M&A Science

Executing Strategic M&A in Today's Market Oct 28, 2024

Todd Henrich, SVP Head of Corporate Development at Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG)

Today's M&A market conditions are volatile, regulatory scrutiny is high, and the pressure to find value is greater than ever. The risks of entering a deal without a firm understanding of today’s market dynamics have never been more pronounced. How do you ensure your strategic acquisitions stay on course?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we explore the best practices for executing strategic M&A in today's market with Todd Henrich, SVP Head of Corporate Development at Booking Holdings.

Things you will learn:

• The ripple effects of regulatory overreach on M&A and investment

• Shaping strategy through M&A setbacks

• Using M&A as a tool, not a strategy

• How global regulatory collaboration is impacting M&A activity

• Key targets and red flags when building an investment thesis

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:02 The impact of changing regulations on M&A deals

08:01 The ripple effects of regulatory overreach on M&A and investment

11:40 Shaping strategy through M&A setbacks

12:49 Using M&A as a tool, not a strategy

15:59 How global regulatory collaboration is impacting M&A activity

18:13 Adapting to regulatory rules

19:21 Ensuring strategic alignment and long-term value in M&A

22:49 Sourcing deals

23:38 The Rocketmiles acquisition success story

26:48 Key targets and red flags when building an investment thesis

30:16 The AI hype

31:38 Managing the hidden costs of M&A

36:08 The importance of an integration team in M&A success

37:39 Balancing valuation and integration costs in M&A

39:19 Other reasons deals can go awry

43:39 Key lessons in M&A: Doing deals that matter

46:59 Handling surprises in M&A deals

53:21 The importance of buyer-led M&A processes for long-term success

55:09 Craziest Thing in M&A

Managing Regulatory Compliance Risks in M&A Oct 21, 2024

Charles Webb, Lead Antitrust Counsel at FedEx (NYSE: FDX)

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, everyone loves to talk about synergies, growth, and market share. However, these enticing prospects can quickly dim if regulatory compliance risks are overlooked. While not the most glamorous aspect of M&A, compliance forms the bedrock that ensures deals are legally sound and smoothly executed.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Charles Webb, Lead Antitrust Counsel at FedEx, discusses how to manage regulatory compliance risks in M&A.

Things you will learn:

• Different types of regulatory compliance risks in M&A

• Applicability of antitrust framework to companies

• The evolution of antitrust laws

• The importance of avoiding Gun Jumping

• Increased aggressiveness of antitrust regulators

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:40 Different types of regulatory compliance risks in M&A

14:41 Applicability of antitrust framework to companies

20:47 Impact of HSR filing on the deal timeline

22:43 What does the HSR form look like?

24:56 How to land the narrative in a merger

28:25 The Origins of the Sherman Act

29:47 The Magna Carta of Free Enterprise

30:03 Fast forward 1914

30:36 Amendments and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act

31:33 The evolution of antitrust laws

33:47 Risks during the waiting period

39:33 The importance of avoiding Gun Jumping

42:22 Best practices for internal communication during a deal

44:01 Understanding deal review risk in advance

46:11 What happens if a deal is rejected?

50:11 Increased aggressiveness of antitrust regulators

51:41 Real consequences for gun jumping

53:05 Balancing integration planning with gun jumping risks

57:43 The key to preparing for regulatory compliance

58:52 Craziest Thing in M&A

Strategic Perspectives on M&A Oct 14, 2024

Henry Ward, CEO and Co-founder at Carta,

M&A has become a critical tool for companies to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing market. But success in acquisitions now requires more than just speed—it demands a strategic approach that aligns with long-term goals and adapts to industry shifts.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Henry Ward, CEO and Co-founder of Carta, shares his insights on how businesses can refine their M&A strategies to thrive in an evolving corporate landscape.

Things you will learn:

• Building the case for actionability

• How to convince founders to sell

• Valuing high-growth companies

• Bounded vs. unbounded acquisitions

• Balancing disciplined acquisitions with opportunistic ventures

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:30 First failed acquisition story

09:13 Lessons learned during early deals

14:06 Building the case for actionability

16:31 Convincing founders to sell

26:06 Valuing high-growth companies

28:26 Bridging valuation gaps

31:48 Acquihires and product tuck-ins

35:39 Bounded vs. unbounded acquisitions

40:40 Lessons from unbounded M&A deals

44:22 Strategic capital allocation

46:33 Evaluating pipelines and allocating resources

48:10 How to make successful Corp Dev team and CEO relationships

50:25 Integration expectations from stakeholders

53:31 Thoughts on international expansion

56:02 Craziest thing in M&A

From Silos to Synergy: Best Practices for Uniting Diligence & Integration in M&A Oct 07, 2024

Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations and Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF)

Too often in M&A, diligence and integration operate in separate lanes. Diligence focuses on uncovering risks, while integration is left scrambling to make everything fit once the ink is dry. It’s a classic case of working in silos, and it’s leaving value on the table. But there's a way to break down those barriers from the start.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf, and Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations, show us how to transform these silos into synergy by aligning diligence and integration from day one.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy

• Synchronizing diligence and integration planning

• The importance of integration-led diligence

• Building and refining the integration thesis

• Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:46 Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy

06:21 Synchronizing diligence and integration planning

09:12 The importance of integration-led diligence

10:25 Early integration planning pre-LOI

13:05 Building and refining the integration thesis

15:58 Balancing due diligence and integration

19:10 Building confidence in early integration planning

21:53 Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan

24:48 Measuring success from diligence to integration

27:44 Balancing aggressive integration goals with realistic expectations

29:59 Balancing AI hype with core business strategy in M&A pipelines

32:04 Best practices for evaluating intangible factors in an acquisition

33:52 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Validate the Deal Thesis To Ensure M&A Success Sep 30, 2024

Jann Lau, Senior Director, Corporate Development at PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL)

A well-crafted deal thesis is the cornerstone of any successful M&A transaction. It outlines the strategic rationale and anticipated value creation from the acquisition. However, a strong thesis alone isn't enough. To ensure the deal delivers on its promise, it's crucial to rigorously validate its assumptions and projections.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jann Lau, Senior Director of Corporate Development at PayPal, shares key strategies for validating the deal thesis and mitigating risks associated with M&A.

