(ROCKVILLE, MD) – March 11, 2010 – The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) hosted a record crowd of local financial and business executives to discuss the current state of the private equity market and the impact on the region's tech community at the bi-monthly Financial Executives Forum (FEF). Brooke Coburn, managing director and head of Carlyle Growth Partners, and Matt Altman, partner of Arlington Capital Partners, were the featured speakers and shared their views on investing in growth businesses, acquisitions and financial markets.
Coburn stressed that one of the most critical criteria when investing in a business is evaluating the existing management team and the human capital at the company to ensure everyone would be "rowing the same direction." He also discussed how private equity investments are much more "hands on" than other forms of investments. He mentioned when Carlyle invests in a business that they begin with a 100-day plan, which includes experts to help fill in gaps where the company might have them.
Altman spoke about the importance of financial transparency and being as detailed as possible about your business when looking for outside investment. Altman also discussed the importance of having strong legal and accounting advisors. He emphasized the less surprises the better.
"Given all the current debate about the strength or weakness of the economic recovery, FEF provided a timely and relevant opportunity for business leaders to have direct access to senior representatives from two of the most successful investment firms in the country," said Mark Morsheimer, partner with AdamsGrayson. "Getting candid views from Coburn and Altman on their respective strategies, valuation trends and portfolio performance is a huge advantage to anyone in a business leadership role looking to better understand how private equity is behaving. Private equity firms are designed to identify and assess business and market risk, and if those firms are actively putting capital to work then this is a positive sign."
To learn more about future Financial Executives Forum programs, please email Brian Levine.
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ABOUT THE TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND, INC.
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM's mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.