March 4 - 5, 2025 | Miami
Welcome to the 18th Independent Sponsor Summit! Join us for the official opening and welcome remarks to kick-start the day.
The two day agenda is filled with keynotes, expert-led panels and interactive workshops, that deliver valuable insights and knowledge from industry leaders discussing the latest trends and best practices.
Managing Principal, Value360 Practice
CohnReznick
Claudine oversees an integrated team of transaction, valuation, restructuring, project finance, and dispute resolution professionals serving clients throughout the lifecycles of their businesses. With specific expertise in managing opportunities and roadblocks that can impact a business moving forward, Claudine and her team help clients achieve optimal outcomes in protecting and growing stakeholder value.
Claudine serves as an adviser to public and private companies, both domestically and internationally. Her clients comprise the full gamut of financial sponsors including private equity investors, independent sponsors, family offices, alternative investment funds, lenders, and strategic investors. Her areas of knowledge include strategic advisory, quality of earnings analyses, identifying revenue sources and profitability drivers, examining operating cost structure and sustainability factors, investigating business models including cash flow and financial projections, reviewing quality and realization of assets and liabilities, identifying working capital requirements and negotiating positions, post-close working capital verification, and adjustment mechanisms.
Claudine was named to Mergers and Acquisitions 2019 list of the most influential women in mid-market M&A, and Crain’s NY 2018 most notable women in consulting.
Analyze the impact of key economic indicators—such as interest rates, inflation, and the geopolitical landscape—on deal flow and investment strategies. Explore the effects of these economic factors on market conditions and discover practical insights on how to navigate shifts in the economy to optimize dealmaking decisions. Learn how to stay ahead in a dynamic investment environment.
Key Takeaways:
Join your peers for a series of lively and interactive discussions on the most pressing topics you are facing today. The small group format will enable you to make meaningful connections and come up with out-of-the-box solutions to shared challenges.
Discussion Moderator
Office Managing Partner
Ice Miller
Discussion Moderator
Partner
Lippes Mathias
Discussion Moderator
Burt Francis is a Managing Director of Business Development at ECA. He works with clients to fill permanent and project based roles. Burt has wide-ranging experience in engineering, business leadership and management consulting in various industries including aerospace, software, financial services, and manufacturing. This includes notable tenure with Oliver Wyman, The Boeing Company, General Dynamics and Starbase Technologies Inc.
Burt graduated summa cum laude, with a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Discussion Moderator
Partner
Holland & Knight
Kevin Christmas is a private equity attorney in Holland & Knight's Charlotte office, and is a co-head of both Holland & Knight's Search Funds and Independent Sponsors teams. Mr. Christmas has substantial experience representing domestic and international search funds, independent sponsors and private equity funds in connection with capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, financing, equity structuring, general corporate advisory work and related matters.
Mr. Christmas has extensive experience advising clients on the full life cycle of business issues, from company formation and capital raising to exit strategies. He serves a portfolio of clients across various industry sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, financial services, distribution, software, retail, education and manufacturing. Mr. Christmas' practice includes representation of private equity funds, search funds, independent sponsors, family offices, entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and public and private companies.
Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Christmas was a corporate partner at international law firms based in Charlotte and Philadelphia.
Co-Founder & CEO
Verivend
Claudine oversees an integrated team of transaction, valuation, restructuring, project finance, and dispute resolution professionals serving clients throughout the lifecycles of their businesses. With specific expertise in managing opportunities and roadblocks that can impact a business moving forward, Claudine and her team help clients achieve optimal outcomes in protecting and growing stakeholder value.
Claudine serves as an adviser to public and private companies, both domestically and internationally. Her clients comprise the full gamut of financial sponsors including private equity investors, independent sponsors, family offices, alternative investment funds, lenders, and strategic investors. Her areas of knowledge include strategic advisory, quality of earnings analyses, identifying revenue sources and profitability drivers, examining operating cost structure and sustainability factors, investigating business models including cash flow and financial projections, reviewing quality and realization of assets and liabilities, identifying working capital requirements and negotiating positions, post-close working capital verification, and adjustment mechanisms.
Claudine was named to Mergers and Acquisitions 2019 list of the most influential women in mid-market M&A, and Crain’s NY 2018 most notable women in consulting.
Deep dive into the crucial 100-day plan, often grouped with broader post-closing strategies but deserving its own focus. Panelists will share what they prioritize in their 100-day plans versus what they actually accomplished after closing, and reflect on what they would change in future deals. Learn the key milestones, common challenges, and real-world adjustments needed to maximize value in the critical first phase of a new investment.