Things you will learn:

• The importance of validating the deal thesis

• The risks of rushing M&A deals without proper alignment

• How to effectively validate a deal thesis

• Who takes the blame in corporate development for a bad deal?

• Other ways to streamline the M&A process

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This episode is sponsored by Spearhead Corp Dev, a leading buy-side advisory firm. Spearhead combines traditional deal origination and advisory with advanced AI to help corporations and mid-market PE firms find and close more off-market deals with certainty. Their approach supercharges proprietary deal flow, providing a greater choice of opportunities. Elevate your deal sourcing by visiting spearheadcorpdev.com.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:36 The Yahoo! acquisition

09:27 The importance of validating the deal thesis

13:42 The risks of rushing M&A deals without proper alignment

16:25 How to effectively validate a deal thesis

20:55 Example on how to effectively validate a deal thesis

26:29 Risks of not validating the deal thesis

29:42 Crafting a deal thesis

33:31 Pitching the deal thesis

36:38 Integration as a deal driver

39:47 Who takes the blame in corporate development for a bad deal?

40:53 Key questions to nail down your deal thesis

42:09 Balancing gut instinct and stakeholder buy-in in M&A decisions

44:20 Lessons from deal surprises

46:13 When to walk away from a deal

48:16 Other ways to streamline the M&A process

50:34 Craziest thing in M&A

Insights on Portfolio Rebalancing in M&A Sep 23, 2024

Gregg Albert, Managing Partner - Corporate Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions at Accenture (NYSE: ACN)

Companies are facing immense pressure to stay agile, seize new opportunities, and maintain a competitive advantage in today's rapidly evolving business environment. One key strategy to achieve this is portfolio rebalancing, a critical initiative that helps businesses optimize their asset mix and drive sustainable growth.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Gregg Albert, Managing Director of Corporate Strategy M&A at Accenture, discusses in-depth, what is portolio rebalancing and how it could help your company.

Things you will learn:

• The difference between an opinionated shareholder and an activist investor

• Companies that attract activist investors

• How to approach portfolio rebalancing

• Addressing integration bottlenecks

• The challenges of divestitures in portfolio rebalancing

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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:57 The importance of portfolio rebalancing

11:56 The broader scope of portfolio rebalancing

14:56 Evolving perspectives on portfolio rebalancing: activist investors

16:56 The difference between an opinionated shareholder and an activist

19:11 Companies that attract activist investors

21:38 How to approach portfolio rebalancing

26:24 Key stages in M&A transactions

29:38 Addressing integration bottlenecks

32:34 The challenges of divestitures in portfolio rebalancing

35:21 Portfolio rebalancing example

39:57 How influence works in the boardroom

42:21 How to be an activist investor

44:32 Defending against shareholder activism

47:02 Audience Q&A

47:43 Characteristics of companies with a strong M&A muscle

49:31 Challenges faced by companies with a weaker M&A muscle

51:09 The importance of prioritizing capital allocation in M&A

54:40 Portfolio rebalancing in private equity-owned businesses

58:14 Carve-outs in private equity portfolios

1:00:15 Understanding wargaming in strategic planning

1:04:15 Choosing the right advisor for your business needs

1:07:35 Future trends in M&A and portfolio rebalancing

1:09:31 Advice for companies on portfolio management

1:11:46 Craziest thing in M&A

In-House vs. External Legal Insights in M&A Sep 16, 2024

Anson Lau, Deputy General Counsel at LONGi Solar (SHA:601012)

In M&A, it’s not just about the deal—it’s about who’s at the table. In-house and external counsel both play key roles in a deal, bringing unique expertise and advantages. Knowing how to strategically utilize both can help you manage risks, secure favorable terms, and ensure smooth post-deal integration.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Anson Lau, Deputy General Counsel at LONGi Solar, shares how to play to the strengths of both sides to optimize your M&A approach.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Balancing in-house and external legal roles

• Mindset differences in in-house vs. external counsel

• Tactical vs. strategic roles in legal counsel

• Risk mitigation: external vs. internal counsel

• Choosing the right external counsel for M&A deals

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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:15 Balancing in-house and external legal roles

08:59 The intensity of external legal work

10:06 Mindset differences in in-house vs. external counsel

12:56 Tactical vs. strategic roles in legal counsel

15:54 Understanding negotiation perspectives

20:56 Risk mitigation: external vs. internal counsel

23:47 Cross-functional collaboration in risk mitigation

28:19 Assessing law firm culture

29:34 Best and worst-case scenario of M&A deals

36:15 Choosing the right external counsel for M&A deals

39:36 Building relationships with legal counsel for future M&A deals

42:57 Managing diligence: pre-term sheet vs. post-term sheet

45:45 Identifying red flags before signing the LOI

48:27 Collaborating with internal stakeholders pre-LOI vs post-LOI

54:46 The Impact of AI on the legal profession

58:29 Craziest thing in M&A

The Role of CEO in M&A Sep 09, 2024

Kevin Lynch, CEO and Board Member at Optiv

Beyond the boardroom battles and billion-dollar deals, mergers and acquisitions present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for CEOs. From strategic planning to post-merger integration, it takes essential skills and qualities for CEOs to excel in this high-stakes arena.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kevin Lynch, CEO and Board Member at Optiv, shares his invaluable insights on the role of a CEO and what it takes to lead a company through successful M&A endeavors.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Balancing market share and capability in M&A decisions

