On May 31, Tonkon Torp co-sponsored a seminar on business transitions with Geffen Mesher and KeyBank. The event for local business leaders was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Nearly 100 attendees filled the room to hear the presenters share their thoughts and experiences.
The afternoon program, moderated by Tonkon Torp partner Sherrill Corbett, featured a presentation on business transition planning by Michael Lortz of Geffen Mesher, then shifted to two business owners who shared their actual purchase and sale experiences. Jennifer Fern, of KeyBank, led a discussion with Mike Cook, CEO and owner of SparTek Industries and Bill Patten of Sunbelt Business Brokers about Mike’s purchase of an operating business from a longtime owner. Tonkon Torp partner Gwen Griffith and Lois Moore, former owner of L. Moore Property Management, then shared their experiences in navigating a failed business transition that was immediately followed by a successful sale.
Sherrill chairs Tonkon Torp’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group and is a member of the firm’s Managing Board. She works with businesses of all sizes and focuses a portion of her practice on women-owned or run businesses. She counsels clients on buying and selling businesses, forming joint ventures, raising capital and other general business matters.
Gwen chairs the firm's Tax Practice Group. Her tax practice includes advice to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit entities. She is experienced in corporate, partnership, and international taxation matters, as well as the income tax and transfer tax issues of trusts and estates.
