The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), the global community for corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions professionals, today announced it has formed a chapter in the People’s Republic of China. Headquartered in Tianjin, ACG China will hold meetings and events throughout China to facilitate networking, increase deal flow and expand best practices among corporate growth and merger professionals.
The announcement came during a special ceremony at the China International Private Equity Forum (CIPEF) in Tianjin. Senior leaders of ACG participated in the ceremony, along with Vice Mayor Cui Jindu of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government, and Wang Wei, Chairman of the China M&A Association.
“ACG China will benefit the global community of dealmakers,” said Harris Smith, ACG Chairman, and Managing Partner, Private Equity, Grant Thornton LLC. “Through ACG China, corporate development executives and M&A professionals in China will network, source deals and share knowledge with their colleagues throughout the world. This access to the powerful and vibrant Chinese marketplace will help put capital to work, enhance global commerce, and foster greater prosperity.”
Prior to the announcement, successful events were held to introduce ACG to the dealmaker communities in Beijing and Shanghai. The success of these events led to the decision to create ACG China.
“Dealmakers in China are eager to participate in ACG activities,” said Youming Ye, Managing Director, the Jordan Company China and Chairman of ACG China. “More than 300 senior professionals have already attended ACG meetings, and several events are planned for the remainder of 2009. ACG China is off to a great start.”
“ACG helps to connect capital with opportunity,” said ACG President and CEO Gary LaBranche, CAE. “By bringing together potential business partners, ACG China will play a critical role in stimulating investment in the world’s largest market. The creation of ACG China is serious business.”
In addition to its Tianjin headquarters, ACG China will also operate in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and other major cities as membership grows.
“ACG has developed a strong relationship with Tianjin through working closely on the China International Private Equity Forum and participation by Tianjin in the ACG InterGrowth Conference for three years,” said Patrick Hurley, ACG CIPEF Chairman. “We will continue to work together with Tianjin to support the growth of private equity in China and strategic relationships which make a contribution to China.”
