm.
General Counsel and Head of M&A
Faithful Companion
Hamid M. Soueidan serves individuals and businesses that are pioneers in their industries. Hamid’s corporate law practice includes advice to clients concerning mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and cross border transactions. His personalized approach leverages the expertise and resources of a large firm while keeping the client at the center of representation.
Hamid represents many businesses impacted by government regulation including those in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, insurance and the food and beverage industries . Hamid has provided advice to long-term care pharmacies, healthcare professionals, national food and beverage chains, a national retail pharmacy chain, tax professionals and firms, and businesses selling goods and services both domestically and abroad.
Prior to law school, Hamid served as a Field Director for the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. During law school, Hamid worked as a summer associate in Beirut, Lebanon where he assisted companies in establishing a presence in free trade zones. Upon graduating from law school, he founded and managed a midsize litigation firm. As Hamid’s clients and their needs grew he relocated his practice to Clark Hill.