Exit Ahead
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
5.00pm - 7.30pm
Central London
Join us for networking with consumer brand leaders and insights on preparing for a successful exit, featuring Q&As with...
- Andrew Rayner, Managing Director, Nanogen (Recently acquired)
- Gillian White, Head of M&A, Howard Kennedy LLP
- More speakers to be announced
This event is designed for 20-25 founders, managing directors and CFOs of consumer facing businesses. Request a place using the form below.
STEPS TO A BETTER EXIT
Preparing for a successful exit should begin well before any deal is on the table. Whether an exit feels imminent or far off, this session will shed light on what the process involves, from building value and getting ready for a transaction, to understanding the personal impact on directors. Learn how the decisions you make today can influence the strength and outcome of your eventual exit. Hear from a director who has recently exited, alongside experts in M&A transactions.
Q&A SPEAKERS
Andrew Rayner, Managing Director
Nanogen
Andrew is Managing Director of Nanogen, a hair loss fibres and treaments brand sold direct-to-consumer and through marketplaces and retail partners. The business was recently acquired by a cosmetics manufacturer expanding its portfolio of consumer-facing brands. With a proven track record of scaling and exiting a consumer business, Andrew has led Nanogen's growth over the past two years, driving its sale and leading its integration into the operations of its new owner. Having taken two brands through successful exits, he brings deep, practical insight into aligning with investor timelines, building with exit in mind, and navigating the complexities of post-acquisition transition.
Gillian White, Head of M&A
Howard Kennedy LLP
Gillian leads the M&A practice at Howard Kennedy LLP, advising both entrepreneurial ventures and large corporations on investments, joint ventures and acquisitions. The law firm has acted for a wide range of businesses across the retail, consumer and leisure sectors, including Pandora, Bimba Y Lola and Footlocker, with Gillian recently advising Vyrao on their investment from L Catterton. Gillian has deep expertise in structuring and negotiating deals. Drawing on her extensive knowledge across multiple exits, she will share the corporate legal groundwork directors often wish they had put in place well before an exit was on the horizon, and the realities of post-exit contractual obligations.
Leon Bailey-Green, Producer
Upper Clash
Leon is the founder of Upper Clash and producer of this event. He will be conducting the Q&As and chairing the group discussion.
More speakers to be announced.
SCHEDULE
5.00pm - Welcome & Networking: Tea, Coffee & Canapés
5.30pm - Q&As
6.30pm - Post-Q&A Networking: Drinks & Canapés
7.30pm - Close