The main feature of the October edition is that it marks the start of our Deals of the Year coverage. Now in its fourth year, we aim to show which of the deals completed in the period 1 October 2001 to 30 September 2002 are most praiseworthy from a treasurer’s point of view. That is what distinguishes our Deals of the Year from similar offerings from other magazines – the treasurer’s perspective. Banks are, understandably, keen to promote ‘biggest’ or ‘most…..’ but that does not necessarily always mean best from the other side of the fence.
Our criteria are sound treasury management, efficient pricing, optimal or innovative structuring, and (importantly in the current environment) relative success in prevailing market conditions.
We have selected some 30 deals which we feel have stood out over the past 12 months, and are asking readers to tell us which ones you feel are most noteworthy. This is not an exclusive list, and if your favourite deal, or indeed a deal which you worked on, is missing from the list, please feel free to nominate it. I would encourage all readers to vote – the more votes we get, the better the validation and the higher profile will be achieved by the Deals of the Year feature, The Treasurer and in turn the ACT.
Once we have everybody’s votes in (deadline Monday 21 October), the Panel will reconvene to consider which eight deals will make the final selection. The criteria mentioned above and the weight of voting for a particular deal will be considered. There are no categories, and the Panel will be selecting the best eight, although we will be looking to achieve a balanced selection. The final selection will be announced at the ACT’s Annual Dinner and there will be detailed analysis and profile of the Deals in the December issue.
Not to be ignored are our other features this month: the second part of the series of articles on Euro Cash Pooling, starting on page 28, which includes an interesting insight from BT; and the Spotlight on Treasury Operations, Systems and Payments, boots on page 42, and includes a case study from Shell.
We have had a changing of the guard with The Treasurer team at Ocean House. Zoe Shoesmith will now be working with us as Editorial Assistant, replacing Nicola Harvey who has left. Chantal Feduchin Pate has left as Advertising Sales Executive and we are looking to replace her as soon as possible. Denis Murphy, our Media Sales Manager, will certainly have his hands full managing The Treasurer, The Treasurer’s Handbook and sponsorship opportunities.
MIKE HENIGAN
Managing Editor