• Crafting a strategic integration thesis

• When to communicate your vision for the acquisition

• The isolation of the CEO role

• Driving speed and growth with battle rhythm and clear expectations

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Experience the M&A event of the year and gain actionable insights to scale your M&A practice. Register now for the Fall M&A Science Fair here.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:26 Defining the CEO’s role in M&A

09:49 Shaping the M&A strategy

14:26 Balancing market share and capability in M&A decisions

16:13 Navigating imperfect M&A fits

19:42 Crafting a strategic integration thesis

22:18 When to communicate your vision for the acquisition

28:01 The fundamentals of capital allocation

33:59 Managing complexities in leadership

36:47 Communicating the capital allocation approach

40:41 The isolation of the CEO role

43:10 Fostering cultural fit and addressing cultural concerns

48:04 Evaluating culture during executive conversations

51:39 Convincing companies to sell

1:00:08 Driving speed and growth with battle rhythm and clear expectations

1:03:43 Challenges and best practices in M&A

1:11:28 Craziest Thing in M&A

How to Execute Successful M&A as a CEO Sep 02, 2024

Sanjay Poonen, CEO & President of Cohesity

M&A isn't just about signing a deal and popping the champagne. Every CEO knows the entire process is a minefield of cultural clashes, integration headaches, and occasional unexpected challenges that could blow up your strategy. But while M&A can be a high-stakes game, it’s also one that can be mastered with the right playbook.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we’re diving into key strategies CEOs should consider to ensure M&A success, featuring Sanjay Poonen, CEO & President of Cohesity.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• The CEO’s approach to M&A integration

• Key considerations in sourcing deals

• Best practices for managing large-scale acquisitions

• The impact of market timing on acquisition strategy

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Experience the M&A event of the year and gain actionable insights to scale your M&A practice. Register now for the Fall M&A Science Fair here.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:06 Exploring high-impact M&A deals

05:33 Shaping the M&A strategy

07:16 Expanding and innovating through acquisitions

11:18 The CEO’s approach to M&A integration

20:08 Key considerations in sourcing deals

25:25 Cultivating cultural alignment

29:42 Convincing companies to do an M&A deal

36:51 Maintaining key relationships

38:36 Best practices for managing large-scale acquisitions

40:38 Strategic considerations for a global expansion

41:37 The right timing for announcing deals

43:35 The impact of market timing on acquisition strategy

44:53 Advice for CEOs on preparing for a successful IPO post-acquisition

46:47 Craziest thing in M&A

Dynamic Portfolio Strategy: Rebalancing Using Divestitures Aug 26, 2024

Jerome Combes-Knoke, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Dotmatics (Insight Partners)

Strategic focus is a prerequisite to strong corporate performance. Yet, without proactive efforts to maintain focus, companies can “drift” and become weighed down by misaligned business units.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jerome Combes-Knoke, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Dotmatics (a portfolio company of Insight Partners), shares his broad M&A experience and presents his approach to portfolio strategy and rebalancing through divestitures.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Strategic focus on acquisitions, using Dotmatics’ approach.

• Portfolio rebalancing and its challenges

• Evaluating divestiture candidates

• Building internal alignment for divestitures

• Best practices for managing key risks

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Experience the M&A event of the year and gain actionable insights to scale your M&A practice. Register now for the Fall M&A Science Fair here.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:17 Approaching deals in a software-oriented environment

10:11 Preserving brand integrity in M&A go-to-market strategies

12:43 Approaching valuation

15:16 Strategic pitch for acquisitions

20:41 Portfolio rebalancing and its challenges

25:25 When and how to rebalance a company’s portfolio

27:29 Getting buy-in and alignment from the board and key stakeholders

33:24 Key factors in considering divestitures

36:26 Executing a divestiture for portfolio rebalancing

39:09 Best practices in executing divestitures

43:12 Divestiture success metrics

46:29 Example of portfolio rebalancing and its challenges

53:20 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Run a Successful Cultural Integration Aug 19, 2024

Court Carruthers, President and CEO at TricorBraun

Cultural integration is the often overlooked key to long-term M&A success. It's about creating a shared identity, values, and purpose that unites employees from different backgrounds. When done right, it can transform a merger from a transactional event into a strategic partnership.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Court Carruthers, President and CEO at TricorBraun, shares his insights on how to successfully integrate two cultures and build a stronger, unified organization.

Things you will learn in the episode:

• The importance of cultural integration in M&A

• The role of culture in M&A and business strategy

• Approaching cultural diligence

• Identifying culture fit in an auction

• Best practices for M&A integration

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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:53 The importance of cultural integration in M&A

05:18 Academic research on cultural integration in M&A

07:32 The role of culture in M&A and business strategy

09:04 A unique M&A strategy focused on family businesses

10:23 Integration strategies for acquired businesses

14:04 Building relationships and structuring deals for long-term success

16:36 Approaching cultural diligence

18:16 Identifying culture fit in an auction

21:46 Assessing cultural fit in M&A

24:20 Walking away from a deal due to cultural differences

26:34 Red flags in cultural fit between LOI and closing

33:05 Building an organization for successful acquisitions

35:19 The importance of seamless handoffs

38:13 Keeping stakeholders comfortable during transitions

40:57 The biggest challenge in dealing with culture

43:02 Best practices for M&A integration

46:25 Working with private equity partners for long-term growth

48:54 Good vs. bad partnerships with PE Firms

50:34 Advice for corporate development practitioners

54:48 Why culture in M&A is important

55:32 Craziest thing in M&A

Unlocking New M&A Strategies: Uniting Venture Capital Insights and Public Equities in M&A Aug 12, 2024

Thomas Le, Vice President, Corporate Development at Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD)

The M&A landscape is constantly evolving, making it difficult to predict future trends and identify new opportunities. How can companies maintain a competitive advantage? In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Thomas Le, Vice President of Corporate Development at Ziff Davis, Inc., shares his VC-backed strategies for unlocking new M&A strategies.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Strategic networking for building a pipeline

• The Reverse Coverage method for building a pipeline

• How to craft effective cold outreach emails

• Integrating the Mosaic theory into M&A strategy

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This episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Insight.

