WMI January 20th Breakfast Program

The Culture of Combination - Leveraging Partnerships for Growth: Lessons from Strategic Partnerships, JVs and Other Relationships

Join us for a lively panel discussion of business leaders who have experienced circumstances where partnering up in pursuit of new growth opportunities is better and faster than an acquisition or a start-up. Reasons may include expanding distribution, obtaining new technologies, product line expansions, knowledge of international markets, etc. What are the best structures to limit liability and provide flexibility? What are the true risks, rewards and (most important) questions you should be asking before entering into that committed relationship?

Featuring:

Brian May, VP of Strategy, Founders Brewing

Matt Thiede, Chief Operating Officer and President of Apple Operations, Heeren LLC

Brendan Gibbons, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Wolverine Worldwide

Moderated by Dustin Daniels, M&A Attorney, Miller Johnson

Key Takeaways:

o WHY a Joint Venture or a Strategic Partnership?

· What is the need?

· What is the opportunity?

· Possible structures

o Key terms and important considerations

o Business due diligence and “fit”

o Red flags and risks

o Making the relationship work

Come prepared with your questions! This will be a great discussion!

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Location: University Club of Grand Rapids

Time: Networking begins at 7:30am / Program 8am-9am