A new dawn for Australian private equity
Australian private equity used to see mega buyout deals, much like its sibling markets in Europe and the US. As the investing environment around the world has changed however, even Australia's robust economy has seen middle market deals take the lead.

Faced with tightened liquidity, low asset values and a challenging exit environment, most managers have concentrated on optimising their existing portfolio companies in recent times. Does the Myer IPO point the way to a rekindling of PE fund managers' fortunes on the exit market? And what (besides the obvious) should GPs be doing to build their LP relationships, and avoid the much-heralded shake out?

Find out more at the 2010 AVCJ Australia & New Zealand Forum, scheduled for 3-5 March at The Westin Sydney.

Our special guest is Bill Payne, who is an engineer, entrepreneur, angel investor, and educator. Bill sold Solid State Dielectrics to DuPont in 1982 and has since played a considerable role developing entrepreneurship and angel investing in the United States.
Bill Payne’s list leadership and director role includes:
• Serving on five university advisory boards
• Teaching over 80 workshops and seminars on angel investing in five countries.
• Providing over 120 man-years of service on profit and non-profit boards of directors
• Acting as the president of the United States Advanced Ceramics Association, National Institute of Ceramic Engineers, and the American Ceramic Society.
• Serving as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence to the Kauffman Foundation for 12 years
• Serving on the founding committee of the Angel Capital Association (US)

Bill has vast entrepreneurial and investment experience and a track record of being able to share his experiences with others. On his last visit to New Zealand, Bill led the Power of Angel’s seminars, a Kauffman Foundation seminar series that he created. More information about Bill is available on his website: www.billpayne.com.

NZBIO is one of New Zealand's largest and most vibrant annual conferences.
Now in it's sixth year, NZBIO is well established as the premier showcase for the New Zealand life sciences sector and attracts delegates from around the world and from all aspects of the life sciences industry.

The NZBIO 2010 Conference Theme: Advancing a Bio-Based Economy highlights the broadening impact of biotechnology across many industries and its growing importance to our economic, social and environmental future. The conference will provide a forum to explore new business opportunities across the spectrum of the bioeconomy.

NZBIO's 2010 program will cover all aspects of the life sciences from agriculture, food and health applications through to industrial and environmental biotechnology and the development of second generation biofuel technologies.

With an integrated format, encompassing a vibrant exhibition hall, plenary & keynote speakers, technology showcase and a wide variety of sessions focusing on current issues and trends across the Bioeconomy, NZBIO is a key event for those in the global life sciences sector.

Ernst & Young and the New Zealand Private Equity & Venture Capital Association will host a networking event to be held in Wellington on Thursday, 29 April 2010 to release the 2009 full year results of the New Zealand Private Equity and Venture Capital Monitor.

The survey is based on responses from Venture Capital and Private Equity participants in the New Zealand market, including both New Zealand and Australia.

During the evening you will hear a brief analysis and commentary on the key findings from the survey and on the current state of play of New Zealand's Venture Capital and Private Equity markets.

Details Monday, 19 April 2010
5.30pm to 7.30pm (drinks & nibbles will be served)

Ernst & Young
Level 18
41 Shortland Street
Auckland

RSVP
Please RSVP to Deborah Treder at Deborah.Treder@nz.ey.com

This is an intensive, practical programme suitable for experienced practitioners involved in private equity, corporate finance and advisory services, lenders of senior, junior debt and entrepreneurs considering buy outs.
 
Day One of the programme will cover Debt, particularly trends observed in New Zealand, Loan Documentation - key commercial terms and Development in the debt market.  The last session on Day One will be a Mezzanine workshop run by Michael Dance which will cover inter-creditor terms and how this will evolve in New Zealand.

Day Two focuses on Restructuring and IPOs.  Michael will run the morning session which will cover restructuring and distressed sales and during the afternoon session Chapman Tripp will look at legal and other hot topics,  and finally Michael will run a session on IPOs and realizing value.
 
Case studies will be used during the sessions to reinforce topics covered.

This workshop is available only for financial members of NZVCA

Ernst & Young and the New Zealand Private Equity & Venture Capital Association will host a networking event to be held in Wellington on Thursday, 29 April 2010 to release the 2009 full year results of the New Zealand Private Equity and Venture Capital Monitor.

The survey is based on responses from Venture Capital and Private Equity participants in the New Zealand market, including both New Zealand and Australia.

During the evening you will hear a brief analysis and commentary on the key findings from the survey and on the current state of play of New Zealand's Venture Capital and Private Equity markets.

Details Thursday, 29 April 2010
5.30pm to 7.30pm (drinks & nibbles will be served)

Ernst & Young
Level 24, Majestic Centre
100 Willis Street
Wellington

RSVP
Please RSVP to Deborah Treder at Deborah.Treder@nz.ey.com