What Buyers Want: Insights from the Front Lines of Language Industry M&A
Date & Time: Thursday, November 6, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ALC members | $50 for non-members
Registration: https://www.alcus.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1995266
ALC will host a live webinar featuring a powerhouse panel of dealmakers who have shaped notable transactions in the language services and technology sector. The session will unpack how AI is influencing valuations, what red or green lights are during the due diligence phase, and best practices for post-deal integration.
Moderator:
Carla Itzkowich — Former LSC owner for 40 years, host of ALC’s M&A Webinars and Senior Advisor at Foresight Consulting and Slator.
Panelists:
- Peter Smith — Chief Executive Officer, Translate.One
Peter Smith is CEO of Translate.One, where he leads global expansion and technology partnerships. With 25+ years in the industry and prior leadership roles at SDL and other LSPs, he has driven Translate.One’s recent acquisitions in Europe and North America, receiving recognition with awards such as the Tech 50 (2023) and a Gold Stevie® (2025). - Esther Bond — Head of Advisory, Slator
One of the industry’s most trusted analysts, Esther leads Slator’s research and advisory practice, guiding investors and language service providers through M&A, funding, and market trends. Her insights are grounded in rigorous data and years of tracking deals worldwide. - Michael Marsan — CEO, Idlewild Burg Group
Michael has driven multiple acquisitions, including the recent Korn Translations–Zaum Langs merger. Focused on growth in the Americas, he offers a buyer’s perspective on scalability, integration, and the evolving role of AI in LSP valuation. He also has been involved in various sales of companies in the industry.
Why Attend:
Attendees will gain practical intelligence on current deal dynamics, buyer priorities, and how AI is reshaping the value proposition of language companies.
#LanguageAI #MALab #BuyersPerspective