In today’s rapidly evolving business world, staying ahead means embracing change and leveraging technology to not just meet but exceed your strategic goals. That’s where Insight comes in.

Insight is a comprehensive solutions integrator that helps organizations transform technology, operations, and service delivery to future-proof the business and innovate.

With a client-focused approach to delivery, they combine the power of people and technology to turn the biggest challenges into opportunities.

Learn more at insight.com/leave-legacy.

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This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:40 Venture capital experience in M&A

13:18 Strategic networking for building a pipeline

18:31 Making an effective initial outreach

19:21 How to craft effective cold outreach emails

23:24 Assessing product market fit

29:01 Strategic thinking and culture fit

32:41 Unlocking new M&A strategies

36:02 Leveraging bankers in M&A deals

38:07 Applying the Mosaic theory to M&A due diligence

47:31 Embedding M&A into corporate culture

48:50 Transitioning from public equities and venture capital to M&A

1:07:04 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Execute a Balanced M&A Integration Aug 05, 2024

Karen Williams, Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress

Achieving exponential growth through M&A requires more than signing agreements. It’s about balancing cultures, systems, and people. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Karen Williams, Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress, provides a roadmap for a balanced M&A integration.

Things you will also learn from this episode:

• Side effects of a forceful integration

• Information crucial to Integration planning

• Measuring integration success

• Biggest challenges when executing an integration

• What is vendor rationalization?

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This episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Insight.

In today’s rapidly evolving business world, staying ahead means embracing change and leveraging technology to not just meet but exceed your strategic goals. That’s where Insight comes in.

Insight is a comprehensive solutions integrator that helps organizations transform technology, operations, and service delivery to future-proof the business and innovate.

With a client-focused approach to delivery, they combine the power of people and technology to turn the biggest challenges into opportunities.

Learn more at insight.com/leave-legacy.

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This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:07 Importance of balanced integration

09:41 Side effects of a forceful integration

13:16 When to involve the integration lead

17:12 Information crucial to Integration planning

20:06 Integration lead’s role during diligence

21:35 Balancing integration execution

26:27 Working with the seller

29:22 Realization versus timeline

32:42 What makes integration successful

35:42 Tips for effective communication

41:49 Creating and refining M&A Playbooks

43:18 Ensuring a positive employee experience

52:32 Measuring integration success

55:26 Biggest challenges when executing an integration

58:09 What is vendor rationalization

1:01:21 Craziest thing in M&A

Transforming a Company Through Strategic Acquisitions Jul 29, 2024

Successful M&A is more than just closing deals. To drive growth and achieve strategic goals, companies must have a deep understanding of the process and a clear strategy. Strategic acquisitions are key to unlocking growth, innovation, and market expansion.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Fred Heller, VP of Nuance, Corporate Development and Integration at Microsoft, shares his experience on how to transform a company through strategic acquisitions.

Things you will also learn from this episode:

• Doing transformative deals as a public company

• Saving money on deals

• The hardest thing to negotiate in a strategic deal

• Transformative AI acquisitions

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This episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Insight.

In today’s rapidly evolving business world, staying ahead means embracing change and leveraging technology to not just meet but exceed your strategic goals. That’s where Insight comes in.

Insight is a comprehensive solutions integrator that helps organizations transform technology, operations, and service delivery to future-proof the business and innovate.

With a client-focused approach to delivery, they combine the power of people and technology to turn the biggest challenges into opportunities.

Learn more at insight.com/leave-legacy.

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This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 06:55 Business transformation through acquisition 11:51 Strategy behind the transformation 14:49 Doing transformative deals as a public company 17:53 Changes in market position 23:04 Divestitures 25:46 M&A experience 29:49 Knowledge vs Intuition 31:29 Importance of relationships in M&A 34:25 Saving money on deals 37:20 The hardest thing to negotiate in a strategic deal 44:02 Bad M&A story 48:04 Microsoft deal 52:59 Transformative AI acquisitions 57:04 Challenges during transformation period 58:13 Craziest Thing in M&A

Uncovering Technical Debt For Better Technology Integration Jul 22, 2024

Tom Hearn, VP, Architecture at Insight

In the world of M&A, understanding and managing technical debt is crucial for seamless technology integration.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we’ll explore the concept of technical debt, its impact on IT infrastructure, and strategies for better integration with Tom Hearn, VP, Architecture at Insight.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Technology Integration

• AI and machine learning

• ERP migration

• Synergy assumptions

• Working with Insight

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This episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Insight.

In today’s rapidly evolving business world, staying ahead means embracing change and leveraging technology to not just meet but exceed your strategic goals. That’s where Insight comes in.

Insight is a comprehensive solutions integrator that helps organizations transform technology, operations, and service delivery to future-proof the business and innovate.

With a client-focused approach to delivery, they combine the power of people and technology to turn the biggest challenges into opportunities.

Learn more at insight.com/leave-legacy.

