Strategic Acquisitions in a Challenging M&A Environment
Presented By: Ballard Spahr / Old National Bank
Uncertain markets and shifting deal dynamics are reshaping how acquisitions get done. In this session, experienced dealmakers will share insights on sourcing opportunities, structuring transactions, and securing financing when conditions are less than ideal. Through case studies, learn how today’s most effective buyers are navigating legal complexities, lender demands, and execution hurdles to complete acquisitions that deliver lasting strategic advantage.
Moderator:
Partner
Ballard Spahr LLP
Ryan Heck is a corporate attorney who focuses his practice on advising public and private companies in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, investments, buy-and-build strategies, and other transformative transactions. Ryan regularly counsels private equity and corporate clients across a number of industries, including manufacturing, technology, professional services, and the life sciences.
Ryan serves as outside counsel to corporate clients and private equity portfolio companies by providing practical, solution-oriented advice in commercial transactions and general business matters. He also is the Hiring Partner for the firm's Minneapolis office.
Panelists:
Managing Partner
Marrin Investment Partners, LLC
Leah Berend is the founder and managing partner of Marrin Investment, a private markets investment firm. With a background in accounting and private equity, she is driven by a mission to "Leave Businesses Better than You've Found Them." A certified public accountant with advanced degrees in accountancy and organizational leadership, she delivers Private Equity As a Service™ to drive lasting growth for portfolio companies. Leah is also the host of ‘The Future of Private Equity’ podcast, exploring the future of private equity investing.
Acquisition Strategy Advisor
The Churchill Companies
Kevin Coleman is a second-generation principal for The Churchill Companies, a Minneapolis based family office and owner of a diverse group of global operating companies. Founded in 1982, Churchill actively pursues acquisitions to both expand its Industrial Technology portfolio companies and establish new platform investments. Kevin leads investment and acquisition efforts for Churchill, in addition to his active involvement in the operation of portfolio assets. He has a background in the private equity and hedge fund business, bringing deep institutional investing experience to Churchill.
Director
Northborne Partners
Mike Hirschberg helped launch Northborne Partners in 2021 to provide highly sophisticated M&A advice to entrepreneurs, families, and other private business owners. He has executed over $1.0 Billion of transactions over the past four years. Mike is responsible for origination, execution, and process leadership throughout transactions for healthcare, business services and manufacturing companies.
Partner
Duco Capital, LLC
Paul has over 30 years of experience in private equity, mezzanine, and investment banking. Prior to joining Duco Capital, Paul spent 10 years at Spell Capital, a private equity firm, and was responsible for all aspects of acquiring, managing, and divesting private company investments. Paul was the President of Medallion Capital, a mezzanine finance company, for 13 years, was Vice President of Corporate Finance for Dougherty Summit Securities, and also has experience in venture capital, asset-based lending, and asset securitization. He has served on the Board of Directors of numerous private companies and as President of the Minnesota chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. He holds degree in finance and economics from Northwest Missouri State University and an MBA in finance from the University of Minnesota