Transatlantic Business Opportunities

Speakers:

• Jean-Pierre Rosso, former member of President Bush’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy & Negotiations
• Jean-Francois Boittin, French Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs
• John Esposito, CEO Schieffelin & Co that represents Moet Hennessy in the US
• Peter Chase, Director at the US State Dept, Office of European Union and Regional Affairs
• Oliver Betz, Executive Director & Business Unit Manager, Private Wealth Management
• Moderator: TBD

Whilst four out of five of the world's largest economies are North Atlantic countries, they are amongst the slowest growing areas in the world. Given toughening anti-trust legislation, and the thrust of many companies to enter other, faster growing economies, what opportunities still exist for European companies in the US and their American counterparts in Europe ? Where will future growth come from other than M&A activity? This panel will explore growth opportunities for transatlantic business.

Commercial and Political Dynamics in Central/Eastern Europe and Russia

Speakers:

• Harvey Sawikin, founder of a $700mm hedge fund investing in Russia
• Elena Poptodorova, Bulgarian Ambassador to the US
• Bulent Gultekin, Wharton Professor of Finance, specialised in Eastern European Privatizations and former Central Bank Governor of Turkey
• Val Kogan of the Mid-Atlantic Russia Business Council
• Moderator: Witold Henizs, Wharton Professor of Business and Public Policy

With the growing rate of commercialization in Central and Eastern Europe and the introduction of several CEE countries in the European Union, what opportunities are opening up in this dynamic region. Will we see an eastward shift in European opportunities? What is the role of national governments, multi-national institutions and the private sector in shaping the future of an enlarged Europe , and what issues should foreign investors consider for a successful entrance into this market?

Workshops

Cross-border M&A in Europe

With the pace and scale of M&A deals rapidly accelerating in Europe and with consolidation extending into traditionally "national" industries, this panel will examine how these transactions are contributing to the dissolution of geographic, cultural and political borders within the EU.  Recent transactions in the airline, telecommunications and financial sectors, as well as the recent controversy over national security in the Aventis-Sanofi-Novartis triangle provide a fascinating backdrop to this momentous turning point in European politics and commerce.

Real-estate investment – new engine for growth after distressed assets and privatization?

With such differing economic cycles and legal systems across Europe, what challenges are faced by the cross-European real estate investor?  Is the Western European market too mature and oversupplied?  Will growth be driven largely by the emerging European countries, and is this an opportunity that can be easily tapped?  This workshop will examine the current state of the real estate market in Europe, and discuss future trends and opportunities that may arise from the convergence of the European legal system, economic cycles and general market trends, and how best to approach these opportunities.

Private Equity and Leveraged Buyouts – a European perspective

With the proliferation of international capital across Europe and an increasing number of sophisticated investors, how will private equity opportunities play out across Europe? What are the main differences and trends in growth and late stage investing between Western Europe and the rest of Europe, and what do the next 5 years hold in terms of investment opportunities?