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This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 04:06 Approaching technical and security integration 10:54 Technology Integration 17:17 AI and machine learning 21:00 ERP migration 25:19 Synergy assumptions 35:25 Working with Insight 37:00 Due diligence 40:05 Managing costs 46:29 Return on investment 49:18 Craziest Thing in M&A

How to Handle Global M&A Jul 15, 2024

Pablo von Siebenthal, Global Head of M&A at Swissport

The global landscape offers exciting growth opportunities that make business expansion a strategic move. M&A can be a powerful tool for this, but global deals often come with cultural complexities and regulatory intricacies that require a strategic approach.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Pablo von Siebenthal, Global Head of M&A at Swissport, talks about how to handle global M&A.

Things you will also learn from this episode:

• Challenges of executing global deals

• Managing cultural differences in global M&A

• Overcoming cultural misunderstandings

• Playbook - Building cross-cultural relationships

• How to manage coordination between work streams

Join the M&A Science 2 Million Downloads Virtual Meet & Greet here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Gnk1d0

Connect with Kison through email at kison@mascience.com

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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 05:32 From M&A Advisory to Corporate Development 07:04 Executing M&A in the public environment vs private 08:47 Challenges of executing global M&A deals 13:39 Managing cultural differences in global M&A deals 17:58 Negotiation challenges in the Middle East 20:17 Cultural nuances in Asian M&A deals 26:53 Cultural differences in European M&A 29:58 Handling internal cultural differences 32:13 Negotiating cross-border M&A deals 33:17 Overcoming cultural misunderstandings 37:11 Building global relationships for pipeline 45:59 Other tips for building cross-cultural relationships 48:38 How to manage coordination between global work streams 52:52 Keeping M&A teams aligned on priorities 57:37 Crafting irresistible offers in M&A deals 59:16 Craziest thing in M&A

The Art of Executing Programmatic M&A Jul 08, 2024

Wolfgang Schenk, VP of M&A at Belden

Opportunistic M&A can lead to bad acquisitions that don’t align with the company’s overall strategic goals. This creates a disjointed portfolio and integration challenges that could cause massive value leaks.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Wolfgang Schenk, VP of M&A at Belden, discusses the art of executing programmatic M&A to increase chances of M&A success.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Benefits of programmatic M&A

• Required team for programmatic M&A

• Collaborating with the M&A team

• Transitioning to programmatic M&A

• Achieving team alignment

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 05:57 Programmatic M&A 10:32 Benefits of programmatic M&A 12:39 Formulating the strategy 15:32 Challenging the strategy 16:24 Required team for programmatic M&A 18:37 Collaborating with the M&A team 24:02 Transitioning to programmatic M&A 26:08 Achieving team alignment 28:23 Success metrics in programmatic M&A 31:32 Pitching deals to executive 32:23 The hardest part of doing programmatic M&A 33:18 AI in M&A 40:45 Craziest thing in M&A

Executing Transformative M&A to Change Business Models Jul 01, 2024

Tobias Gwisdalla, Head of Group M&A at GEA Group (G1A:FRA)

Transformative M&A is becoming increasingly critical in today's business landscape, especially for industries facing significant regulatory and market pressures.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to execute transformative M&A to change business models, featuring Tobias Gwisdalla, Head of Group M&A at GEA Group.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Transformative M&A

• Employee unions

• Biggest challenges in transformative M&A

• Success metrics

• Transforming business models

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 04:20 Transformative M&A 05:00 Governance 05:52 A story of a transformative deal 11:38 Employee unions - germany per history 17:36 Supervisory board 20:35 Biggest challenges in transformative M&A 25:59 Success metrics 28:50 Internal rate of return 35:05 Complexities of deals in Germany 40:48 Transforming business models 43:06 Promoting change as a shareholder 45:01 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Do M&A Deals in Germany Jun 24, 2024

M&A processes can vary from country to country, making cross-border deals extremely challenging. Understanding the cultural differences is crucial for a smooth transaction.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we focus on how to do M&A deals in Germany, featuring Frank Tepper-Sawicki, Partner, Corporate M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital at Dentons.

Things you will learn:

• How dealmaking is different in Germany

• Structuring Deals in Germany

• Letter of Intent in Germany

• Prioritizations during deals in Germany

• Regulatory issues in Germany

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:49 How dealmaking is different in Germany

05:48 Private Equity Emerging in Germany

07:47 Structuring Deals in Germany

16:33 Letter of Intent in Germany

22:11 Prioritizations during deals in Germany

24:59 Transparency in Germany

26:17 Regulatory issues in Germany

28:17 Laying off people in Germany

30:15 Biggest risk when doing deals in Germany

32:43 M&A culture in Germany

35:00 Dealing with people from Germany

37:28 M&A process in Germany

39:18 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Make AI Practical in M&A Jun 17, 2024

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm, and there seems to be no way of stopping it. Every industry in the world has adopted AI, and M&A is no different. The integration of AI is revolutionizing how deals are sourced, evaluated, and executed. In short, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for M&A professionals.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we discuss how to make AI practical in M&A featuring two AI specialists: Michael Bachman, Head of Research, Architecture, and AI Strategy at Boomi, Chris Cappetta, Principal Solutions Architect at Boomi.

Things you will learn:

• Retrieval augmented generation

• Large language models

• Discriminative vs Generative AI

• Fine-tuning

• Agents

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 03:07 Making AI practical 04:36 Retrieval augmented generation 10:07 Large language models 13:15 Discriminative vs. Generative AI 16:37 Fine tuning 22:14 Agents 28:46 Real-life use cases of AI

M&A Deal Sourcing in the Tech Space Jun 10, 2024

Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi

The technology industry is currently experiencing significant growth, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence. This trend has not only attracted significant investments but has also intensified the competition among tech companies striving to lead the market. This has made the tech space a prime area for M&A. Boomi is one of those companies who have recently made a significant move via acquisitions.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to source deals in the tech space with Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi.