Key Takeaways:
Managing Director
Exeter Street Capital Partners
Franklin Staley joined the Patriot Capital Group in January 2020 to lead Exeter Street Capital Partners, Patriot’s micro-cap buyout strategy that makes control equity investments in promising lower middle market businesses with $2-$5 million of EBITDA within the industrial growth & technology, business, consumer and healthcare services sectors across North America. Mr. Staley brings more than 25 years of private equity, advisory and strategic operating expertise to Exeter Street Capital Partners.
Prior to Exeter Street, he spent over nine years with DC Advisory LLC (formerly Signal Hill), where he founded the firm’s sponsor coverage effort and was a Managing Director in the Business Services practice area. Prior to joining Signal Hill, Mr. Staley spent nine years as a Principal and founding member of Meriturn Partners, LLC, a private equity fund focused on buyouts of lower middle-market companies in basic industries. Among other duties, he was responsible for all aspects of sourcing, evaluating, conducting diligence, structuring and leading transactions, managing strategic capital events within the portfolio, as well as other portfolio monitoring activities and fund oversight duties. Previously, Mr. Staley was the CFO and Vice President of Strategy for Axcellis, Inc., an early-stage software developer in the security alarm and systems integration industries. He has prior investment banking experience with Cowen & Company, Lehman Brothers, and Chase.
Moderator
Managing Principal, Value360 Practice
CohnReznick
Claudine oversees an integrated team of transaction, valuation, restructuring, project finance, and dispute resolution professionals serving clients throughout the lifecycles of their businesses. With specific expertise in managing opportunities and roadblocks that can impact a business moving forward, Claudine and her team help clients achieve optimal outcomes in protecting and growing stakeholder value.
Claudine serves as an adviser to public and private companies, both domestically and internationally. Her clients comprise the full gamut of financial sponsors including private equity investors, independent sponsors, family offices, alternative investment funds, lenders, and strategic investors. Her areas of knowledge include strategic advisory, quality of earnings analyses, identifying revenue sources and profitability drivers, examining operating cost structure and sustainability factors, investigating business models including cash flow and financial projections, reviewing quality and realization of assets and liabilities, identifying working capital requirements and negotiating positions, post-close working capital verification, and adjustment mechanisms.
Claudine was named to Mergers and Acquisitions 2019 list of the most influential women in mid-market M&A, and Crain’s NY 2018 most notable women in consulting.
Everyone talks about “proprietary deal sourcing,” but what does it really mean? This chatham house discussion dives into tactics Independent Sponsors are using to creatively find off-market deals. Be prepared to share insightful stories and actionable strategies that go beyond the traditional approach to sourcing deals.
Discussion Points:
Facilitator
Managing Partner
LP First Capital
Logan Lowery is a seasoned Private Equity Investor at LP First Capital, where he focuses on identifying and executing investment opportunities, particularly in the lower middle-market sector. With a background in finance and business development, Logan has played a key role in sourcing deals, structuring transactions, and driving value creation for portfolio companies. His expertise lies in working closely with management teams to optimize operational performance and scale businesses across various industries. Prior to joining LP First Capital, Logan gained valuable experience in corporate finance and M&A, which has shaped his strategic approach to investments.
In this Chatham House discussion, capital providers will have the opportunity to openly share how they evaluate Independent Sponsors (IS) for successful partnerships. Discussing key criteria such as track record, deal sourcing strategies, alignment of interests, and operational expertise. Discover what makes an IS a valuable partner and explore strategies to build long-term, profitable relationships that align with your investment goals.
Discussion Points:
As the independent sponsor space evolves new models and strategies are emerging to meet the demands of a competitive market. This session will explore the innovative approaches sponsors are using to differentiate themselves, how the industry is growing, and the new possibilities being created. From alternative deal structures to fresh opportunities for collaboration with capital providers, join us to examine the next evolution in the independent sponsor space and the future of deal-making.
Key Takeaways:
Founder and Managing Partner
Full Guard Capital
Managing Partner, Co-Founder, Hullson Partners
Hullson Partners
Prior to co-founding Hullson Partners, Michael worked at a multi-manager asset management firm with assets under management in excess of $3 billion. His responsibilities included support for registered investment advisor, private funds, and private equity transactions, as well as hedge fund administration and compliance. Michael received his BBA in Marketing and Business Law from the Villanova School of Business. He received his Juris Doctor from the Widener University School of Law with a focus in Corporate Bankruptcy.
Moderator
Partner
Ice Miller
Thomas Kesoglou is the Chair of the firm’s Private Equity Practice. He is also a member of the firm's Board of Directors. Mr. Kesoglou represents private equity funds, mezzanine funds, SBICs, BDCs, family offices and independent sponsors providing strategic and legal advice in their investment strategies, including leveraged buyouts, mezzanine financings, growth capital transactions, early and late stage private equity investments and secondary transactions. Mr. Kesoglou also advises these investors in connection with the management of their portfolio companies, including acquisitions, dispositions, follow-on debt or equity investments, bridge loans, restructurings, recapitalizations, employment matters, stock plans and other general corporate matters.
