The Rugby World Cup is gracing our TV screens at the moment. Initially, it was the giants v. the minnows, with tries galore and ‘valiant efforts’ all round. By the time you read this, the first phase will have ended and the (allegedly) more balanced ties will be on – you can sense the anticipation as it builds towards the exciting climax of an Ireland v Wales final. Oh, apologies to those of you who fallen off your seats, a bit of Celtic bias there – that should read ‘England v. All Blacks final’.
Another major prize at stake this month is that of The Treasurer’s Deals of the Year. As you will see on page 36, we have lined up some of the most interesting deals completed between 1 October 2002 and 30 September this year and are inviting readers to select their favourite deal from each of six categories. The key to the winning deals is that they show ‘sound treasury management, optimal or innovative structure, efficient pricing or demonstrate relative success in prevailing market conditions’.
Once we have received all the votes, our Panel of experts (five treasurers, three advisers) will meet to select the winning deals, which will be examined in detail in the January/February issue. This is the perfect opportunity for treasurers to pick what they think are the best deals from the treasurer’s point of view, so I would encourage you all to take part. You can also vote online at www.treasurers.org/thetreasurer.
Another ACT activity which it is well worth taking part in is The Treasurers’ Conference, being held at Celtic Manor, from 22 to 24 March next year. The conference programme has just been announced and we are delighted to have our usual crop of top-quality speakers from the world of treasury and finance. Sir Andrew Large, Deputy Governor – Financial Stability at the Bank of England, opens Tuesday’s proceedings, and, at the last count, we have 22 corporate treasury practitioners or CFOs (from Manchester United to Cisco Systems to AstraZeneca to Allied Domecq) speaking or taking part in sessions over the two days of the conference.
In case you don’t know, Celtic Manor has no fewer than three championship golf courses, with the programme allowing for the ACT Golf Tournament on Monday 22 March. A perfect chance to earn bragging rights for the following two days. See page 35 for details about how to register or visit the website at www.treasurersconference.com.
Good luck to all the participants in all the competitions mentioned above. May the best team/deal/treasurer/banker win.
MIKE HENIGAN
Managing Editor
