COSTA MESA, Calif., May 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A significant number of senior executives, representing many of the Nordic region's top corporations and private equity groups, are expected to attend today's International Buyer Symposium in Stockholm hosted by global investment bank RSM EquiCo. The daylong event features panel discussions on an array of issues associated with cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Stockholm marks the firm's fifth annual Symposium, with prior events held throughout Europe in Frankfurt, London (twice) and Madrid.
RSM EquiCo, which specializes in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and capital raising for companies with up to $500 million in annual revenue, actively markets North American companies to prospective buyers in Europe. With international headquarters in London, the firm is hosting the Symposium to give European business leaders a better understanding of the current acquisition climate in North America while addressing an array of relevant strategic, financial, legal and tax issues. The event's keynote speakers include:
-- Goran Jansson, deputy CEO and CFO of the ASSA ABLOY Group,
the world's largest lock manufacturer.
-- Ola Burmark, senior vice president, finance, of Thule, one of
the world's largest manufacturers of car racks.
-- Tom Berggren, managing director, Swedish Private Equity and
Venture Capital Association, an independent, non-profit
association supporting the interests of the Swedish private
equity industry.
Other panelists include industry experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Aird & Berlis, Nixon Peabody, Manheimer Swartling, GE Capital, RSM McGladrey and RSM EquiCo.
"North America is an extraordinarily attractive market for acquisition-minded companies in Europe and throughout the world," said Coby Sonenshine, president, client services, of RSM EquiCo. "The U.S. is the world's largest, most affluent market, and its private middle market is particularly appealing to international buyers seeking to establish or expand their presence here.
"Through the first part of 2005, we have already witnessed a significant increase in the number of U.S. acquisitions being made by Nordic corporations, especially in Sweden, relative to 2003 and 2004," he added.
The International Buyer Symposium affords RSM EquiCo a particularly attractive forum for presenting specific acquisition opportunities to European executives that have expressed interest in North American middle-market companies. "Our symposia have been very fruitful in laying the groundwork for subsequent transactions," Sonenshine said.
About RSM EquiCo, Inc.
RSM EquiCo (www.rsmequico.com) is a global investment bank serving private middle-market companies throughout North America. With more than 400 professionals and support staff in North America and Europe, RSM EquiCo specializes in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and capital raising for companies with up to $500 million in annual revenue. The firm is part of RSM McGladrey Inc., a business segment of H&R Block.