Manufacturing M&A Dealmakers Forum

Position Your Business For Maximum Value

September 17-18, 2025

Chicago, IL

Deals move fast when the market shifts—being ready puts you ahead of the curve.

There’s no better time to plan your next move. With reshoring accelerating, interest rates expected to fall, and valuations on the rise, the next wave of manufacturing deals is already taking shape. Buyers are increasingly scrutinizing supply chain exposure, tariffs, and trade risk—while private credit providers are stepping in with new, flexible capital solutions that could help you scale or recapitalize before the window shifts again.

Whether you’re pursuing growth or managing disruption, now is the time to understand where your business stands—and how to maximize its value.

This is the only event dedicated solely to manufacturing M&A, tailored for leaders like you. Join fellow owners, CEOs, and CFOs to gain the clarity, strategies and connections needed to:

Featured Speakers:

Harry Kraemer

Executive Partner, Madison Dearborn Partners; Former Chair & CEO, Baxter International

Bob Nardelli

Founder, XLR-8 LLC; Former CEO, Chrysler,
The Home Depot and GE Power Systems

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

Why Attend the Manufacturing M&A Dealmakers Forum:

Understand Current Valuations:
Gain a clear perspective on how your business is valued in today’s market.

Learn About Changing Value Drivers:
Discover the evolving factors that are reshaping manufacturing value.

Connect with Specialized Financing Experts:
Meet debt and alternative funding providers dedicated to the manufacturing sector.

Discuss Financing Options: Explore the pros and cons of various financing strategies to determine the best fit for your business.

Agenda Highlights:

This Event is Tailored for Manufacturing Company Owners,
CEOs & CFOs Who Are Interested In:

Dive deep into the world of high stakes dealmaking where unparalleled insights meet actionable strategies. Get a rare glimpse into the trends, tactics, and tools that the industry’s most successful dealmakers employ to significantly enhance shareholder value and secure liquidity. Meet with bankers, private equity firms and investors to get a sense of your firm’s value and put plans in place now to maximize your value. The program format will provide many opportunities to network and discuss issues with fellow CEO dealmakers and expert advisors.

What Past Attendees Say:

TICKET OPTIONS

Manufacturing Company Owners & Executives
Individual Registration
$1,495$1,095Register by June 6
Advisors (M&A Advisors, Bankers, Dealmakers)
Individual Registration
$2,995$2,595Register by June 6

Seats are limited to maintain a confidential, high-caliber setting among true industry peers. 

Rate Schedule

DEADLINE

OWNERS

ADVISORS

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

VENUE

The Westin O'Hare

Experience premier comfort and sophistication at the Westin O’Hare. Conveniently located just minutes from O’Hare International Airport with a complimentary shuttle and 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, this upscale hotel provides exceptional amenities and superior service, making it the ideal setting for industry leaders to engage and network.
 
Last day to book is Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Sponsors

Logo of STS Capital Partners
Roundtable

Strategic Planning Workshop

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:

  1. Lack of systematic approach (70%)
  2. Laundry lists without prioritization (68%)
  3. Decisions based on personalities rather than facts and information (65%)

 

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.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

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.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

Golf Outing

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.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.