ABOUT US
The M&A Forum was founded in Houston in June of 2008 based on a model developed by a Dallas, TX based business leadership group currently known as the Business Navigators.
Through monthly meetings and other programs, the organization brings together buyers and sellers of private enterprises along with investors, lenders and professional advisors that make business transactions happen. The principles upon which the M&A Forum was built and which continue to guide its mission and vision today are:
- Sharing experiences, skills and relationships between and among the members in order to serve each other and build community without expecting anything in return.
- Building bridges of trust by among the members through listening to each other first with the intent to understand rather than reply.
The M&A Forum was formally organized as a non-profit corporation in July of 2015 and designated as a 501(c)(6) tax exempt company in March of 2016.
OUR MISSION
The M&A Forum is building a community based on trusted relationships among acquisition-focused investors, lenders, brokers, professionals, and business owners of growing private enterprises, that results in enhanced value to all constituencies.
OUR VISION
The M&A Forum envisions a business environment that fosters transparency and trust among M&A community stakeholders, including business owners, business buyers, and service providers.
FOUNDERS OF M&A FORUM
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Mike is a senior executive whose career in the energy and petrochemical industries spans 45 years. Currently, he is the principal of CSB Partners, LLC which assists with and participates in planning, structuring, financing, developing, and operating projects and enterprises focused on production, processing, transportation, and marketing of natural gas, oil and alternative energy resources. In 2012, Mike co-founded Discovery Energy Corp, a public oil exploration company, where he serves as president and COO through mid-2018. Previously, Mike had held numerous management and executive positions at Jefferies Energy Consulting and Enron, including president of Enron Americas. Mike earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Iowa State University.
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
George is a 30-year corporate transactional attorney whose practice focuses on small to medium- sized, closely held, and emerging businesses, with operations both domestic and international. He is involved with all legal issues, from business formation to exit events, whether by merger, acquisition, divestiture, or takeout financing. Notable clients include auto dealerships and large oil and gas businesses. His transactional experience includes acquisition, disposition and succession events and strategies. It encompasses corporate securities, real estate, finance, work out and bankruptcy matters. Known as a creative problem solver with a “business first” approach, George has successfully defended his clients in hundreds of litigation, administrative and arbitration matters. George serves as a trusted advisor to his clients and valued resource to colleagues, clients and contacts in a wide array of business, legal and family matters. George is also an active leader in the community. He has, and continues to serve on numerous boards of nonprofits, chambers of commerce, civic groups, benevolent societies, community boards, and educational foundations. He is a frequent speaker and presenter on a wide range of business and local issues. He is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, the College of William & Mary, and Calvert Hall College High School.