On October 13, Art Mertes led a practical and interactive panel discussion, “Sell, Hold, Buy? Private Company Directors’ M&A Decisions for Middle-Market Companies.” The flagship event of the Private Directors Association (PDA) – Chicago Chapter featured insightful panelists with experience in deals from all sides of the table who addressed the consequential strategic decision for middle-market private companies and their boards: whether to sell, hold, or buy. The discussion included how boards best manage unsolicited M&A offers, weigh their alternatives, support management, and protect value.