M&A Insights for High-Growth Founders

We’ll explore the M&A journey through the eyes of a founder who’s successfully exited, alongside industry experts who understand what buyers are really looking for.

What to expect:

• Panel discussion with an exited founder and M&A professionals

• Breakfast and networking with peers and advisors

• Q&A session to ask the questions that matter most to you

Geraint Rowe – Partner

Gambit Corporate Finance LLP

Over 30 years' experience of mid-market M&A and investment banking. Wide sector experience and specialises in assisting shareholders in the creation, enhancement and realisation of shareholder value.

Managing Partner of Gambit Corporate Finance LLP and former Board Director of Corporate Finance International B.V., a partnership across 27 offices, 18 countries with around 300 talented people.

A KPMG-trained Chartered Accountant who ranked in the ICAEW National Order of Merit. A six-time winner of Insider Magazine's Dealmaker of the Year in 2005, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024.

James Skade – Investor BGF

James is an investor and BGF, based in their Bristol office. He is responsible for originating, executing and overseeing investments throughout the South West and South Wales. Since joining BGF, James has deployed over £100m, across over 15 equity investments and currently sits on the board of a number of portfolio companies in support of their growth aspirations.

Jay Ball

Jay Ball is the CEO of Flotek Group, a fast-growing technology company focused on unifying IT, Cybersecurity, and Communications for modern businesses. Based in Cardiff, Jay is a serial entrepreneur with a strong track record of building, scaling, and exiting successful ventures.

Jay started his first business at 21 and exited at 34, having built it into the largest communications company in Wales. Following the sale, he spent over a year on the board of the acquiring company, gaining valuable Private Equity experience and insight into post-acquisition growth and integration.

After a brief retirement in Cyprus, Jay identified a major gap in the market: the need for a truly integrated tech partner for SMEs and enterprise clients. That vision led to the creation of Flotek, which has grown rapidly since its launch just over three years ago.

Under Jay’s leadership, Flotek has completed 14 strategic acquisitions, bringing together a diverse mix of IT and communications companies. The group now employs 125 staff across 7 regional offices, supports over 2,000 customers, and manages more than 10,000 IT end users. Clients include both ambitious SMEs and major enterprises such as the NHS and

Cemex.

Tobias Sommer, Head of Mid-Market M&A EMEA

Tobias is a Managing Director and Head of Mid-Market M&A EMEA. He has over 18 years of Investment Banking experience, specialising in M&A and financing having advised on over 60 transactions. Tobias has built deep relationships with financial sponsors, including private equity and infrastructure funds.

Prior to Barclays, Tobias was a Managing Director in HSBC’s Mid-Market M&A team and was previously Head of the Financial Sponsors Group at Investec. Earlier in his career, Tobias worked at Macquarie and was the Head of DACH at Arcapita. He began his Investment Banking career at Morgan Stanley in London

He holds an MA (Hons) in Economics and Management from the University of St. Andrews.

This session is tailored for founders planning a sale within the next 2–3 years. You’ll leave with actionable insights and valuable new connections to help you prepare for your next chapter.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Barclays Eagle Lab - Cardiff