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Expert sessions
Join us on December 6 for an in-person forum, where you’ll get expert advice and the tools you need. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the challenges and issues involved in business transfers and takeovers.
Transferring or taking over a company is more than just a transaction. It’s an opportunity to preserve knowledge and expertise, generate new jobs and boost the local economy.
Strategic support and a collaborative approach are essential for a successful business transfer. Presentations, discussions, specialist-led workshops and inspiring testimonials will help you plan your business transfer with complete peace of mind.
Presentations
From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Attend our morning presentations and explore the challenges of business transfers and takeovers in Greater Montréal. Learn about the current market outlook, the transfer and takeover process, and get inspired by real-life examples presented by experts and entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and seize the challenges and opportunities that await.
Exhibition and networking areas
All day
Talk to experts in business transfers and takeovers, who will introduce you to tools and services and give you advice to support you in your project. This area is also a great place to network with other players in the ecosystem, and share experiences with driven professionals.
Expert sessions
From 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Take part in hands-on workshops led by professionals who are experienced in business transfers and takeovers. These customized sessions address specific topics based on the needs of participants, giving you an opportunity to talk to experts who can support you in your transfer or takeover.
Some 10 years ago, in June 2014, the Chamber published a study on transferring businesses to the next generation, which was already seen as crucial for the Quebec economy and the long-term survival of businesses.
Despite initiatives in place to encourage these transfers, a lack of entrepreneurs willing to take businesses over could lead to a number of business closures, resulting in a significant loss of jobs, knowledge and expertise.
Such a situation could reduce the amount of wealth created in Quebec, thereby hindering its economic vitality. It’s therefore imperative to promote business takeovers and support both transferring entrepreneurs and takeover entrepreneurs.
Although business ownership offers a host of advantages to entrepreneurs, transferring a business is a complex process that requires customized support. That’s why it’s important to put in place the right tools and programs to help transferring entrepreneurs and takeover entrepreneurs.
Access to financing, resources, training in succession management and legal advice are essential elements in simplifying the process for the entrepreneurs concerned.
Why participate?
- Unpack business transfers and takeovers.
- Explore common challenges in the business transfer process and discover solutions for overcoming them.
- Draw inspiration from real-life examples of business transfers and takeovers.
- Meet specialists who will guide you through the business transfer process, and discover the tools and resources available to you.
- Understand the importance of a collaborative approach for a successful business transfer.
- Take advantage of networking opportunities with transferring entrepreneurs, takeover entrepreneurs and business transfer specialists, to forge connections that could give new impetus to your project.
Who this forum is for:
- Business owners and takeover entrepreneurs
- Takeover entrepreneurs
- Financial institutions and banks
- Investors
- SMEs and large businesses
- Business transfer specialists (lawyers, accountants, human resources employees, etc.)
Our program:
7 to 8 a.m. – Welcome: Breakfast and networking
Level 3, Wing A – A.373 Conference Center | Claude-Séguin
8:00 a.m. – Start of the Conferences
Level 3, Wing A – A.335 Amphitheatre | Rachelle et Alain-Paris
8:15 a.m. - Political Exchange (in English)
BLOCK 1
BLOCK
1
Business takeovers in Greater Montréal: Current situation and future prospects
Business takeovers in Greater Montréal represent a fundamental pillar of our economy. To fully explore the opportunities and challenges they present, join us for an in-depth look at the current trends and issues in this rapidly evolving practice.
8:35 a.m. - From father to daughter: A successor's journey
Join a captivating discussion on taking over a family business. Learn how to manage expectations, overcome challenges, and assert leadership in the context of a father-to-daughter business transfer.
8:50 a.m. - The key trends in transfers
Find out about trends in business takeovers in the last 10 years and explore prospects for the next decade, while gaining insight about their key role in Quebec’s economy and the vitality of Greater Montréal.
9:05 a.m. - Preserving economic dynamism through family business succession
Learn about the importance of family business takeovers as the preferred approach, while exploring their impact on innovation, the transfer of human capital and the long-term survival of businesses.
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Catherine S Beaucage
Director, Transfer and Outreach
Familles en affaires – HEC Montréal
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Luis Cisneros
Scientific Director, Familles en affaires – HEC Montréal and Professor, Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
HEC Montréal
9:20 a.m. - Business takeovers in action: Two paths, two perspectives
Follow the journeys of two entrepreneurs taking over a business. They will share their experiences, challenges and opportunities throughout the takeover process, offering real-life insight into the realities of business takeovers.
BLOCK 2
BLOCK
2
Ensuring the success of your business transfer: A collaborative approach and strategic support
Transferring a business is an ambitious undertaking, requiring meticulous preparation and raising numerous legal, tax, social and strategic issues. To ensure the success of such an endeavour, transferring entrepreneurs and takeover entrepreneurs can call on a diversified network of experts to support them every step of the way.
9:45 a.m. - A personalized support for a successful business transfer
Explore financing options, tailored solutions for different transfer entrepreneur profiles, and tax and estate planning to optimize business transfers. In addition, learn about strategies to ensure the long-term stability and growth of your business.
