Conference programme

This data-rich session will set the stage for the day, briefing us on the global environment for private equity deals, looking at geographical spread, sector focus, exits and other key trends.

This will be a deep dive into what leading lawyers are seeing as the most difficult and current challenges to doing deals in 2023. Innovative solutions and ideas for adding value will be key take-aways for the audience.

Where are sponsors going to supplement the information that they gain through legal and accounting due diligence? In a competitive environment, the challenge for sponsors is to gain insights and perspectives that give an edge. Our panellists all look at target and portfolio companies through slightly different lenses. Lawyers need to understand these approaches. They must ensure that they work collaboratively with other due diligence providers so that legal risks are properly analysed in a holistic approach to understanding both the upside and downside issues in the business.

Debt has been one of the most challenging components of deals over the last year. Where does this stand today? What can we expect to see as repayment obligations loom in 2024/5? Banks, credit funds and bond markets all have a role to play in helping to re-establish momentum in deal flow. This panel will equip you with an understanding of how this dynamic market is likely to develop.

Greater Share’s Chair of the Board Paul Fletcher will present followed by a Q&A with Charles Martin

Every deal lawyer needs to understand the investor environment which in turn derives sponsor behaviour and deal flow. The current fundraising market is amongst the worst in recent years. What strategies are GPs using to raise capital and where are the continued opportunities for growth? This panel will explore fundraising trends as well as private capital’s focus on retailisation and the continued spotlight on GP-led transactions.

The French private equity market has its own distinctive characteristics. Sophisticated mid-market deals, secondary transactions and minority investments are just some of the facets of this that this panel will explore. Italy has a vibrant private equity market with large deals in fashion, sport and technology to the fore. This panel will look at what lawyers need to understand when clients embark on a deal in Italy.

Sports deals have been highly lucrative for some sponsors and an exciting component of the deal environment for general partners, bankers and lawyers alike. What makes these deals different? Where do the risks and opportunities lie?

This panel is an opportunity for private practice specialists to hear the areas of priority for sponsor legal groups, and how outside counsel can best help. What is keeping these in-house lawyers up at night? What do they want to see from their external counsel?