As market volatility, tariff risks and tighter financing reshape the deal landscape, the smartest manufacturing leaders aren’t standing still—they’re preparing for what’s next.
Whether you’re exploring an acquisition, considering an exit, or simply want to know what your business is worth today, this forum will give you clarity, strategy and direct access to the dealmakers shaping the market.
Don’t wait for “perfect conditions.” Position your company now to maximize value—whether you’re buying, selling, or staying the course.
Join us at the 2nd Annual Manufacturing M&A Dealmakers Forum to walk away with practical strategies, real benchmarks and peer-tested insights to move forward—on your terms.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Sed omnis lorem iste natus sit volur tatem accus antium laudan tium exceurs totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa ab illo inventore veritatis et architecto vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
Discover what really drives value for manufacturing businesses in 2025. Learn how top operators are positioning for higher multiples—even in an uncertain environment.
From tariffs and cyber audits to post-close integration and labor gaps, uncover the risks that are quietly derailing deals—and how to stay ahead of them.
Connect directly with private equity firms, acquirers, lenders and advisors who know manufacturing. Understand how to stand out—and what makes them walk away.
See how sellers and buyers are navigating today’s faster, more complex diligence process. Learn how to protect relationships, manage confidentiality, and keep momentum.
What are dealmakers doing differently in 2025? Hear from leaders who’ve been in your seat—and know what it takes to build, sell and grow a manufacturing business in today’s market.
Harry Kraemer, Executive Partner, Madison Dearborn Partners
Bob Nardelli, Founder, XLR-8; Former CEO, Chrysler, Home Depot & GE Power Systems
Tony Fagella, Managing Director, Raymond James
Jim Canfield, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Class VI Partners
Andy Harris, President North
America Strategies, STS Capital Partners
Drew McCuiston, Managing Director, Periculum Capital
Patrick Taylor, Former CEO, President and Board Member, TH Holdings
Whether you’re actively pursuing a deal—or simply trying to make sense of the shifting M&A landscape—
this is where manufacturing executives come to get grounded in what’s really happening and what to do about it.
Get a clearer picture of how leading CEOs are navigating valuation shifts, tariff risk and capital constraints.
Hear directly from those buying and selling in 2025—what’s moving deals forward and what’s killing them.
Separate signal from spin with insights from proven CEOs, buyers and advisors who understand the pressures you face.
Understand what private equity firms, lenders and strategic buyers are looking for before you’re at the table.
Why Attend
If you’re an owner, CEO, or CFO of a manufacturing company thinking about buying, selling, or simply understanding your current valuation, this forum was built for you.
Whether you’re exploring a deal soon or just want to make sure you’re prepared when the timing is right, you’ll benefit from candid conversations with the people doing deals in the manufacturing sector today.
Walk away with practical strategies, real benchmarks and peer-tested insights to move forward—on your terms.
“Highly recommend for buy or sell side if you want to network with CEOs who have been through the process.”
“Great networking and connections for preparing your company for sale.”
“Excellent overview of the selling process, absolutely terrific!”
Join an exclusive group of manufacturing owners, CEOs, and dealmakers this September in Chicago.
Get clarity on the M&A landscape and walk away with the insights and relationships you need to move forward with confidence.
Seats are limited to maintain a confidential, high-caliber setting among true industry peers.
Register by June 6
$1,095
$2,595
Register by July 11
$1,195
$2,695
Register by August 15
$1,295
$2,795
Register After Aug 15
$1,495
$2,995
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.