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Pierre Bertrand
Senior Manager, Business transfers
National Bank
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Martin Houle
Managing Director, Corporate Finance
PWC
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Jean-François Thuot, FCPA, M.Fisc
Partner, Tax Services
PWC
10:10 a.m. - Networking break
10:45 a.m. - Keeping local businesses local
Participate in a discussion on the importance of maintaining local businesses and their headquarters within the province. The challenges of managerial transfer, the importance of planning, practical advice for a successful transfer, and a reflection on the collective efforts required to achieve this.
11:05 a.m. - Beyond numbers: The importance of people in the transfer process
Discover the central role of people in the business transfer process. Learn how to preserve organizational culture, incorporate your vision while respecting a business’s existing identity and manage change effectively. Explore best practices for integrating teams, building strong leadership, ensuring a smooth transition and attracting new talent.
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Sylvie Guignon
Director Consultant
Brio
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Jessica Bouchard
Vice-President, Public and Economic Affairs and Impact Initiatives
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
BLOCK 3
BLOCK
3
Changing hands: Inspiring stories of successful transfers
Business transfers can take many forms: whether it's a family business transfer, an employee buyout or the arrival of an outside investor, each process is unique. Hear inspiring testimonials reflecting the diversity of transfer strategies and the key factors in their success.
11:30 a.m. - Women entrepreneurship
Join this panel to discuss the specific challenges faced by women in taking over a family business, and draw inspiration from their visions as women business leaders.
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Elise Tastet
Founder and President
Tastet
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Elisabeth Abbatiello
Partner and Vice President, Communications and Outreach
Abbatiello Group (Pizza Salvatoré)
11:50 a.m. - United for Success: The success story of Beaubien, du Parc, and du Musée Cinemas
Explore the benefits of collective takeovers, from participatory governance and talent management to tax incentives and risk sharing, with the aim of fostering economic inclusion and succeeding together. Discover the story behind the succession of Beaubien, du Parc, and du Musée Cinemas.
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Roxanne Sayegh
Managing Director
Cinémas Beaubien, du Parc et du Musée
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Mario Fortin
Founder and former Managing Director
Cinémas Beaubien, du Parc et du Musée
12 p.m. - Taking Over a Family Business
Join Louis-François Marcotte and his brother for a conversation on taking over a family business, exploring themes of transmission, innovation, and career change.
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Louis-François Marcotte
Chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur
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Jean-Michel Marcotte
President
Beaulieu Instantané
12:20 p.m. – Conclusion of the morning session
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch and networking
Level 3, Wing A – A.373 Conference Center | Claude-Séguin
1:30 p.m.: Start of expert-led sessions
Level 4, Wing A and Wing C
Discover the workshops and choose the one that suits you best from the three, directly on-site.
Room A.451
Duration: 60 minutes
Deciding to sell your business can raise many questions. Learn more about the various steps that will follow, from the initial contemplation to the closing of the transaction. Understand how to set clear objectives during the reflection process to determine which type of transaction best aligns with your needs. Explore best practices for ensuring a successful process, including the importance of thorough and tailored preparation to optimize outcomes for both you and your business.
Room C.406
Duration: 60 minutes
Immerse yourself in the strategic challenges of a business transfer process through this workshop presented by the Centre de transfert d'entreprise du Québec (CTEQ). Designed for business buyers and sellers, this session will guide you through each stage of a transfer, from initial preparation to final signing, including business analysis and negotiation of terms.
You will learn to avoid common mistakes and gain a better understanding of the legal, tax, and financial implications of transferring a business. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, you will leave with practical tools and a clear vision of the steps and challenges to tackle in order to successfully complete your project.
Your Experts:
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Grégory Brasseur
Business Transfer Advisor
Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec – CTEQ
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Steve Gaudreau
Business valuation expert
Demers Beaulne
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Martin Lavoie
Corporate Buyer Advisor
Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec – CTEQ
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Lyne St-Laurent
Lawyer and tax specialist
Cain Lamarre
Room A.451
Duration: 60 minutes
This practical workshop highlights key issues aimed at guiding potential buyers and sellers in their reflection to ensure the continuity and sustainability of businesses. What are the business transfer strategies, and which one would be best suited to your situation? What factors may influence your choice? What drives your decisions? How do you assess the value of the business, and what financial considerations should be taken into account to optimize the transfer process?
This interactive workshop will encourage you to reflect and take action!
Your Experts:
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Éric-Michel Hallé
Lead guide
Beauce School of Entrepreneurship
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Julie Morand
Vice President
Private Equity and Impact Investments
Industries, Fonds de solidarité FTQ
3 p.m.: End of the event
Meet Our Exhibitors
Level 3, Wing A – A.373 Conference Center | Claude-Séguin
- Centre de transfert d'entreprise du Québec (CTEQ)
- Familles en affaires – HEC Montréal
- Fonds de solidarité FTQ
- Futurpreneur
- Skills Enhancement Program – Visées program
- Réseau Mentorat