April 23, 2024
Translink Corporate Finance recently held its first Directors’ Meeting for 2024 in Paris, the economic epicentre of Europe. The three-day event brought together over 120 Translink experts from 20 countries across six regions, showcasing the group’s extensive international footprint and commitment to fostering cross-border M&A opportunities.
Strengthening global partnerships in ‘The City of Lights’
Paris provided an ideal backdrop for the meeting, with its thriving financial districts, significant foreign investment, highly skilled workforce, and burgeoning startup ecosystem. La Défense, Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, exemplifies the city’s economic prowess, while Paris’ ability to attract investment in sectors such as technology, finance, and luxury goods underscores its global appeal. The city’s prestigious universities and business schools produce top talent, further contributing to its reputation as “The Startup City”.
Marc Irisson, Partner at Translink CF France, emphasised the importance of the bi-annual Directors’ Meeting in strengthening the group’s global partnerships. “The objectives of hosting the meeting in Paris were to strengthen bonds between offices and dealmakers, share industry best practices, and showcase the power of the Translink organisation to the French ecosystem of entrepreneurs, private equity houses, and lawyers. The event was a great success, generating cross-border opportunities and leaving attendees recharged and inspired by new ideas and action plans.”
Face-to-face interactions for collaboration and shared expertise
At the Directors’ Meeting, the value of face-to-face interaction extended beyond sharing mandates and best practices; it catalysed comprehensive collaboration and expertise. Irisson highlighted the multifaceted benefits of these interactions, saying, “Live discussions are pivotal, not just for ongoing projects but also for driving collaboration across our organisation.”
The event also enlightented our partners on the best practices in market positioning and meaningful engagement such ways to build robust relationships with private equities for buy-side initiatives. The Meeting emphasised sector expertise, with Translink’s IEGs being a key differentiator in the market. “This meeting had a specific focus on taking these groups to the next level, leveraging recent success stories,” Irisson commented. “The group now has a clear plan to build stronger IEGs and provide more frequent, high-quality content to help our clients make the right decisions.”
Translink Academy’s global contest sparks innovation and unity
At the heart of Translink’s commitment to excellence is the Translink Academy, a dynamic platform designed to nurture the next generation of M&A leaders. This year’s Directors’ Meeting featured an innovative pitch contest, a fresh take on the Academy’s traditional educational approach. The contest brought together 34 participants from 10 countries, divided into six groups, each representing a mix of seniority levels from analysts to senior associates.
They developed pitches for six hypothetical Requests for Proposals (RFPs), simulating real-world scenarios ranging from sell-side transactions to cross-continental buy-side engagements. The groups received their RFPs at the beginning of April, allowing ample time for preparation and collaboration before the Directors’ Meeting. The final presentations, delivered to a jury of esteemed industry professionals and a Translink Partner, showcased the participants’ analytical and strategic prowess and the collaborative spirit that Translink fosters.
The contest culminated in a celebratory awards ceremony, with the winning team receiving backpacks and all participants taking home Bluetooth speakers. This engaging and competitive event exemplified the Academy’s role in fostering practical skills and cross-office cooperation, further solidifying Translink’s position as a global M&A education and practice leader.
Irisson adds, “The pitch contest aimed to challenge juniors by having them step into the shoes of partners engaging with potential clients, foster cooperation between offices, and demonstrate the power of tools such as Upslide and CapitaliQ. It was an excellent opportunity to mix cultures and personalities to deliver the best pitch.”
We get the deal done
The Directors’ Meeting in Paris was more than just an event; it was a testament to Translink’s commitment to excellence in cross-border deal-making. The city’s business-friendly environment and Translink’s collaborative culture combined to create a fertile ground for innovation and growth. As the meeting concluded, the participants left with renewed vigour, ready to tackle the challenges of global finance.
As Translink expands its global presence, events like the Directors’ Meeting in Paris reinforce the group’s commitment to delivering exceptional cross-border M&A services. By leveraging local expertise and fostering strong relationships among its international partners, Translink is well-positioned to help clients navigate the complexities of the global M&A landscape.
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