Exploring Growth Through M&A | First Focus Events

Studies show only 10-20% of M&A deals are successful.
Here's your chance to learn from those who got it right.

This event brings together an intimate group of business owners, executives, and advisors who are either exploring M&A for the first time or who have been through it already (and successfully come out the other side).

From integrating technology and teams to managing change and reducing risk, you'll walk away with a clearer picture of what questions to ask, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to make sure your next move, whether buying or selling, delivers real value.

Key Takeaways

Featuring guest speakers Ross Sardi (CEO - First Focus) and Graham Morgan (Managing Director - Morgan Shaw Advisory) you'll:

Discover ways to identify businesses that truly fit your goals (financially, culturally, and operationally) before you commit.

Hear how other business leaders approached buying or selling, what went right, what went wrong, and what they’d do differently next time.

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Explore how to use technology, automation, and communication to keep momentum through change and reduce disruption.

Get tips on evaluating deals with a clear financial lens, managing risk, and ensuring post-deal performance meets expectations.

Why This Topic?

M&A can be one of the fastest ways to grow or exit a business, but it’s also one of the hardest to get right.

More businesses are exploring M&A as a growth strategy, and knowing what to expect makes all the difference
Many deals look great on paper but fail to deliver because of integration, culture, or technology missteps
Hearing directly from those who’ve been through both buying and selling helps you avoid common traps and focus on what really drives value
The relaxed roundtable format creates a safe space to ask questions, test ideas, and gain perspective from peers and experts alike

Ross Sardi
CEO - First Focus

As CEO of First Focus, Ross Sardi has overseen 14 acquisitions that have shaped the company’s continued growth and success.

Under Ross’s leadership, First Focus has grown into a market-leading technology provider, known for its steady, thoughtful expansion and for bringing together great businesses without losing what makes them special.

With a focus on creating value through people, culture, and technology integration, he has developed a clear, practical approach to M&A that balances commercial outcomes with empathy for the teams and customers involved.

At this event, Ross will share his lessons from the front line of acquiring and integrating businesses, including what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how to make M&A a growth strategy that delivers.

Graham Morgan
Managing Director - Morgan Shaw Advisory

Graham had thirty years experience in senior leadership roles, before setting up his business in 2013. He has led many difficult transformations, managing complex relationships between Private Equity, Banks, Independent Directors and Management.

He has bought and sold numerous businesses managing the entire process, has been a key member in an IPO and led a business through a challenging receivership.

Graham is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Certified Chair at the Advisory Board Centre. A Certified Advisor to Family Business Australia and a Chair at VISTAGE Worldwide.