M&A Advisor to Lead Shop Transition Workshop at FenderBender Conference

ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 23, 2015—John Walcher, a top merger and acquisitions (M&A) advisor in the automotive aftermarket, will lead an in-depth workshop covering shop transition options at the FenderBender Management Conference in May.

The workshop, “Transitioning Your Shop: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare Your Business for New Ownership,” is aimed at helping shop owners plan for their business’s next chapter following retirement, a new career path, or the unexpected. Attendees will learn what options are available to them and the critical steps needed to ensure a successful transition regardless of the path they choose.

“I’m honored to have been asked to speak on such a timely and important topic in our industry,” said Walcher, who has extensive experience as a buyer, buyer advisor, seller and seller advisor. “Collision repairers are at a pivotal point: Consolidators are gobbling up production capacity, shops are more capital intensive than ever, and repairs rapidly are becoming more complex. And all of this is occurring when the Baby Boomer generation is entering retirement age.

“I’m excited to share with attendees detailed descriptions of their various options as they contemplate life after repairing cars. Whether considering retirement or pursuing a new venture, expect a lively, fact-filled discussion—the good, the bad and the ugly of each transition choice.”

As part of the workshop, Walcher will moderate a panel of collision shop operators who have been through different types of business transitions, allowing attendees a firsthand look into a few real scenarios.

“I’m thrilled to have Walcher lead this important discussion,” said FenderBender Editor Jake Weyer. “Business transition—whether it entails passing a shop to family, selling to an outside party, or even closing the doors—requires a significant amount of advanced planning. Attendees of this workshop will leave knowing their options and the steps needed to develop an effective game plan.”

The FenderBender Management Conference, scheduled from May 18–20 in Philadelphia, will include educational sessions, engaging workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities all aimed at helping shop owners and managers make money, save money and work smarter.

For more information and to take advantage of super early bird registration rates to save up to $600, go to fenderbenderconference.com .