This breakfast meeting will focus on the transitions that families undergo when they sell their businesses, the challenges they face, and how they can prepare. Our panelists include Amelia Renkert-Thomas, Bill Cranshaw and Gretchen Davidsen. Amy, Bill and Gretchen together will discuss the differences between running an operating business and a family office or family investment vehicle, and how to effectively structure and manage a family office to maintain control.

Panelists 
Amelia Renkert-Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience working with multi-generational family groups, both as a family business owner/manager and as a practicing lawyer.  Amy ran her family’s 5th generation brick and tile manufacturing company for 12 years before returning to the practice of law. As a partner at Withers Bergman LLP, she led the Families and Business practice group and co-chaired the Family Office group. 

Bill Cranshaw, a partner at Management Planning, Inc., has for more than a decade been trustee of a trust that owns a multi-generational family business, nationally known in the retail sector. In his role as trustee, Bill has been deeply involved in the family’s ownership and leadership transitions, formation and operation of its family office, and ongoing business strategy.

Gretchen Davidsen worked with her father and brother to assess their family’s diagnostic imaging business and explored the strategic options continuum from succession to exit. She played a critical role in the resulting sale, and then drove the creation of their Family Enterprise Process. Along the way, she built a family office led by a cohesive family team that focuses on family capital and entrepreneurship. 

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 AM A continental breakfast will be served. 
Location: Withers Bergman LLP, 157 Church Street, 19th Floor, New Haven, CT
Cost:  XPX CT Members $35, Non-members $50, Registrations at the door $60