Things you will learn:

• Approach on strategy

• Acquiring capabilities

• Deal sourcing in M&A

• Building relationships

• Negotiations during M&A

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 10:16 Boomi’s approach on strategy 16:32 Acquiring capabilities 18:55 Deal sourcing in M&A 22:12 Building relationships 25:45 Convincing someone to sell their business 30:51 Example of pitch 32:31 Negotiations during M&A 36:08 Tips on negotiating 38:45 M&A at Boomi 41:43 Making integration successful 47:26 AI in M&A 52:44 Boomi’s future 45:26 Craziest thing in M&A

Top 10 Things That Make M&A Successful Jun 03, 2024

Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital.

Here at M&A Science, our goal is to bring you the best and most effective techniques to improve your M&A practice.

In light of our 300th podcast episode, we have compiled the top 10 things that make M&A successful, together with Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital.

Things you will learn:

Alignment in the shared vision of the end-state
Cultural alignment
Reverse Diligence
Continuous learning and improvement
Empathetic leadership

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro 05:58 Alignment in the shared vision of the end-state 10:51 Cultural alignment 15:03 Joint Go-to-market planning pre-LOI 20:24 Parallel diligence and integration planning 24:33 Reverse Diligence 27:13 Communication strategy with stakeholders 32:37 Continuous learning and improvement 35:16 Anticipate functional challenges 39:52 Empathetic leadership 44:47 Proper preparation 47:56 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Close M&A Deals in 30 Days May 27, 2024

Jeremy Segal, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Progress (NASDAQ: PRGS)

When it comes to M&A, time is of the essence. As a buyer, it’s best to identify whether to pursue the deal or not as soon as possible, to avoid wasting money and time. Also, if the seller is a good target company, procrastinating could lead to more competition.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeremy Segal, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Progress, shares their strategy on how to close deals in 30 days.

Things you will learn:

• Initial conversations with the target company

• Price negotiations

• Preliminary due diligence list

• Deal specific adjustments

• Confirmatory due diligence

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro 04:16 Initial conversations with the target company 08:56 Price negotiations 12:33 Preliminary due diligence list 17:05 When to ask questions 18:34 People Involved 19:10 Sales and Go-to-Market 21:02 Revenue Synergies 23:43 Customer Journey 24:26 Surprises 27:40 Customer Success 28:46 Financials 32:11 Red flags in people 32:47 Information Technology 34:28 Legal 36:48 Marketing 39:19 Breakdown of COGS 41:30 Benefits Template 42:56 Operating Expenses 43:58 General 44:58 Deal specific adjustments 45:56 Processing the preliminary diligence information 47:11 Confirmatory due diligence 50:40 Craziest thing in M&A

Executing the Roll Up Strategy in the Tech Industry May 20, 2024

Steven Freidkin, CEO and Founder of Ntiva, Inc. and Christopher Vollmond-Carstens, Chief M&A Officer at Ntiva, Inc.

In a highly fragmented industry, roll-ups are a great growth strategy. But integrating multiple entities can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a proven framework. Ntiva has been successful in its M&A strategy and has completed 15 acquisitions as of today.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Steven Freidkin, CEO and Founder of Ntiva, Inc. and Christopher Vollmond-Carstens, Chief M&A Officer at Ntiva, Inc., share their strategy on how to execute the roll-up strategy in the tech industry.

Things you will learn:

• Creating value using a roll-up strategy

• Evaluating a target company

• Importance of recurring revenue

• Red flags pre-LOI

• Biggest advice for first-timers

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

08:04 Creating value using roll-up strategy

12:38 Pitching to private equity

18:32 Evaluating a target company

22:30 Importance of recurring revenue

23:35 Customer Concentration

26:42 Challenges of doing roll-ups

30:36 Mismanaging M&A

37:52 Deal Sourcing

43:46 Red flags pre-LOI

46:53 Deal structure on roll-ups

51:52 Biggest advice for first-timers

52:46 Craziest thing in M&A

Building Corporate Development Muscle May 13, 2024

Kyle Price, Chief of Staff & Corporate Development at Roblox

Creating a dedicated M&A function can be daunting for non-acquisitive companies. It’s a big commitment that could take away valuable time and resources from top level management. However, when done right, corporate development muscle can be built slowly, and organically.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kyle Price, Chief of Staff & Corporate Development at Roblox, shares his experience on how to start an M&A function slowly and successfully from scratch.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• When to build an M&A function

• Importance of the people side in M&A

• Working with business leaders

• Evolution of corporate development

• Handling biases in the M&A process

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:10 When to build an M&A function

07:40 Challenges of a high-growth company doing M&A

08:45 Lessons learned along the way

10:39 Importance of the people side in M&A

12:57 Integration planning

14:39 Working with business leaders

16:42 Deal sourcing

17:24 Overcoming anti-M&A culture

22:04 Team alignment from functional leads

24:02 M&A surprises

25:59 Setting up new leaders for success

28:07 Evolution of corporate development

33:15 Measuring corporate development activity

34:20 Incentivizing the team

35:03 Handling biases in the M&A process

43:33 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Start Executing the Roll Up Strategy in M&A May 06, 2024

Ivan Golubic, CFO | Corporate Development M&A at FastLap Group

Roll ups are a great strategy for highly fragmented industries. It allows the platform company to increase its size, capabilities, and market presence through the acquisition and integration of other businesses. However, it can be challenging without a proper framework.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ivan Golubic, CFO, Corporate Development M&A at FastLap Group, shares his experience on how to start executing roll up strategy in M&A from scratch.

