Costa Mesa, Calif. - April 20, 2006, Representatives from food processing service providers seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities, enhance the value of their businesses or understand the current merger and acquisition (M&A) market attended an industry-focused Food Processing Symposium sponsored by RSM EquiCo Capital Markets.
"Our firm recognizes that this sector requires a stronger level of attention and industry knowledge, and we are committed to bringing our M&A expertise to the middle market," said Hector J. Cuellar, president of RSM EquiCo Capital Markets, who addressed trends in global food processing M&A.
"Increasing material and energy costs and global competition are putting pressure on large food companies to focus their efforts on developing higher margin and faster growing product segments. The options are always buy or build, and strategic acquisitions seem to be an increasingly important strategy towards reaching those objectives," said Managing Director Brian Boyle, who oversees the firm's Food Processing Industry practice and manages its Chicago office.
"This event gave us an opportunity to present some of the key industry trends such as the growing demand for natural, organic, and ethnic foods, as well as to discuss the ever changing regulatory environment and the operational challenges that they present," Boyle said.
The symposium, which covered industry trends, current valuations of midsized companies in the field, consolidation and other topical issues, featured presentations from several other professionals, including:
Andrew Whitman, managing partner of 2x Management, spoke about food industry trends that will create future growth opportunities. His firm invests in consumer products businesses capable of growing exponentially via infusion of capital and management expertise.
Mark McKeown, senior manager for Technomic Inc., addressed the foodservice channel as a mature market that offers opportunity for suppliers who create innovative products and services. Technomic is a well known food industry consulting and research firm.
Ketan Mehta, managing partner of Corporate Development Group, discussed forging strategic and corporate alliances and avoiding pitfalls of partnering. Corporate Development Group is management consulting and product development firm.
Jay Link, former chief operating officer for Jack Link's, shared ways to keep up with the food industry. Jack Link's is the recognized U.S. meat-snack market leader in convenience stores.
According to Cuellar, RSM EquiCo Capital Markets has accelerated its growth since developing several industry-specific specialty practices, which are led by experienced, senior-level investment bankers. For example, last year the firm advised Georgia-based manufacturer and distributor of condiments and other foodservice items Mark-Lynn Foods LLC on its $42.5 million acquisition by Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corp. The firm is currently engaged with other top companies in the sector.
The Food Processing Symposium was held at The Palmer House Hilton hotel in Chicago on April 19.
About RSM EquiCo Capital Markets
RSM EquiCo Capital Markets (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 Capital Markets LLC 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 Capital Markets, a subsidiary of RSM EquiCo Inc., 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.
The firm's international headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, California. It also has offices in Chicago, Boston, New York and London.
RSM EquiCo is a tradename for RSM EquiCo, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which include: RSM EquiCo Capital Markets, LLC (broker-dealer licensed by the SEC and member NASD, SIPC), RSM EquiCo Canada, Inc. (limited market dealer registered with the Ontario Securities Commission) and EquiCo Europe Limited (authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority). RSM EquiCo, Inc. and its subsidiaries are wholly owned subsidiaries of H&R Block.
CONTACT:
RSM EquiCo Inc.
Todd Cooley, Director of Communications
714.327.8865
tcooley@rsmequico.com