Are you in the market for a business opportunity? Or are you looking to move on? Whatever your business goals are, the second annual Business Transitions Forum is the place you need to be to discuss all things mergers and acquisitions from the people who have lived it.
Coming to Winnipeg on October 12 at the Delta Hotel, the event is led by 2023 conference chair Peter Jessiman, CEO at Jessiman Family Investments.
“We have a phenomenal group of speakers this year. Mark Dufresne, Bob Tallman, Polly Craik, Barb Gamey, Mike Fata, Steve Kroft, Jim Perchaluk, and Grant Cockshott are joining us to share their incredible insights,” says Jessiman. “This is an amazing opportunity for people who are growing their businesses or considering a transition to come out and learn from some of the best experts in the field.”
Jessiman knows what he’s talking about when it comes to business transitions. He’s the former owner of Bison Transport Group of Companies, which the Jessiman family sold in 2020 to James Richardson & Sons Ltd. Now, he’s the CEO at Jessiman Family Investments, a trustee of the Jessiman Foundation, a director at CentrePort Canada and chairman of the board for CTI, a global manufacturer of specialty inks and coatings.
“Our family office, JFI, is up and running and we’re looking at some great opportunities in mid-market M&A. There’s tremendous uncertainty in the economy across North America and that is great for us in terms of the number of deals in our pipeline. We’ve assembled a phenomenal team, and everyone is working hard. It’s a very exciting time to be an investor,” he says.
Early bird pricing available until September 14 and get 25% off with promo code MI25
What to expect
“This is a great learning and networking event, and a chance for Manitoba to show off our best entrepreneurial talent,” says Jessiman.
The conference kicks off with a VIP welcome reception for business owners on October 11 and then the work begins with a full-day conference on October 12.
After a networking breakfast and welcome by Jessiman, Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research & Chief Economist, at BDC starts the conference with his economic outlook and the impacts for entrepreneurs.
Then, Rob Normandeau, President at SeaFort Capital moderates a discussion with Mike Fata, founder of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods about when it’s time to sell or grow your business.
After a panel with Mark Dufresne, CEO, The Dufresne Group, Barb Gamey, Co-Founder, Payworks Payroll Services Canada and Jamie B. Schwitzer, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Westcap, led by Joanne Sigurdson, TEC Canada Chair about growth strategies for the best ROI, it’s time for breakouts where you can choose one of the fantastic sessions.
Get it all here
Then, it’s time for lunch and networking, followed by a discussion with Bob Tallman, Executive Chairman, Princess Auto Ltd. about growing and transitioning a family business.
More breakout sessions lead the afternoon, before two final talks – Gabriel Katzen, Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, National Bank of Canada, National Bank of Canada discussing how to value your business and a panel with Polly Craik, Co-Founder & Principal, Vexxit Inc., Steve Kroft, President & CEO, Falcon Capital Corp. and Jim Perchaluk, CEO, Parlay Holdings led by Peter Jessiman, where they discuss transitions and their lessons learned.
The event wraps up with a cocktail and networking reception where speakers and attendees can mingle and learn from one another.
“These are some of the most impressive businesspeople in Canada, let alone just Manitoba,” says Jessiman. “I know all of them and their stories are captivating. I think attendees will really be blown away.”
Jessiman also has some advice now for those thinking about transitions, mergers and acquisitions. “Just build a great business. Period. Focus on your people, your culture, and your customers, and the rest of it takes care of itself. When you and your team build a truly great company, you’ll always have a long list of buyers lined up at the door. Then, when it comes time, you’ll have the very best options to choose from.”
Early bird pricing available until September 14 and get 25% off with promo code MI25
Business Transitions Forum 2023
October 12, 2023
Delta Hotel
350 St Mary Avenue
Winnipeg
businesstransitionsforum.com/Winnipeg
