Probity and SMU to offer three-part series to help business owners and entrepreneurs prepare and plan for an exit or sale event
DALLAS, TX, May 6, 2013 – Probity Advisors, Inc. and SMU announce a speaker series focusing on critical, but often overlooked, succession and exit strategy planning for business owners and entrepreneurs.
The series, “Succession Plans and Exit Strategies for Owners of Closely Held Businesses,” includes three distinct yet corresponding luncheon seminars to be held May 21, 2013, September 24, 2013, and January 21, 2014. The program will be held at the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas, TX.
Probity Advisors, Inc. and SMU are honored to have a distinguished keynote speaker for each event: Gordon Walker, PhD, Professor and Chairman of the Strategy and Entrepreneurship Group at SMU; Mr. Tom Harris, M&A Partner at Haynes and Boone; and Dr. Robert Delamontagne, entrepreneur, business owner, and author.
“Succession planning is often the most unattended to but essential requirement for ensuring the continuing success of a business. Taking time now to develop succession plans and exit strategies allows business owners to make strategically wise decisions that can help ensure the continuation of the business and optimize the value of their enterprise,” said Buddy Ozanne, president at Probity Advisors, Inc. “Too often, business owners put off this important effort, and this may make it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for the owner to achieve their long term succession goals,” Ozanne added.
Kevin L. Knox, Assistant Dean of External Relations and Executive Director of the Cox Alumni Association at SMU stated, “We are so pleased to be working with Buddy Ozanne and all the outstanding people at Probity Advisors. With these wonderful speakers and interesting subject matter, we will undoubtedly draw a terrific audience from across the metropolitan area. We look forward to having everyone on campus.”
The initial seminar on May 21st, “Improving the value of your enterprise in preparation for your eventual exit,” will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Gordon Walker. Dr. Walker will address strategic business management and planning and what business owners and entrepreneurs should do to assess and build a competitive advantage to enhance the value of their firm.
“Getting the Deal Done,” the second in the series, will be held September 24, 2013. Tom Harris, M&A Partner at Haynes and Boone, will address the practical issues in selling a business, including finding the right buyer, structuring and negotiating a deal, and managing the closing process. The presentation will focus on the use of estate planning tools in succession and exit strategy planning.
The final luncheon in the series, “Honey, I’m Home: Preparing for the financial and emotional considerations of retirement,” will be held January 21, 2014. This event will address the lifestyle transition for business owners as they enter retirement with a keynote presentation by Dr. Robert Delamontagne, entrepreneur, business owner, author, and leading expert on retirement issues.
Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in attending may contact Probity Advisors, Inc. for more information about the series and to register.
About Probity Advisors
Probity Advisors, Inc. is a financial services firm based in Dallas, Texas. For more than 40 years, we have helped individuals, families and businesses manage their financial assets and resources in order to achieve financial independence and security.
With expertise in customized portfolio management, financial and estate planning, retirement benefits consulting, risk management solutions, and tax planning, we provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing and building wealth.
Our team of Certified Financial Planners®, Chartered Financial Analysts®, Chartered Financial Consultants, and Accredited Estate Planners® can help you optimize your complete financial picture with a coordinated estate, investment and tax strategy.
About SMU / Cox
SMU’s Cox School of Business offers a full range of business education programs, including BBA, full-time MBA, Professional MBA (PMBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship, Master of Science in Finance and Executive Education.
Founded in 1920, the SMU Cox School of Business equips students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed in business. Major publications — including BusinessWeek, The Economist, Financial Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal — rank SMU Cox among the top business schools in the nation and around the world.