As I sat down to write my first blog entry, I wondered whats the most relevant and useful thing I could write. A plain vanilla bio or recitation of accomplishments seemed dull. So I thought about why you might be reading this, and that gave me some ideas. Ill assume youre an executive and shareholder of a software company. Youre thinking about an eventual liquidity event and interested in building company value in the mean time. Youd like to know a lot more about software M&A, including current market conditions. You probably would like to build a relationship with an M&A advisory firm that could help you when the time is right, but youd like to know more about the firm and its people before you start a two way dialog. Fair enough. Browse the Corum web site. Subscribe to our newsletters, deal summaries, and quarterly M&A reports. Join us for our regular webcasts. Read the blogs and get to know the deal makers here at Corum, at least through our writings. But still, a little personal info may be useful because you really do want to know who youre dealing with. So, my next entry will fill in some of the details that dont show in a typical bio. When the time is right, ring me or any of Corums M&A advisors; well probably know a lot about your sector. Wed be happy to talk with you informally and get to know you. Wed like to know about your company and the expertise of your people, and about the products and services you sell, and what your customer base looks like. Well give you our view of the M&A market, talk about options for companies like yours, and give you insights about what buyers are looking for. If youre ready for M&A as a way to take your company to the next level of growth, then well discuss the best approach. On the other hand, if that event is months or years away, well be a sounding board to give you thoughts and ideas about building shareholder value. When youre ready to pursue M&A, well both be well prepared.