Date: June 16, 2008
Kevin M. Short Presents at Formal Conference between Chinese/
Mid-Western Business and Political Leaders
Kevin Short, Managing Director of Clayton Capital Partners, was a speaker on Monday, June 16th at a conference that discussed the widening of Mid-Western trade with China. Key attendees at the conference included Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Missouri U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill, and Mayor Francis Slay. Also attending the conference were hundreds of local and regional business leaders from the Mid-West and China.
Mr. Short gave a detailed presentation about appropriate acquisition strategies between the Midwest and China, and how each party could greatly benefit from increased trade and investment. Highlights of the presentation included the economic strengths of the Midwest, the importance of the deal team and transaction advisor in the acquisition process, and the compatibilities of Midwestern and Chinese cultures.
The conference, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton, was the first visit by the Vice Premier to St. Louis while on a whirlwind tour ultimately ending in the nation’s capital. Vice Premier Qishan also spoke during the luncheon about the ties between the Midwest and China and how St. Louis would factor into future business endeavors. During his speech, Qishan proclaimed "it is time that we moved our attention to St. Louis and the state of Missouri, and used the base here in St. Louis to expand our openness to the Midwest of the United States." Other notable topics discussed at the conference included Lambert International Airport as a direct trade hub with China and increased agricultural exportation from the Mid-West.
If all goes to plan, St. Louis should be prepared for growing trade with China, both in imports and well as exports. Also, highly profitable and well-run Midwestern businesses will become increasingly important targets for Chinese companies looking into U.S. expansion and acquisition.
