Unlocking Value - Strategies for Maximizing Returns in Exit Events

Morrison Foerster, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, and Valoo recently hosted a lunchtime program focused on maximizing value in private market exit events. The session brought together industry leaders and innovators to share practical insights on liquidity pathways, transaction structures, and tax optimization. Speakers included:

• Ashley Velategui, Senior Vice President, Head of Wealth Strategies, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
  
• Michele Walker, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
  
• Adi Weitzhandler, Founding Partner, Valoo
  
• Christopher McKinnon, Partner, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital, Morrison Foerster
  
• Shiri Shenhav, Partner, M&A, Morrison Foerster
  

As private market participants continue to navigate evolving market conditions and growing pressure to deliver returns, the discussion emphasized the importance of strategic liquidity planning and exit readiness. Speakers explored key distinctions between M&A and secondary transactions, timing considerations for early- versus late-stage sales, and innovative deal structures such as hybrid secondaries and synthetic transactions.

The program also highlighted strategies to maximize value in liquidity events, including approaches to equity treatment, earnout design, and tax optimization opportunities—ranging from QSBS eligibility to state residency and estate planning considerations.

Valoo shared valuable perspectives on emerging trends and opportunities in the secondary market, underscoring how technology and data solutions are reshaping liquidity options for private market participants.

We thank everyone who joined us for the program and look forward to continuing the discussion.