May 9, 2012 –
The impending tax storm … do you have a plan for your business?

On December 31, 2012, American taxpayers will be facing one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history, due to the expiration of existing tax cuts. These increases will have a profound impact on the value of businesses.

In an uncertain political environment, you need to understand these threats and your options, including how you might capitalize on potential opportunities.

Join us for a breakfast forum that highlights the critical components of this impending tax storm.

Introduction by U.S. Senator George S. LeMieux, Chairman of the Board, Gunster

Gain insight from Washington insiders:

Jeffrey D. McMillen, former staff director of the Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures
Arshi Siddiqui, former policy advisor and counsel to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Regardless of whether the tax cuts are allowed to expire, a forward-looking approach to planning for the future of your business is critically important. Don’t wait to plan!

Attendees will include business owners, strategic investors, private equity and venture capital firms, investment bankers and high-net-worth individuals.

May 30 in Palm Beach
Four Seasons
2800 S. Ocean Blvd.
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Royal Poinciana Room

– or –

June 1 in Fort Lauderdale
B Ocean
999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Infinity Ballroom

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.;
program begins at 7:40 a.m.

Choose your date and location now:

–Agenda–

Welcome Remarks

U.S. Senator George S. LeMieux, Chairman of the Board, Gunster

The Tax Increases – an Overview

Adi Rappoport, Shareholder, Gunster

Learn the details of the anticipated increases including personal income tax rates, “stealth” taxes, dividend tax rates, capital gains, estate and gift tax changes, and the new 3.8 percent Medicare contribution tax on the investment income of higher-income individuals under the Health Care reform legislation of 2010.

View from the Hill

Arshi Siddiqui, Partner, Akin Gump
Palm Beach event speaker (May 30)

Jeffrey D. McMillen, Partner, Akin Gump
Fort Lauderdale event speaker (June 1)

Both speakers will use inside knowledge to discuss the considerable political dynamics in forecasting what tax policy will prevail after the November election, how the election could impact tax policy, and the current state of discussions among senior staff in Congress and the Administration.

About Arshi Siddiqui:

Ms. Siddiqui came to Akin Gump after serving as senior policy advisor and counsel to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). She joined Speaker Pelosi’s leadership staff in 2003 and provided counsel on numerous legislative initiatives. Her primary duties consisted of advising the Speaker and Democratic members on issues related to the Ways and Means Committee including tax, trade, energy, pensions and health care. In that capacity, Ms. Siddiqui helped develop the House’s legislative strategy on priority bills, working with the Administration, relevant committees in both chambers and Senate leadership to forge consensus.

About Jeffrey McMillen:

Before joining Akin Gump, Mr. McMillen was the staff director of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, where he served under Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) and Subcommittee Chairman Jim McCrery (R-LA). During the course of his tenure, he assisted in drafting notable legislation including the Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 and in developing the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act.

Corporate Legal Perspective: The Sell Side

David G. Bates, Shareholder, Gunster
Palm Beach event speaker (May 30)

Robert C. White, Shareholder, Gunster
Fort Lauderdale event speaker (June 1)

Business owners still have a unique opportunity to take advantage of the 2012 tax laws avoiding unfavorable effects of what could be dramatically higher tax rates. David Bates and Bob White will discuss what business owners should consider now to ensure that they are well positioned to sell their business or to take advantage of alternatives such as a potential sale, financing transaction, recapitalization, dividend distribution or transfer of appreciated assets.

Investment Perspective: The Buy Side

John Caple, Managing Director, The Comvest Group
Palm Beach event speaker (May 30)

Craig L. Farlie, Managing Director, Farlie Turner & Co.
Fort Lauderdale event speaker (June 1)

Gain an understanding of how the current climate and this fast approaching deadline might impact the investment market. Both speakers will discuss the appetite for debt and equity markets as well as valuation strategies and what industries are most attractive. In addition, as selling pressure increases, how will this impact the likelihood of consummating transactions and pricing?

The Clock is Ticking: Use It or Lose It! Wealth Preservation Techniques

Lisa A. Schneider, Shareholder, Gunster
Palm Beach event speaker (May 30)

James B. Davis, Shareholder, Gunster
Fort Lauderdale event speaker (June 1)

What actions should you consider before year end to take advantage of the expiring multimillion dollar gift and generation-skipping tax exemptions? Lisa Schneider will discuss significant transfer tax opportunities that are set to expire on December 31, 2012.

Closing Remarks and Q&A

U.S. Senator George S. LeMieux, Chairman of the Board, Gunster

Why it’s important:

The panel will address issues affecting businesses due to the 2013 tax increases, including:

• What is the likelihood of these tax increases taking effect?
• What actions can business owners take before the end of the year to lessen the impact of the anticipated tax increases?
• What estate planning actions should high net worth individuals consider before year end?
• How will the anticipated tax increases create opportunities for acquisitive companies, private investors and private equity firms?
• What is the appetite for the debt and equity markets to transact before year end?
• What industries are currently most attractive and how should companies be valued today?
• What are effective buyer and investor strategies to utilize to consummate transactions?
• What personal planning should sellers and other high net worth individuals be considering to take advantage of current tax rates before year end?