Mitigating Risk on the Buy-Side: How Smart Acquirers Protect Their Deals
Presented By: Aon / Leech Tishman
Every acquisition carries risk — but disciplined buyers know how to manage it. This session brings together experienced acquirers and advisors to examine how legal structure, diligence strategy, and risk-transfer tools work together to protect deal outcomes. From identifying red flags early to leveraging reps and warranties insurance and navigating post-close exposure, learn how smart buyers balance speed with certainty and build confidence in competitive transactions.
Moderator:
Managing Director
Aon
Bill Coleman is responsible for the development and implementation of transactional-based risk solutions, including the deployment of insurance capital for M&A transactions through representations and warranties, litigation, tax and other contingent liabilities insurance. Bill is based in Pittsburgh and is further supported by a New York-based team of professionals in North America and colleagues in London, Hong Kong, Sydney and Bermuda who focus exclusively on transactional risk transfer. Prior to joining the Aon Team, Bill was an attorney at Sidley Austin LLP, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions, with a significant focus in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Panelists:
President
DataStrike
Rob Brown has a background in both operating management and investing. He has led organizations to multiple Private Equity and Strategic transactions totaling over 1 billion in proceeds to his investors.
Currently his investment portfolio includes Technology Managed Services, Marine and Boating industry along with Healthcare. He co-founded and serves as the President of DataStrike.
Investor
M-One Capital
Alan Davis is a member of the investment team at M-One Capital, which is investing out of its 8th private equity fund. His responsibilities include evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments. He currently helps manage the firm’s investments in Docufree, Smartlink and Progressive Dental Marketing.
Partner
Leech Tishman
Francesca Schiavone is a Partner at Leech Tishman in the Corporate Practice Group. Based in Pittsburgh, she advises businesses through all stages of their lifecycle and has led major M&A transactions across industries including life sciences, financial services, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Her experience spans strategic and private equity deals, and she currently serves on the firm’s Management Committee.