The terms and conditions of key supply agreements can be a significant determining factor in the profitability of both suppliers and procuring companies. These agreements also often have long lives. As a consequence, in a growing number of companies, key supply chain agreements receive C-suite and Board-level attention.

In today's supply chain, it is becoming increasingly important for executives to understand key provisions in supply agreements is critical to negotiating and approving supply agreements, managing supply relationships, and resolving potential and active disputes. Effective negotiation strategies also are critical. Executives should develop and hone strategies and best practices for designing, negotiating and drafting supply agreements, in order to reduce risks and to maximize business leverage. In addition, executives and their advisory team should be armed with creative approaches to working with supply chain partners that may be effective under special circumstances, such as joint ventures, intellectual property licenses, and mergers and acquisitions in the supply chain.

For More Information

Foley & Lardner Partners Anne Ross (Madison), Ann Marie Uetz (Detroit) and Vanessa Miller (Detroit) are presenting "Maximizing Leverage in the Supply Chain–Best Practices for Designing, Negotiating and Drafting Supply Chain Agreements" at the Precision Metalforming Association's Executive Development Academy in Tampa, Florida on January 8-9, 2015. The program is billed as a two-day boot camp for executives to hone their skills while getting briefed on the latest technology and trends impacting their manufacturing businesses. The presentation will cover best practices, negotiation strategies and pitfalls to avoid when negotiating supply chain contracts and navigating supply chain issues, which will be tailored to the executive-level audience. To register and view the full, two-day agenda visit the PMA's website.

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