CohnReznick
1301 Avenue of the AmericasEminae Business Acquisition Symposium on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at CohnReznick, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019.
Join a focused, invite-only afternoon for investors, private equity groups, and business owners. Learn how active lenders and deal advisors look at value and risk, what financing is available today, and how deals reach the finish line. Meet credible peers during breaks and strengthen your M&A network.
Ready to attend? Use the Register panel on the right to register. (On mobile, it appears near the bottom)
Or open registration directly: Register Now
Sponsorships & questions: admin@eminaenetwork.com
Investors and acquirers in the lower middle market
Business owners planning growth or a future exit
Lenders and advisors who support M&A
How buyers evaluate value, risk, and fit
What lenders expect before they finance a deal
Steps owners can take now to be deal-ready
Current market notes from active practitioners
1:00 – 1:40 PM | Registration & Networking
Check-in, welcome refreshments, open networking.
1:40 – 1:50 PM | Opening Remarks
Host welcome and agenda review.
1:50 – 2:50 PM | Panel 1 — Financing the Deal: Capital Strategies for Business Acquisitions
Topics: Today’s rates and tighter lending; banks vs alternative lenders; SBA vs bank loans; the new SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 changes taking effect October 1, 2026 and what they mean for acquisition financing; private credit & ABL; seller notes & earnouts; what lenders care about; common red flags; how to combine funding to close.
2:50 – 3:20 PM | Networking Break & Refreshments
3:20 – 4:20 PM | Panel 2 — Beyond the LOI: Inside the M&A Process
Topics: Valuation in competitive deal processes; risk mitigation tools; legal and diligence essentials; deal structures that bridge gaps; buy-side perspective on sourcing and closing; trends shaping deal terms.
4:20 – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks
4:30 – 6:00 PM | Networking & Refreshments
Session overview
How to get deals funded in today’s market. Hear what lenders look for, when to use SBA or bank loans, where private credit fits, and how to build a capital stack that can close with fewer surprises.
Panelists
Moderator: David Forman — Managing Member, Phoenix CG LLC / Director of Originations, Toro Alpha Capital
Davi Tserpelis — SVP, Regional Business Banking Manager, City National Bank
David Nayor — Business Banking Officer, 44 Business Capital, a division of Berkshire Bank
Erik Storteboom — Managing Director, Flagstar Bank
What this session covers
SBA vs conventional vs alternative: which path fits your deal
New SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 changes (effective October 1, 2026): tighter citizenship and residency requirements, higher debt service coverage standards for first-time acquisitions and owner buyouts, mandatory Quality of Earnings reports on deals of $3 million or more, and required independent business valuations, and what this means for structuring a deal now
Private credit and ABL: where they help when banks slow down
Bridge tools: seller notes and earnouts
Red flags that derail financing and how to fix them
How to combine funding so a deal can close
Session overview
What actually happens once a deal moves past the letter of intent. This panel brings together legal, due diligence, investment banking, and private equity buyer perspectives to unpack how deals get to the closing table.
Panelists
Moderator: Anthony Citrolo — Managing Partner, The NYBB Group
Av Sinensky — Partner, Corporate & Securities, Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP
Jeff Michelson — Partner, CohnReznick LLP
Jeffrey Fidelman — Founder, Fidelman and Company
Roy Chin — Partner, North Castle Partners
What this session covers
Valuation in competitive deal processes: pricing discipline, comps, quality of earnings, and how growth vs risk moves multiples
Risk mitigation: diligence scope, escrows, indemnities, and reps & warranties insurance
Legal essentials: deal terms, structuring considerations, and common negotiation sticking points
Deal structures that bridge gaps: earnouts, seller notes, equity rollovers, holdbacks
Buy-side perspective: how private equity buyers source, evaluate, and close lower middle market deals
Market trends that matter now: credit conditions, buyer competition, and how they affect terms
Use the Register panel on the right to secure your seat (capacity is limited), or click REGISTER NOW.
Sponsorships & questions: admin@eminaenetwork.com
Eminae is a network for CEOs, business owners, investors, and deal professionals. We focus on practical education and real-world M&A dialogue that helps serious operators prepare for growth, acquisitions, and successful exits.
The Eminae CEO Forum is an exclusive educational event designed for CEOs, business owners, and M&A professionals navigating critical transitions. Whether focused on growth, mergers, or exit strategies, this private forum connects you with an elite group of advisors and consultants who provide actionable insights and expert guidance tailored to your unique challenges.
At the core of the Eminae Network’s mission is our dedication to empowering leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of deal-making. Through dynamic panel discussions and thought-provoking presentations, attendees will gain strategic insights to drive success and maximize opportunities in today’s competitive M&A landscape.
Why Attend?
✔ Learn from Industry Experts – Gain practical, actionable strategies from top M&A advisors, dealmakers, and business leaders.
✔ Expand Your Network – Connect with a diverse range of private equity professionals, investors, and business owners actively involved in M&A, opening up new possibilities and opportunities.
✔ Get Actionable Insights – Understand key drivers for increasing business value, mitigating risks, and structuring a successful acquisition.
Who Should Attend?
✔ Business Owners & CEOs planning for an exit or M&A transaction
✔ Private Equity Professionals & Investors looking for acquisition opportunities
✔ Investment Bankers & Business Brokers facilitating middle-market transactions
✔ M&A Professionals including attorneys, CPAs, CFOs, and financial advisors
Secure Your Spot Today!
📩 Spaces are limited – register now to gain exclusive access to top-tier M&A insights and strategic connections.
For sponsorship opportunities or inquiries, contact us at admin@eminaenetwork.com.
We look forward to seeing you in NYC for an insightful and impactful event!
CohnReznick
1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10019
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
CohnReznick
1301 Avenue of the Americas
Eminae Network is an exclusive, membership-based organization that brings CEOs, investors, and elite trusted advisors together. We focus on advising and educating companies on maximizing the value of their exit or acquisition strategies.
Eminae Network is dedicated to providing long-term strategies for organic or acquisition-based growth, helping forward-thinking businesses build value for a successful exit.
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