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Exec describes turnaround for tech companies

Oct. 12, 2004

KALAMAZOO--A Western Michigan University alumnus, who is the founder of a company that specializes in buying underperforming companies in the technology sector, will describe his work in a talk set for Thursday, Oct. 14, as part of Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business Distinguished Speaker Series.

Speaking at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium of Schneider Hall, Alec E. Gores, founder and chairman of Gores Technology Group, will discuss "Turning Mistakes Into Opportunities by Acquiring Underperforming Tech Companies." The address will be followed by a question-and-answer session and a reception. Attendance is by invitation only and is not open to the general public.

Gores, a 1977 graduate with a degree in computer science, founded his company in 1989. It is a privately held buyout firm that focuses on the acquisition and management of technology businesses, with a specialty in acquiring nonstrategic or noncore businesses from major corporations. Since its founding, GTG has acquired more than 40 companies, ranging in size from $10 million to $1 billion. The current portfolio includes 15 companies, including The Learning Co., which GTG acquired from the Mattel Co. and returned to profitability within six months.

The Distinguished Speaker Series, now in its ninth year, brings corporate, education and government leaders to the Haworth College of Business to discuss a variety of topics of interest to the University and Southwest Michigan. Business and community leaders, as well as WMU faculty staff and students, attend the events. Dr. Christopher M. Korth, WMU professor of finance and commercial law, is founder and chairperson of the series.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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