AARON WITALEC, DIRECTOR OF UHY CORPORATE FINANCE, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON FOREIGN M&A ACTIVITY
Dykema's 2015 M&A Insights report found a smaller percentage of respondents expecting foreign dealmakers to become more active on US soil. Given recent world events, that's not surprising, says Aaron Witalec, director at UHY Advisors Corporate Finance, LLC. With valuations high, economic turmoil in China and the US dollar performing well against foreign currencies-particularly the euro-we're more likely to see a rise in American companies pursuing deals overseas than the other way around, says Witalec, whose firm has a physical presence in 89 countries. Last year, 78 percent of respondents said they expected an increase in activity from China to the US, compared with 69 percent this year. In 2014, 74 percent of respondents said they expected an increase in activity from Europe to the US, compared with 47 percent this year. Whereas US M&A activity to China was not viewed as positively this year, a greater percentage of respondents expect M&A from the US to Europe to increase. That makes sense, Witalec says, noting that, as places like China cool off, Eastern Europe in particular looks ripe for increased M&A activity.

"Western European companies had an interest in pursuing low-cost solutions in Eastern Europe. Then, 10 to 15 years ago, China became the focus for multinationals as it was viewed as 'the place to be,'" Witalec explained. "Now, given the challenges in Asia, Eastern Europe is becoming an attractive destination once again with more American and Western European companies searching for the right acquisitions in the region, especially those that provide a meaningful technological edge in manufacturing."

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MICHIGAN PRACTICE MEMBERS JOIN UHY ADVISORS' BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UHY Advisors announced new board members from its Michigan practice, Thomas Callan and Steven McCarty. Both are well known in the local business community, been with the firm for over 20 years, and alumni of Walsh College. Callan and McCarty will join five others, including the firm's CEO, Anthony Frabotta, who is also a Michigan resident. Frabotta has been with the firm since 1974 and on the board of directors and executive committee since 2000, serves as a member of the board of trustees and treasurer for DMC Legacy, and is a graduate of Wayne State University. Click here to view full press release.

HAROLD BURNS, PARTNER OF UHY LLP, IS ST. CLAIR COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Harold Burns, a partner of UHY LLP's Michigan practice, has been selected as the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by St. Clair County Community College. With over 25 years of experience in public accounting, Harold has acquired a broad range of audit and business consulting knowledge. He is a leader of the firm's audit and assurance and ERISA audit practices. He is also the chairperson for the firm's national health care practice. Harold's civic involvement includes board member of McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation, SC4 Foundation and Canterbury-on-the-Lake Senior Living Retirement Community. He is a former board member of Memphis Community Schools, with 17 years of experience, last 13 years as board president. He was honored at the SC4 Foundation's Red Carpet Affair on November 7. Congratulations, Harold!

CAREERS AT UHY
Are you ready to take charge of your career path? Be sure to visit our careers page for the most up-to-date listings or contact Yolanda Rountree. Current opportunities in our Michigan offices include:

• Audit Manager, 7+ years of experience, manufacturing experience is highly preferred
• Audit Manager, 7+ years of experience, SEC experience is highly preferred
• Audit Senior Accountant, 5-7 years of experience, CPA required
• Internal Audit Risk & Compliance Manager, 7+ years of experience
• R&D Tax Specialist, 7+ years of experience
• Tax Manager, 7-10 years of experience
• Director of Litigation, testifying experience required municipalities
• Senior Associate (Corporate Finance), 2-4 years of Big 4 experience highly preferred