Things you will learn:

• Setting up the roll up strategy

• Valuation on roll up strategy

• Building the operating strategy

• Dealing with capital providers

• Biggest lessons learned doing roll up strategy

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

03:01 Transitioning from Corporate Development to CFO

07:39 Setting up the roll up strategy

12:26 Importance of industry expertise

14:10 Proactive approach to expanding industry expertise

16:11 Valuation on roll up strategy

22:10 Building the operating strategy

24:54 Dealing with capital providers

28:37 Building your pipeline

30:45 Pitching to the PE firm

35:48 Explaining your M&A process to investors

38:46 Building your M&A team

40:42 Monitoring Cost

42:05Success metrics

49:25 Utilizing Technology

50:45 Importance of a unified platform

52:58 Biggest lessons learned doing roll up strategy

56:39 Future trends in the roll up space

57:33 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Create an Executable Integration Plan During Due Diligence Apr 29, 2024

Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware

Integration planning is one of the most important aspects of M&A pre-close. Planning after the fact will cause massive delays and value leaks for the entire deal. It is why the integration team must be involved during the due diligence phase.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will talk about how to create an executable integration plan during the diligence, featuring Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• How to work as an integration leader

• Building an integration plan

• Pre-LOI integration planning

• Connecting diligence with integration planning

• Defining 'done' in M&A integration

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro 04:41 Navigating corporate transitions 08:31 Aligning the integration leader with the north star 10:02 How to work as an integration leader 11:25 The role of an integration lead 13:31 Building an integration plan 16:25 Focus on revenue and integration 18:51 Pre-LOI integration planning 25:08 M&A due diligence 27:37 Employee integration and customer satisfaction 29:56 Connecting diligence with integration planning 36:20 Approach to team collaboration 39:06 The details of integration plan 41:11 Complexities of M&A integration planning 44:57 Aligning with the target company 46:46 Defining 'done' in M&A integration 49:12 Integration teams leading due diligence 51:38 Leveraging diligence data for effective planning 53:13 Advice for M&A practitioners 55:45 Craziest thing in M&A

Uncovering Capital Allocation Strategies Apr 22, 2024

Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands

Every company must have a strong capital allocation strategy to maximize its potential. Without it, the company may end up missing opportunities and spending money on things that won't help it grow or become more profitable.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands, shares his experience on successful and unsuccessful capital allocation strategies.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Strategy vs IRR

• Venture capital vs recapitalization strategy

• Minority vs majority recapitalization

• Evaluating exit strategy

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

11:27 Focusing on organic growth

16:37 Post-merger integration execution

25:01 Strategy vs IRR

26:59 Handling projections

28:07 Integration with Mars

36:20 Role of an operating partner

42:07 Big company vs Small company in M&A

43:39 Venture capital vs recapitalization strategy

48:44 Cashing out from an owner’s perspective

50:42 Minority vs majority recapitalization

54:03 Impact of valuations and interest rates on investment decisions

59:07 Timing on investments

1:01:25 Evaluating exit strategy

1:03:46 Advice for practitioners

1:05:41 Craziest thing in M&A

Roll Up Strategy in Private Equity Apr 15, 2024

Gerry Williams, Partner at DLA Piper US LLP and a member of their management committee.

Private equity firms are established for the sole purpose of generating substantial financial returns for its investors. And one of the most effective ways of maximizing investment returns is the roll up strategy. This involves buying small-sized businesses in a highly fragmented industry and combining them into a larger platform. The goal is to improve efficiency and be sold later for a higher price.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, we will discuss roll up strategy in private equity with Gerry Williams, Partner at DLA Piper US LLP.

Things you will learn this episode:

• Industries susceptible to roll up strategy

• Challenges of executing roll up strategy

• Negotiating the LOI in roll up strategy

• Typical deal structure in roll up strategy

• Employing Earnouts in roll up strategy

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:06 Industries susceptible to roll up strategy

06:22 The trend of roll up strategy in private equity

10:42 Complexities of Roll up strategy

15:52 Challenges of executing roll up strategy

20:32 How to mitigate risks

24:19 Managing multiple roll up businesses

26:49 Negotiating the LOI in roll up strategy

33:00 Breakup fees on private deals

35:57 Typical deal structure in roll up strategy

43:24 Employing Earnouts in roll up strategy

48:07 Unique negotiations during LOI

49:31 Do’s and Don’ts of executing roll up strategy

52:57 Craziest thing in M&A

Corporate Diversification Through M&A Apr 08, 2024

Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings

In a world where change is the only constant, businesses are continually seeking innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve. One such method that has gained prominence is the corporate diversification strategy, a multifaceted approach that can lead to new growth avenues and enhanced resilience.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings, discusses corporate diversification through M&A.

Things you will learn:

• Corporate diversification strategy

• Drivers of corporate diversification

• People involved in corporate diversification

• Projecting revenue synergies

• Closing deals with competition

Performing Strategic Due Diligence in M&A Apr 01, 2024

Andrey Galiuk, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations

Before doing M&A, it is crucial for acquirers to target the right business, in the right market. Otherwise, it could potentially be a costly mistake that would waste the company’s time and money.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrey Galiuk, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, shares his expertise on how to perform strategic due diligence in M&A.

Things you will learn:

• What is strategic due diligence

• How to perform strategic due diligence in M&A

• Entering the right market

• Finding the right target company

• Biggest challenge when performing strategic diligence

How to Stand Up a Venture Capital Arm Mar 25, 2024

George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota

In the ever-evolving world of business, staying ahead isn't just about what a company does today, but how it prepares for tomorrow. This is where a venture capital arm comes into play. It is a specialized division within a larger company that focuses on investing in emerging startups and innovative projects.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota, and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota, share their experience on how to stand up a venture capital arm.