Mr. Kesoglou represents privately held companies in connection with the sale of their business to strategic or financial investors. He also represents large U.S. and foreign corporations in connection with their investment and M&A activities in the United States.
In addition to advising his clients, Mr. Kesoglou actively seeks transaction opportunities to refer to financial investors in order to facilitate introductions and transaction opportunities.
This Chatham House discussion will explore the growing trend of independent sponsor partnerships and the value they bring. These collaborations can enhance bandwidth, improve deal flow, and combine complementary skillsets for greater value creation. Join an open exchange of insights on how strategic partnerships can drive success for both emerging and established independent sponsors.
Discussion Points:
Managing Partner
Auricle Capital
Neil Schaefer is a Managing Partner of Auricle Capital and serves in both investing and operating roles. Neil has been advising or investing in middle market businesses for nearly his entire professional career, which includes direct involvement in over $2 billion of transaction value. Neil is currently the co-President and director of Banister Medical, as well as a director of Elastic Therapy, LLC, both Auricle-affiliated investments.
For nearly 20 years, Neil has been a professional investor focused on small- and medium-sized businesses. During this time, he has completed transactions in a variety of industries, primarily within the industrial and healthcare sectors. His advisory and investment experience includes transactions with Baxter International (medical products), Schramm (capital equipment), SiVance (specialty chemicals), and Engineered Medical Systems (medical contract manufacturing/precision machining).
Success stories are inspiring, but some of the greatest lessons come from failures. In this Chatham House session, seasoned independent sponsors will share their real-world experiences of deals that went wrong, why they did, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. From challenging situations to tough decisions, these insights will provide an honest look at the pitfalls of deal-making and how failures can ultimately shape future success.
Facilitator
Managing Partner
Penstock Equity
Adam is an experienced investor and board member of privately owned companies with 17+ years’ experience in principal investing and lower middle market mergers and acquisitions.
Adam has participated in dozens of transactions as a principal investor or co-investor in the manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, and business services segments. He has significant expertise in sourcing and evaluating acquisition opportunities, facilitating due diligence, raising capital, and negotiating transaction documents.
As an active board member of portfolio companies, he has helped management teams with strategy development as well as growth opportunities both organically and through acquisition.
Born and raised in Michigan, Adam is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned BBA, MAcc and MBA degrees. Adam is the founder and Managing Partner of Credo Private Capital, an independent sponsor firm. Before Penstock and Credo, he spent 15 years at Strength Capital Partners, a lower middle market private equity and independent sponsor firm, and prior to that he spent 3 years as a CPA in the audit practice at KPMG. He enjoys world travel and competing in sporting clays tournaments across the United States.
Focused on discussing active deals with a funding source, connect with the Independent Sponsors or Capital Providers specializing in investments in the industry sectors and markets you focus on. In advance of the event you will be provided with a full list of attendees, so you can choose to meet with the most relevant contacts and evaluate the potential for future business partnerships.
Join us to celebrate the rapidly evolving Independent Sponsors space. This ceremony will provide a fantastic opportunity to come together and recognize the remarkable achievements within the industry.
This session will focus on understanding the investment profiles of different capital sources when selecting the right capital partners, including equity capital providers, SBIC funds, family offices, and private equity firms. Discover insights on how to effectively match deals with the appropriate partner, helping sponsors maximize their chances of success. Learn how to navigate the landscape of capital partners and ensure your deals align with their goals and strategies.
Key Takeaways:
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
o15
Prior to co-founding o15, Kenneth Saffold was a Managing Director and a member of BlackRock's Global Credit Platform where he was responsible for originating and executing private credit investment opportunities across the United States. Kenneth also served as an Investment Committee Member for the BlackRock Impact Opportunities Fund, an asset class fund focused on making investments in underserved ethnic group businesses and communities. He was also on the Senior Leadership Team of the BlackRock Atlanta Office.
Prior to BlackRock, Kenneth held roles with GE Capital and Goldman Sachs. Kenneth received his MBA from The Wharton School and his BA from Morehouse College.
Director of Portfolio Investments
Hall Capital Holdings
Bill is the Founder and Managing Member of Hall Capital Holdings, LLC, since 2001. He is responsible for managing the firm’s investment portfolio.
Bill has over 38 years of operating experience, coupled with private equity, venture capital and real estate investments.
Moderator
Partner, Co-Chair, Transactions Department
Winston & Strawn
Claudine oversees an integrated team of transaction, valuation, restructuring, project finance, and dispute resolution professionals serving clients throughout the lifecycles of their businesses. With specific expertise in managing opportunities and roadblocks that can impact a business moving forward, Claudine and her team help clients achieve optimal outcomes in protecting and growing stakeholder value.
