COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Senior executives from some of Germany's top corporations and private equity firms, including BK Giulini GmbH, Ehrmann AG, Conergy AG and HeidelbergCement, met recently in Frankfurt, Germany to learn about acquisition opportunities in the North American private middle market.
These business leaders, representing companies in a cross-section of industries including chemicals, food, energy and building materials and aggregates, gathered at an International Buyer Symposium to hear experts discuss topics ranging from North American cross-border M&A opportunities and acquisition funding to financial and tax considerations.
Co-hosted by global investment bank RSM EquiCo and RSM Haarmann Hemmelrath, a Germany-based international audit and consulting firm, the full-day event also served as a forum to introduce RSM EquiCo's individual client companies to European buyers seeking to establish a strategic presence in the United States.
"Midsized businesses in North America are attractive to foreign buyers for a number of reasons," said Hector J. Cuellar, president of RSM EquiCo's Capital Markets, the firm's broker-dealer subsidiary. "Among the top considerations for strategic and financial buyers are economic stability; a large, well trained and flexible labor force; a relatively weak U.S. dollar; and virtually limitless opportunities to expand into niche industry markets."
Other event speakers included experts from GE Capital, Aird & Berlis, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, KSB Group, RSM Robson Rhodes, and RSM EquiCo. Robert F. Cekuta, Minister-Counselor of Economic Affairs for the United Sates Embassy, Berlin, served as keynote speaker for the event, which was held November 8 at the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof.
(KSB Group, a manufacturer of pumps, valves and hydraulic systems for water supply and drainage, was first introduced to RSM EquiCo at the firm's 2002 Frankfurt Symposium. KSB Group subsequently acquired Precision Pump and Machine, a U.S.-based provider of flow control system components, which was represented by RSM EquiCo.)
In the days following the symposium, RSM EquiCo's industry specialists met privately with prospective buyers throughout Germany to discuss acquisition prerequisites, current buying opportunities and North American capital raising options.
"The response we've received from European business leaders has been exciting," said Paul Teuten, managing director-international and head of RSM EquiCo's London office. "Our growing reputation, based on a series of successful cross-border transactions, preceded our arrival." RSM EquiCo's recent international activities include negotiating Intertech Corporation's acquisition by Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Tailored Logistics' acquisition by UMECO, and several successful buyside transactions on behalf of Hampson LLC.
About RSM EquiCo
RSM EquiCo (www.rsmequico.com) is a global provider of investment banking services to private companies with annual revenues of up to $500 million. The firm brings together companies, capital and creativity on a national and international scale to help clients achieve their personal and strategic objectives.
RSM EquiCo is part of RSM McGladrey Inc., one of the nation's largest providers of business and tax consulting, wealth management, retirement resources and payroll services to midsized companies. RSM McGladrey Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of H&R Block, a diversified financial services company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
RSM EquiCo is licensed by the SEC (Securities & Exchange Commission) and all state securities authorities, and is a member of the NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation).
RSM EquiCo's international headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, California. It also has offices in Chicago, Boston, New York and London.