Future Events

We are launching an all-new full-day MasterClass on Buying Regional Banks—How to Find & Buy Regional Banks -- The Newest PE Vogue. We'll introduce you to an all-star slate of PE experts who specialize in these bank deals.

Consider these facts – Many regional banks desperately need fresh capital. They're closely monitored. And most important, they're available at what are often staggeringly low prices.  Many regional bank values have dropped this year to only 50 to 80 percent of book value, down from two or three times book 18 – 24 months ago.

But there's a catch. While the space is certainly undervalued, it's by no means under-regulated.  And the barriers to entry can be pretty high hurdles to overcome.  And it makes no difference whether you are seeking a majority or minority position – you have to be very well-informed and very well‑prepared before you take the first step.

The forum will focus on a plethora of issues all relevant to wealthy families in today's uncertain environment: personal security for the families, asset allocation, real estate, private equity investing, hedge fund investing, succession planning, risk control and more. There are many private sessions for families only, including a private, closed-door program exclusively for families on Sunday afternoon, breakout sessions and several private breakfast meetings.

I hope you will join us for our Family Office Forum: "Challenges in Wealth Management" to be held March 8-11, 2009 at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, Florida. For more information please visit www.nmsmanagement.com .

The 2009 Southeast Venture Conference (SEVC) takes place March 11-12th, 2009 at the Intercontinental Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s conference will feature over 40 presenting companies from early to late stage, and market centric panels with over 40 expert speakers. The sold out 2007 and 2008 SEVC’s featured over $80 billion in private equity investment represented in attendance.

www.seventure.org

It's difficult if not impossible to do a deal today without mezzanine financing.  And it's been a long time since so many PE firms have considered mezz to be a necessary part of a capital structure.

After all, senior debt has become non-existent.  Second lien loans are practically out of the picture.  So the action is all on the mezzanine playing field -- and that's not likely to change much during the current credit crunch.

From the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008, mezzanine debt as a percentage of total debt grew by more than six-fold -- to 31%, up from only 4.6%!

But along with the money, middle-market mezzanine providers also have the power.  So you've got to know how to find them, how to approach them, how to get them interested, and how to negotiate fair terms with them.

With the credit crunch on, opportunities for mezzanine and junior capital financing have increased and the possibility of greater returns on investment has emerged. DealFlow 2009 is created so you, the investor, have the opportunity to learn what the makes a deal work successfully!

Save $100 if you register by January 20th, 2009 using promo code GKA994. DealFlow 2009

Thunderbird 5th Annual Global Private Equity Investing Conference brings together global industry experts in private equity and venture capital to discuss the potential threat of new regulations, limited partner globalization issues, corporate venture, the liquidity crisis, the secondary market, global fundraising, opportunities in Shariah-based investing and much more.

Join us on March 26-27, 2009 on Thunderbird's campus in Arizona for this unique global event focusing on the opportunities and risks that lie ahead for the global private equity imperative.