Claudine serves as an adviser to public and private companies, bot models including cash flow and financial projections, reviewing quality and realization of assets and liabilities, identifying working capital requirements and negotiating positions, post-close working capital verification, and adjustment mechanisms.
Claudine was named to Mergers and Acquisitions 2019 list of the most influential women in mid-market M&A, and Crain’s NY 2018 most notable women in consulting.
This Chatham House Discussion will explore best practices for executing deals in a competitive environment, from getting deals signed and financed to post-close strategies for driving organic growth with limited resources. Hear advice on overcoming challenges throughout the deal lifecycle, including, execution and integration, in a confidential setting.
Discussion Points:
Facilitator
Partner
Pine Street
A founder of Pine Street, Tim is involved with all activities at Pine Street, including deal sourcing, deal structuring, portfolio management, and administration. Tim currently serves as a board member on Pine Street portfolio companies Express Medical Transporters, Filterworks USA, NPL HomeCare, DeIorio Foods, ChemArt, and is a board observer on Pine Street portfolio company Alexis Russell. He has also been active as a board member of several other for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Tim's career has included a variety of roles, including as Chief Operating Officer and board member of Colonial Data Technologies, a $75 million revenue publicly traded provider of telecommunications equipment; Chief Financial Officer of First Albany Companies Inc., a $250 million revenue publicly traded investment banking and brokerage firm; and more than 10 years as a senior investment banker providing advisory and capital raising services to small and middle market companies in various industries. Tim began his career as a corporate and securities attorney at Cahill Gordon & Reindel in New York City. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and Albany Law School.
Moderator
Partner
Benesch
Bill specializes in mergers and acquisitions, general corporate and commercial transactions, private equity, and debt and equity finance.
Bill has been involved with the founding and growth of new ventures, has taken companies public, and has acquired, sold, financed and combined many others along the way. Bill’s transactions have also included cross border elements. His diverse industry experience includes advertising and digital media, wealth management and financial services, technology consulting, business services, cannabis industry, direct marketing, manufacturing, distribution, food, health care services, medical devices, retail and transportation.
Bill is a seasoned deal attorney, who for over thirty years has helped many clients successfully complete a variety of public and private transactions and successfully navigate a variety of business and legal challenges.
Bill regularly provides responsive, thoughtful and effective legal and business advice to the leaders of the Business enterprises in a wide range of sizes and industries, often acting as the client’s principal legal counsel.
This Chatham House discussion explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities for capital providers navigating the Independent Sponsor landscape. discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of investing in this space. Attendees can expect valuable insights to enhance their approach to independent sponsor investments.
Discussion Points:
Facilitator
New State Capital Partners
John joined New State Capital Partners in 2013. Prior to joining, John spent over 14 years in investment banking. Most recently, John was an Executive Director in the Financial Sponsors & Leveraged Finance Group at UBS Investment Bank, where he was responsible for originating and executing leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and refinancings as well as co-covering middle market private equity firms. Prior to UBS, John was at Credit Suisse First Boston (previously Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette) in the Private Placements Group, where he helped raise over $2 billion for growth companies in a variety of industries. John began his career at Deutsche Bank in the Commercial Real Estate Finance Group.
John graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Success stories are inspiring, but some of the greatest lessons come from failures. In this Chatham House session, seasoned independent sponsors will share their real-world experiences of deals that went wrong, why they did, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. From challenging situations to tough decisions, these insights will provide an honest look at the pitfalls of deal-making and how failures can ultimately shape future success.
Facilitator
Principal
Tamarix Equity Partners
Jay is a Principal at Tamarix Equity Partners, a middle-market fund based in NYC, where he leads deal execution, investment strategy, and portfolio management. Over ten years’ experience in private equity, growth capital, investment banking and as a consumer startup founder. Prior investment firms include Centre Partners, a middle-market private equity firm in NYC, Palisades Growth Capital, a growth-equity firm in Los Angeles, and Macquarie Capital, an investment bank. Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College with a major in International Politics and Economics.
As traditional financing options become more competitive, independent sponsors and capital providers are increasingly turning to alternative sources of debt to fund their deals. In this Chatham House discussion, we will explore non-traditional lending solutions—ranging from private credit and mezzanine financing to direct lenders and family offices. Discuss how these alternative debt options can provide greater flexibility, customized solutions, and unlock new opportunities to navigate complex transactions.
Oriented to building new connections and expand your network Focused on discussing active deals with a funding source, connect with the Independent Sponsors or Capital Providers specializing in investments in the industry sectors and markets you focus on. In advance of the event you will be provided with a full list of attendees, so you can choose to meet with the most relevant contacts and evaluate the potential for future business partnerships.
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