M&A IN TODAY’S PACKAGING, COATING AND CONVERTING MARKETS: AWA’s annual expert forum

In resin- and fibre-based packaging, coating, and converting, the annual AWA Mergers & Acquisitions Executive Forum is now the established annual review of the changing market landscape. The 2013 Forum, convened by the sector’s market research specialists Alexander Watson Associates, will be held on March 18th at the University Club of Chicago (Illinois). It once again represents a prime opportunity for senior executives from companies within the sector, private equity firms, investment bankers, lenders, financial intermediaries, and other experts to network, educate, discuss, debate, and share strategic insights.

‘Numerous opportunities’

According to Corey M. Reardon, President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, who leads the Forum: ‘Over the next 12 to 18 months, it is expected that there will be numerous M&A opportunities for both strategic and financial buyers to grow their companies and improve their financial performance across the sector. This is particularly true since consolidation is today a necessary factor in this marketplace and heavily-leveraged firms are facing financial uncertainty. With the broad field of packaging print representing one of the most buoyant facets of today’s printing industry, growth and profitability across its supply chain are proving particularly attractive.’

Expert speakers

Taking this status quo as its central context, the Forum’s intensive one-day program represents an in-depth study of its varied aspects, featuring both presentations and expert panel discussions. Speaker participants include, among others, representatives of leading firms active in the sector such as Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff; LaManna Alliance; Lincoln International; Mesirow Financial; PriceWaterhouseCoopers; Wells Fargo Securities; and investment bankers Blaige & Company and Houlihan Lokey.

Registration now open

Combining senior-level input from all aspects of the packaging, coating, and converting sector and the M&A arena, the AWA Mergers & Acquisitions Executive Forum is a lively and relevant addition to the industry’s calendar. Places are limited, and early registration is recommended. Full details of the Forum agenda are available on the AWA Alexander Watson Associates website, www.awa-bv.com, where it is also possible to register online.