Ropes & Gray at 2025 Kayo M&A and Private Funds Summits

Ropes & Gray is proud to sponsor Kayo’s M&A and Private Funds Summits, part of Kayo's 12th Annual Private Equity Series, from October 14–16, 2025.

Ropes & Gray's Breakout Sessions – M&A

The Macroeconomy and Its Impact on M&A

How is the macroeconomy affecting M&A and vice versa in 2025? After several years of turbulence, M&A deal activity has adapted. Investors are finding creative ways to get transactions over the finish line through continuation vehicles, club deals, minority stakes, add-on acquisitions, and other alternative structures that keep capital moving even in a cautious market. In 2026, the question isn’t just if deals are happening, but how they’re getting done. Join this panel as we explore the evolving playbook for private markets transactions and the opportunities shaping the next wave of M&A.

Moderator:

Jessica Cooney
Partner, Ropes & Gray

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Terms, Tactics & Triumphs: A Fireside Chat with Jaime Hildreth of WestCap

In this fireside chat, Jaime Hildreth, Partner at WestCap, will unpack the art and execution of deal-making in today’s dynamic M&A market. Drawing from her experience leading transactions across investments in various cycles, Jaime will share how she approaches term sheet structuring, value creation planning, and navigating relationships with different stakeholders.

Moderator:

Sarah Schaffer Raux
Partner, Ropes & Gray

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Ropes & Gray's Breakout Sessions – Private Funds

The COO's Playbook: Navigating Fundraising, Compliance, the Future of PE Operations

In this plenary fireside chat, Teresa Bernstein, COO, General Counsel, and CCO at ACON Investments, and Rachel O’Brien will share how she balances strategy and compliance in today’s challenging fundraising environment. They will cover topics ranging from negotiating LP terms and co-investments to navigating regulatory scrutiny and leveraging technology, as well as highlight the operational and compliance considerations shaping private equity today and the key opportunities firms should watch as we head into 2026.

Moderator:

Rachel O'Brien
Partner, Ropes & Gray

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Democratizing Access: How Retail Capital Is Reshaping Private Markets

As traditional fundraising channels tighten, private funds are turning to the retail market as a growing source of capital. Structures like evergreen funds are opening the door for individual investors to access private equity, credit, and more. Hear from fund sponsors, legal experts, and platform innovators on the shifts making this possible and how to tap into this expanding investor base.

Moderator:

Chelsea Childs
Partner, Ropes & Gray

To connect further with our team members, please reach out to us.