Settling Into the New Deal Paradigm
Presented By: BMO Capital Markets / Messerli Kramer
If you're considering taking your company to market for any type of M&A transaction you've likely noticed we've entered a time with more uncertainty, greater volatility, and more stringent due diligence. What does that mean for executives looking to get deals done in this new ecosystem, and how can you best navigate today's environment to get your house in order so that you're able to close deals? Join this session for a frank conversation on what blocking and tackling looks like today.
Moderator:
Attorney | Division Chair
Messerli Kramer
Brett Larson is a Shareholder and Chair of the Minneapolis Division at Messerli Kramer. He focuses his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate organization and reorganization, international transactions, and succession planning for businesses and business owners. Brett also serves as outside general counsel to many U.S. based businesses in the lower-middle and middle markets.
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.
Board Member & Investor
PetWise Inc.
An experienced public and private equity senior executive, CEO and Board Member. Kevin Fick has led organizations in the $300 million to $1.5 billion dollar range with a proven track record of materially improving financial performance and business operations. With 38 years in consumer products in the Pet, Craft, and Gift segments, Kevin has extensive experience managing complex organizations, multiple product lines and global teams. Specific to the Pet and Craft segments, skilled in both long term growth strategies and tactical execution, Kevin built two of the largest platforms in the industry while developing executive level relationships with leading Tier 1 retailers.
As a trusted market, retail and consumer products expert, Kevin has led organizations as CEO and President for the past 18 years, served on four boards, including serving as the Chairman and being the Chair of both the Investments and Operations Committees. He is well versed in ESG and provides leadership and direction that addresses the complex reporting needs of organizations.
In 2012, Kevin joined PetWise Inc. (formerly Worldwise) as CEO and board member. During his tenure he successfully scaled the company via organic growth and M&A into one of the largest consumer pet product platforms. In 2021, he led the company through a successful sale to A&M Capital Partners and continued to serve as the CEO until early 2024. Kevin continues to serve on the PetWise board to provide strategic guidance and oversight.
Additional current board roles include JoyBound People & Pets Shelter and American Pet Products Association, the largest pet industry association in North America. Prior board experience also includes Wilton Brands.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing & Business from the University of Northern Iowa and has completed the Harvard Executive Training Program. He and his wife live in the greater San Francisco area and have three children. Kevin is an avid golfer and car collector and a strong believer in servant leadership.