“The First Date”: Contacting Owners and Successful First Meetings
CPE Credit Awarded
Thursday, July, 29 2010; 11:00 AM ET

Hosted by David Braun, Capstone CEO

David Braun, CEO of Washington, DC- based external growth consulting firm Capstone, is hosting a webinar with Capstone Project Manager Gretchen Johnson.

Having identified the target companies you would like to consider acquiring, you are ready to make contact with the owners. The first connection is decisive. Handled correctly, it can initiate a positive relationship that may eventually lead to union. But if you botch it, that one phone call can terminate the opportunity to buy.

This webinar will show you how to approach owners of “not-for-sale” companies armed with the right information and strategy to get your foot in the door and get that critical first meeting. You will also learn about how to approach that meeting - the “first date” in what could be a successful (and lucrative) relationship for all involved.  You will be able to keep owners saying “Yes!” until you say “No!”

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•    Explain what typically motivates owners to consider the sale of their business
•    Describe effective contact strategies for getting and keeping owners on the phone
•    Detail how to use your previous market and prospect research to gain credibility with an owner
•    Outline steps to take for a successful first face-to-face visit with an owner
•    Develop a persuasive first meeting presentation to highlight the strategic fit between your company and the prospect
David and Gretchen will speak for approximately 50 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session.

Date:  Thursday, July 29, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM ET/ 10:00 AM CT/ 9:00 AM MT/ 8:00 AM PT

No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!

To register, click here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/558113314

Registration Fee: $79

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:  Once you register, we will send you a request for payment via PayPal (may take up to 24 hours).  Once payment is confirmed, your registration will be approved and you will receive the log-in information for the webinar.

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Management and Organization will be given for those attending this webinar
Program Level:  Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based

Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who might be interested in corporate growth strategies.

Refund policy: Requests for refunds must be received in writing by 1:00 PM ET Wednesday, July 28 and the money will be refunded in full within 5 business days.  After 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, July 28 a credit will be given for a future webinar.  In the event of a cancellation, you will be given the option of of a full refund or applying your fee to a future webinar.

For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft at 703-854-1910 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, Capstone, CPE, David Braun, External Growth, first meetings, Gretchen Johnson, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, owner contacts, owners, webinar

John Dearing, Managing Director of Washington, DC- based external growth consulting firm Capstone, is hosting a webinar with Capstone Analyst Bob Kwaja.

You’ve formulated your acquisition strategy.  You’ve assembled your growth team. You’ve researched and selected the top markets for growth.  Now, let Capstone show you how to find the best acquisition targets in those markets.

The next step in Capstone’s unique market-driven process, acquisition prospect research and selection doesn’t have to be a haphazard ordeal.  This webinar will show you how to approach the search for the right company systematically and efficiently using effective research methods. You will be able to take the emotion out of the process to objectively determine which prospects to approach.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•    Define the Ideal Prospect for your acquisition strategy
•    Explain Prospect Criteria (including revenue growth and size, management team, culture and services) and how to use them to evaluate a prospect
•    Describe effective Secondary and Primary Market Research techniques to maximize your research resources
•    Explain the Triangulation Technique for prospect research to get the most relevant information to make decisions
•    Begin to develop Specific Tools to objectively compare and contrast prospects

John and Bob will speak for approximately 50 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session.

Date:  Thursday, June 24, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT

No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!

To register, click here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/597914154

Registration Fee: $79

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:  Once you register, we will send you a request for payment via PayPal (may take up to 24 hours).  Once payment is confirmed, your registration will be approved and you will receive the log-in information for the webinar.

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Management and Organization will be given for those attending this webinar
Program Level:  Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based

Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who might be interested in corporate growth strategies.

Refund policy: Requests for refunds must be received in writing by 1:00 PM ET Wednesday, June 23 and the money will be refunded in full within 5 business days.  After 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, June 23 a credit will be given for a future webinar.  In the event of a cancellation, you will be given the option of of a full refund or applying your fee to a future webinar.

For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft, Capstone’s Marketing Coordinator, at 703-854-1910 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, Bob Kwaja, business acquisitions, Capstone, John Dearing, M&A, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, prospects, webinar

Capstone Webinar: Discovering the Right Markets for Growth

David Braun, CEO of Washington, DC- based external growth consulting firm Capstone, is hosting a webinar with Capstone Senior Analyst Matt Craft.

There is a unique opportunity in the next 12-15 months to grow your business through M&A.  However, before you start to go after acquisition prospects, you need to make sure you are looking in the right markets.

David and Matt will discuss Capstone’s unique market-driven process, which centers around future demand:  What will your customers want in 5, 10 or even 15 years?  Anticipating this demand is a key to future success.

