Topic Overview

For a Board of Directors to function effectively, it must understand the objectives of its stakeholders. Historically, institutional investors and individual investors looked for enhanced shareholder value over a moderate to longer term horizon. Hedge funds are investing in companies where they perceive that management can take actions to improve value more immediately.

However, private equity companies are unlike any other business entity and thus, board composition and function will be significantly different.

In "The Directors Evolving Role in Private Equity Companies," a leading private equity investor and a veteran board member will address all aspects of the functionality of the board in this type of entity -- how it may differ from private and public companies; the nitty-gritty of logistics; and the principal functions and optimal composition of a board. It's an unprecedented glimpse at a vital component of any company capitalized with private equity. Topics of discussion will include:

• Board differences and similarities: public ownership vs. private equity capitalized companies
• Biggest positives and negatives of private equity company boards
• Steering companies though periods when the objective is to revitalize the company and improve short-term financial performance
• Trends to expect
• Impact of increased regulation of public companies

The presenters will offer their unique perspectives on the role of the board and its independent directors in the following scenarios:

• A public company primarily capitalized by public shareholder investors
• A public company capitalized by private equity investors
• A private company capitalized by private equity investors

Guest Speakers

David H. Edwab, Vice Chairman, Men’s Wearhouse

Gwyneth M. Ketterer, Senior Managing Director, COO, and Partner: Bear Stearns Merchant Banking