• Thursday, May 22, 2008

Attend this panel discussion, which is applicable to businesses in all stages. Learn how to position your firm to increase the likelihood of a successful sale. Panelists will include entrepreneurs who have sold their companies.

Topics to be covered will include:
•   How to prepare a company for a prospective sale
•   Which outside advisors are necessary and which ones are helpful
•   What valuation methods are most commonly used

Confirmed Panelists

Guy Arvia (MBA '73)
Guy has extensive general management, sales and marketing management, and board experience with several companies. He sold Comtech Group/Computer Technologies Leasing in 2004, a computer reseller and technical services firm that implemented infrastructure solutions for clients throughout the country, to Meridian Group where he served as President and CEO following the acquisition. Meridian I.T. Solutions was a holding company made up of four individual computer resellers, and each firm specialized in a different computer manufacturer and was a separate and distinct entity. Guy earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University, and his MBA from DePaul University.

Bruce Leech (MBA '81)
Bruce founded CrossCom National, Inc. in 1981, a company that recently reached $100 million in annual revenues. CrossCom installs and services voice and data systems for large US retailers like Wal-Mart, Blockbuster Video, and TJ Maxx. In 2004, Bruce sold a majority interest in the firm to Goense/Bounds, a private equity firm, and he continues to serve the company as its Chairman of the Board. In addition to his Chairman duties, Bruce is a partner with BTA Enterprises, which provides consulting services to mid-size companies. Bruce is actively involved in philanthropy with several local charities, providing business support to those organizations. Furthermore, he serves as an advisor to several companies and is involved with a number of non-profit organizations and educational institutions. He earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from DePaul University.

Julie Northcutt, Caregiverlist - Bio Forthcoming

Mark Rittmanic
Mark is the Founder and CEO of ForteCEO Group, the leading senior interim executive firm for private businesses in the U.S. where he leads business development, directs engagements, designs processes for servicing clients, and identifies growth opportunities. Additionally, he has conceived, built, led, and sold several successful businesses. Mark is a former Captain and Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army and has worked in banking and financial services, and consulting - specializing in technology and business development. He serves as an advisor to many privately-held middle-market companies in both manufacturing and services industries. Mark earned his bachelor's degree from Davidson College, and an MBA from Southern Illinois University.