In order to determine what that demand will be requires research.  The webinar will delve into where to begin with research and how to use limited resources to get the critical information you need to make a decision.

There will also be insights on how important research into market trends is to ensuring you are targeting the best companies to acquire.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•    Define the Market-Driven Process and why it makes sense for your company
•    Explain Market Criteria (including market growth and size, competitive dynamics and barriers to entry) and how to use  criteria them to evaluate a market or segment
•    Describe effective Secondary and Primary Market Research techniques to maximize your research resources
•    Explain the Triangulation Technique for market research to get the most relevant information to make decisions
•    Begin to develop Specific Tools to objectively compare and contrast markets

David and Matt will speak for approximately 50 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session.

Date:  Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT

No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!

To register, click here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/859711747

Registration Fee: $79

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:  Once you register, we will send you a request for payment via PayPal (may take up to 24 hours).  Once payment is confirmed, your registration will be approved and you will receive the log-in information for the webinar.

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Management and Organization will be given for those attending this webinar
Program Level:  Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based

Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who might be interested in corporate growth strategies.

Refund policy: Requests for refunds must be received in writing by 1:00 PM ET Wednesday, May 19 and the money will be refunded in full within 5 business days.  After 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, May 19, a credit will be given for a future webinar.  In the event of a cancellation, you will be given the option of of a full refund or applying your fee to a future webinar.

For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft, Capstone’s Marketing Coordinator, at 703-854-1910 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, Capstone, David Braun, External Growth, M&A, market research, Matt Craft, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, webinar

Capstone Webinar:
Finding Opportunity for Growth in Tough Times
CPE Credit Awarded
Thursday, April 8, 2010; 1:00 PM ET

David Braun, CEO of Washington, DC- based external growth consulting firm Capstone, is hosting a webinar.

David will focus on where you can find opportunity for growth in the toughest economy in a generation.  His main message remains, “If not now, when?”

You and your company may be trying to simply weather the current storm, but others, perhaps even your competitors, are getting stronger now and positioning themselves for the future.  David will offer solutions for how you can take advantage of the current climate.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•    Use Statistical Evidence and Trends to Discuss Today’s Economy from a Historic Perspective
•    Define the Five Growth Options for Your Company
•    Explain why External Growth (Acquisition, Joint Venture, etc.) Can Be the Best Option for Your Company
•    Describe the Current State of the M&A Market Using Relevant Statistics and Indicators
•    Begin to Develop a Formalized Step-by-step M&A Process for Your Company

David will speak for approximately 50 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session.

Date:  Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT

No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!

To register, click here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/692231858

Registration Fee: $79

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:  Once you register, we will send you a request for payment via PayPal (may take up to 24 hours).  Once payment is confirmed, your registration will be approved and you will receive the log-in information for the webinar.

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Management and Organization will be given for those attending this webinar
Program Level:  Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based

Mark your calendar for our upcoming webinars for CPE Credit:
•    Thursday, May 6, 2010 1 PM ET: “Identifying the Right Markets for Expansion” - 1 credit in Business Management and Organization
•    Friday, June 5, 2010 1 PM ET: “How to Find Top-Notch Companies” - 1 credit in Business Management and Organization

Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who might be interested in corporate growth strategies.

Refund policy: Requests for refunds must be received in writing by 1:00 PM ET Wednesday, April 7 and the money will be refunded in full within 5 business days.  After 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, April 7, a credit will be given for a future webinar.  In the event of a cancellation, you will be given the option of of a full refund or applying your fee to a future webinar.

For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft, Capstone’s Marketing Coordinator, at 703-854-1910 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, Capstone, Cisco, CPE, David Braun, demand, External Growth, M&A, M&A News, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, webinar

M&A: From LOI to Close
CPE Credit Awarded
Thursday, March 11, 2010; 1:00 PM ET

David Braun is hosting a webinar with Capstone Senior Vice President Wes Teague.

Building on the success of our last webinar on Contemporary Legal Issues in M&A, Capstone is presenting a new program that will lead you through one of the most challenging, yet exciting parts of any deal:  The journey from Letter of Intent to Close.

This webinar will provide insight that any professional involved in M&A will want to know.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•    Explain the structure of an Letter of Intent and how to make it beneficial to your situation
•    Describe how to manage the Due Diligence process from both the viewpoint of the Buyer and Seller
•    Utilize strategies to negotiate an agreement that is beneficial to both sides
•    Identify how valuation is affected during the Due Diligence and Closing process
•    Recognize what is expected at Closing
•    Begin to execute your Integration game plan
David and Wes will speak for 50 minutes followed by a question and answer session.

