Want to be better prepared for an upcoming merger, acquisition or sale? Join us for our 2023 conference and you’ll get the knowledge and tools you need for success. Learn about the steps you need to take, get expert advice – and reflect on your own ambitions. Our Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts conferences have already transformed the entrepreneurial thinking of more than 2,000 participants. So why not come and be a part of it?
We’re still finalising the programme details, so stay tuned for updates.
Get inspiration from successful entrepreneurs, learn best practice from academics and experts – and discover your next steps. Choose from three tracks:
This is your chance to have a private session with brokers, investors, financial advisors and banks – so you can get the support you need to kickstart your M&A journey. Check the website for the list of experts who will be attending.
You can also take part in four workshops that each tackle a key question:
Professor of Economics, Ghent University
The great transition
We are facing a fundamental shift to a new world order, both economically and politically. Relative prices – especially energy prices – will change drastically. We’ll transition from a global to a more regional world. We’ll move to a circular economy, with less young talent. And we’ll have to come to terms with the good and the bad of machine learning and AI. In the face of this great transition, resilience will become much more important – with more emphasis on compartmentalisation, redundancy and agility, rather than blind optimisation.
Private Equity Operational Advisor, Investcorp
From barbarians to smooth operators: How private equity practices are reshaping the world of business
Private equity was born in the 1980s – making it a relatively new asset class. From an obscure set of tactics developed by greedy investment bankers, it’s evolved into a respected asset class which is growing year on year. Private equity uses specific strategies to create value for the companies they own – and these practices have earned the best players superior returns. So it’s not surprising that they’re in demand among executives in other companies, both listed and private – and that they’ve begun to influence what’s considered ‘good management’. We’ll discuss the practices that are most appropriate for different ownership contexts.
Chief Executive Officer, Stow Group
Transforming into a technology company: The organic and inorganic growth strategy of Stow
How did we transform a small, West Flemish industrial company into a leading global player in high-tech material handling equipment? By thinking big! This is a fascinating journey, touching on how to guide a company through different stages of ownership, how to transform from an industrial company to a tech/software company – and how to manage organic and inorganic growth.
Professor of Corporate Finance
Mathieu Luypaert explains how insights into financial figures and decisions can lead to value creation.
Professor of Entrepreneurship
Miguel Meuleman is passionate about the process, people and investors behind new venture ideas.
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship
An expert in private equity, Hans Vanoorbeek shares his passion for entrepreneurial buyouts.
Professor of Corporate Finance
Sophie Manigart is an experienced teacher, researcher and advisor in entrepreneurial finance, venture capital and private equity.
Location: Meetdistrict Ghelamco Arena, Ottergemsesteenweg Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent
Pricing:
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Vlerick’s Centre for Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts develops and collates insights and best practice from across the M&A field – covering everything from the end-to-end deal process to financing and integration. The Centre brings its research and knowledge together to share with anyone involved in mergers, acquisitions or sales.