Family Business Advisory Services

March 22, 2021

Building the Future Family Business

Family Business Director is excited to be a sponsor of this week’s Transitions Spring 2021 conference produced by Family Business Magazine.  The theme for the conference is “Building the Future Family Business.”  The conference offers a wide range of sessions in support of that theme, including (to name just a few):
  • Getting Past the Past
  • Defining the Family for the Future
  • Effectively Transitioning Your Legacy and Wealth
  • Non-Family Executives: When Is the Right Time to Bring Them In?
  • Killing the Goose? How to Avoid Laying a (Golden) Egg
  • Driving Diversity and Inclusion in the Family Business
  • Family Business Senior Executive Compensation Study Results
The Transitions conferences are the perfect venue for enterprising families to gather and learn from the experiences of other families who have dealt with (or are currently dealing with) common challenges in a family business.  The sessions – led by both family business leaders and subject matter experts – are informative and relevant and cover timely topics.  And the opportunity to meet and build connections with other enterprising families is not easily replicated. We are looking forward to leading a breakout session on Wednesday (12:10-12:50 EDT) on the role of diversification in the family business.  As your family thinks about building the future family business, how should the concept of diversification be considered in your planning?  We hope to guide an interactive conversation among attendees around the following topics:
  • What is diversification, and what are the benefits of diversification to family businesses?
  • Are there any reasons for family businesses not to diversify?
  • How does diversification affect investment decisions?
  • From whose perspective should diversification be evaluated?
  • How do diversification concerns affect leverage and dividend policy decisions?
  • How does the “meaning” of your family business intersect with diversification decisions?
While COVID appears to be on its way out of our lives, it is still not feasible to host large conferences on an in-person basis.  However, the staff at Family Business Magazine have done a great job of providing a virtual conference experience (complete with 1:1 networking opportunities) that promises to replicate some of the best features of in-person events.  Plus, you can wear your yoga pants.

Conclusion

If you are attending, please look us up and reach out; my colleague Atticus Frank and I would enjoy meeting you and spending a few minutes with you.  If you’ve never attended a Transitions event before, this conference will be a great opportunity for you to try it out.  We have complimentary registration for the first four individuals who would like to attend.  Just shoot us an email at harmst@mercercapital.com and we will hook you up.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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How Should Family Business Directors Use Benchmarking Data?
How Should Family Business Directors Use Benchmarking Data?
Family business directors can use benchmarking data more effectively by pairing a focused set of performance measures with relevant peer comparisons. Consistent review over time helps boards identify meaningful trends, understand performance gaps, and assess whether results align with company strategy and shareholder priorities.
Mercer Capital Sponsoring and Speaking at the 5th Annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium
Mercer Capital Sponsoring and Speaking at the 5th Annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium
Mercer Capital is pleased to sponsor the 5th annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium, hosted by the Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The 2026 program will focus on governance and boards, with sessions designed to help family business leaders think more strategically about structure, stewardship, and long-term continuity.The Symposium takes place September 15-16, 2026, in Flowood, Mississippi. Travis Harms, Tripp Crews, and Zac Lange will represent the firm at the Symposium.In addition, Travis Harms and Tripp Crews are also leading the Tuesday afternoon session on “Dividend and Redemption Policies,” which explores how family businesses can balance shareholder liquidity needs with the capital required to support the long-term health of the business.Travis Harms, CFA, CPA, ABV, is President of Mercer Capital and leads the firm’s Family Business Advisory Services Group. He focuses on financial education, valuation, and strategic financial consulting for multigenerational family businesses.Tripp Crews, ABV, is a Vice President with Mercer Capital and serves on the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services team, the Agribusiness Industry team, and the Family Business Advisory Services Group. He works on valuation and transaction-related matters for closely held businesses and family enterprises, with particular experience in agribusiness and ownership transition issues.Zac Lange, CPA, ABV, is a Vice President with Mercer Capital and serves on the firm’s Family Business Advisory Services Group. He focuses on supporting family businesses and litigants with valuation, financial analysis, and dispute-related matters, including corporate planning and reorganizations, financial reporting, and fairness opinions.Mercer Capital regularly works with family business owners and advisors on valuation and strategic financial matters involving ownership, governance, succession, and long-term planning. The firm is proud to support programs that bring family business leaders together for practical discussion and shared learning.Mercer Capital looks forward to connecting with attendees in Flowood and participating in this year’s Symposium. To learn more about the symposium, visit the event's website: https://olemisscie.com/family-business-26/
When Was the Last Time Anyone Read the Buy-Sell Agreement?
When Was the Last Time Anyone Read the Buy-Sell Agreement?

You Asked. We Answer.

Periodic review of a family business’s buy-sell agreement can reveal whether its valuation, liquidity, and transfer provisions still align with current shareholder expectations and financial realities. Testing the agreement through a hypothetical triggering event can help identify potential conflicts before they become costly disputes.

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