No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!

To register, click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/875225514

Registration Fee: $79

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:  Once you register, we will send you a request for payment via PayPal (may take up to 24 hours).  Once payment is confirmed, your registration will be approved and you will receive the log-in information for the webinar.

Mark you calendar for our upcoming webinars for CPE Credit:
•    Thursday, April 8, 2010 1 PM ET:  “Finding Opportunity for Growth” - 1 credit in Business Management and Organization
•    Thursday, May 6, 2010 1 PM ET: “Identifying the Right Markets for Expansion” - 1 credit in Business Management and Organization
•    Friday, June 5, 2010 1 PM ET: “How to Find Top-Notch Companies” - 1 credit in Business Management and Organization
For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft at 703-854-1910 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Management and Organization will be given for those attending this webinar

Program Level:  Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based

Refund policy: Requests for refunds must be received in writing by 1:00 PM ET Wednesday, March 10.  After 1:00PM Wednesday March 10, a credit will be given for a future webinar.  In the event of a cancellation, you will be given the option of a full refund or applying your fee to a future webinar.

Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, Capstone, David Braun, due diligence, External Growth, Indication of Interest, Integration, Letter of Intent, LOI, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, webinar, wes teague

I am hosting a webinar tomorrow (December 17) with CPE credit being awarded!

We’ve heard from our audience that they want an opportunity to earn CPE credits by the end of the year, so we’ve developed a webinar on an in-demand topic: current legal topics in M&A.

Even if you are not a member of the bar, this webinar will provide insight that any professional involved in M&A will want to know.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Define a typical timeline for the M&A process
- Describe the key principles and purpose of a Letter of Intent and Term Sheet
- Define the key differences between a stock purchase, asset purchase and merger
- Explain the basic contents of  typical sections of an acquisition agreement, including sale and Purchase, Reps and Warranties, Indemnification, Closing and Post-Closing

I will speak for 50 minutes followed by a question and answer session.

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT
No Prerequisites or Advanced Preparation needed!
To register, click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/325735746

Registration Fee: None

Once you register, you will receive information on how to listen to the webinar and view the slides.

Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who might be interested in corporate growth strategies.

CPE Credits – 1 CPE credit in Business Law will be given for those attending this webinarP

Program Level:  Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based
Refund policy: N/A
Capstone Strategic, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 4th Ave N, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org

For questions or concerns, please contact Matt Craft at 202-776-0500 or mcraft@capstonestrategic.com

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, business law, Capstone, CPE, David Braun, External Growth, Integration, M&A, Mergers and Acquisitions, webinar

On Friday, August 21, 2009, Capstone will be hosting a webinar on maximizing the time and effort put into due diligence in the acquisition process.

Due diligence has traditionally been seen as a “check the box”  exercise - you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a target, uncover liabilities and understand risk in order to determine whether to proceed with the acquisition.

While these are all still valid and necessary reasons, a new way of thinking about due diligence has come to the forefront.  Due diligence will allow you to find opportunities to boost the likelihood of success for a deal.  Due diligence can:

- Pave the way for a smoother integration
- Identify “stars” that will help the newly formed entity grow
- Craft a creative deal structure to allow a deal to flourish

Due diligence is about more than just looking for red flags and hammering the target for more and more information.

The webinar is free and open to the public.  There will be a a 45 minute presentation followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session.

Date:  Friday, August 21, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT

To register, please follow this link:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/117587779

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, business acquisitions, Capstone, David Braun, due diligence, External Growth, Integration, M&A, m-and-a, mergers, Mergers and Acquisitions, webinar

This Friday, February 20, I will be holding a free webinar on “Finding the Right Markets for Growth” at 1:00 PM ET.   You can register by clicking here.

In these tough economic times, market research and selection are vitally important to position yourself for growth now and in the future.

Capstone Program Manager Gretchen Johnson will be joining me to present on the following topics:

- Current State of the M&A Market
- How to Determine Where the Opportunity Lies
- Why to Research Markets First
- Developing and Implementing Market Criteria
- Market Segmentation
- How to Conduct Effective Market Research

The webinar is free and open to the public.  Gretchen and I will speak for approximately 45 minutes followed by a 15 minute question and answer session.

Here, again, are the details.  Please join us!

Date: Friday, February 20, 2009

Time: 1:00 PM ET/ Noon CT/ 11:00 AM MT/ 10:00 AM PT

Registration:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/460174264

Technorati Tags: Acquisition Strategy, acquisitions, criteria, David Braun, External Growth, M&A, market research, mergers, webinar