Things you will learn:

• How did Woven by Toyota got started

• Successfully start a venture capital arm

• Leadership in managing people

• Biggest Lessons Learned

• Dealing with cultural difference

How to Achieve Strategic Alignment From Top to Bottom Mar 18, 2024

Camilo Franco, Director, M&A Integration and Operations at Jamf

There is an intimate tie between M&A strategy and corporate strategy. To be truly effective, acquisitions must directly support the overarching goal of the company. But beyond that, there needs to be a strategic alignment with everyone involved.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Camilo Franco, Director, M&A Integration and Operations at Jamf, shares their secrets on how to achieve strategic alignment from top to bottom.

Things you will learn:

• How to achieve strategic alignment

• Strategies for effectively communicating M&A plans

• Tools used to maintain alignment

• Connecting diligence and Integration

• Advice for integration practitioners

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This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

08:45 Definition of strategic alignment

10:31 How to achieve strategic alignment

12:51 Relaying M&A strategy against corporate strategy

13:54 Getting buy-in from team members

15:37 Overcoming anti-M&A culture

18:44 Strategies for effectively communicating M&A plans

21:21 Alignment with the integration team

23:51 Formulating the integration thesis

26:37 Role of steering committee

28:04 Communicating decisions with the broader organization

29:30 Managing integration without IMO

32:09 Ensuring company readiness for integration

34:11 Gauging M&A readiness

36:06 Side effects of burnout people

37:25 Defining the end of integration

39:30 Tools used to maintain alignment

43:32 Agile M&A

44:46 Connecting diligence and integration

48:13 Using integration templates

50:36 Advice for integration p

Performing Cultural Due Diligence to Better Understand the Target Company Mar 13, 2024

Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group.

Most of the biggest M&A failures of all time are caused by culture clashes. Both companies cannot simply co-exist with each other, and instead of creating more value, they destroyed both of their businesses. This is why cultural due diligence is crucial in M&A.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group, shares his expertise on how to perform cultural due diligence to better understand the target company.

Things you will learn:

• The person responsible for cultural due diligence

• Executing cultural due diligence

• Using Playbooks

• Successful partnership between Corporate Development and Integration

• Advice for practitioners

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This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:11 Person responsible for cultural due diligence

05:54 Importance of cultural due diligence

08:08 Executing cultural due diligence

10:29 Killing the deal due to cultural conflict

14:54 Using Playbooks

17:31 Cultural due diligence during early conversations

20:12 Understanding how the target company makes decisions

22:40 Things to look for during due diligence

25:09 Using questionnaires for cultural due diligence

27:08 Bilateral deal vs. Auction process

30:10 Hardest part of cultural due diligence

32:27 Successful partnership between Corporate Development and Integration

35:33 Subculture due diligence

37:07 Advice for practitioners

38:31 Craziest thing in M&A

Strategic Alignment Between M&A and Corporate Strategy Mar 11, 2024

Baljit Singh, Former SVP, Global Head of Corporate Development at Nielsen Ventures

Engaging in M&A activities just for the sake of doing them is one of the biggest reasons for failed deals. Without a well-defined purpose, these transactions can distract the business and waste massive amounts of resources.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Baljit Singh, Former SVP, Global Head of Corporate Development at Nielsen Ventures, discusses the importance of strategic alignment between M&A and corporate strategy.

Things you will learn:

• Corporate strategy vs M&A strategy

• Getting the strategy right

• Capital allocation

• Measuring business unit’s success

• Deal structure to preserve cash

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:10 Corporate strategy vs M&A strategy

09:25 Getting the strategy right

11:17 Best ways to pitch deals

13:09 Pillars of corporate strategy

15:50 Capital allocation

21:06 Measuring business unit’s success

24:52 Holding business units accountable

27:20 Why take a public company private

33:51 Steps to take a public company to private

38:11 Real life examples

48:29 Deal structure to preserve cash

54:45 Dealing with reluctant seller

59:30 Craziest thing in M&A

Overcoming M&A Challenges Mar 06, 2024

Douglas Barnard, former Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Legal Advisor at CF Industries (NYSE: CF)

Problems don’t usually surface at the early stages because it's the honeymoon phase. Both the buyer and the seller would like to see the deal happen, so they work together to build momentum. And often that means postponing dealing with some of the more difficult and contentious issues. However, these M&A challenges are inevitable and will arise as the deal progresses.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Douglas Barnard, former Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Legal Advisor at CF Industries, discusses effective strategies to overcome M&A challenges.

Things you will learn:

• Mindset to prepare for M&A

• Overcoming M&A Challenges Between Signing and Closing

• Mitigating Post-Merger Integration Risks

• Biggest Challenges in M&A

• Advice for First-time Acquirers

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:26 Mindset to prepare for M&A

10:26 Strategic Negotiation Tactics

13:03 Having a Foundation of Trust and Honesty

17:31 Assessing Buyer Transparency in Deal Negotiations

20:17 Mastering Valuation and Identifying Synergies

22:43 Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles in the M&A Process

24:40 Uncovering Surprises in Due Diligence

28:53 Utilizing a Private Investigator (PI) in a Deal

29:57 Navigating Complex Negotiation Stages

33:54 Zero-Sum Scenarios in M&A Auctions

35:51 Valuation and Auction Bidding Strategies

37:57 Overcoming M&A Challenges Between Signing and Closing

41:29 Mitigating Post-Merger Integration Risks

46:16 Biggest Challenges in M&A

50:24 Advice for First-time Acquirers

52:51 Craziest thing in M&A

How Business Cycles Affect M&A Valuation Mar 04, 2024

Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Partner at Milbank

M&A valuation isn’t just about looking at the numbers. There are a lot of different factors that affect and contribute to the volatility of the M&A market.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Partner at Milbank, discusses how business cycles affect M&A valuation.

Things you will learn:

• What is a business cycle

• What is a credit cycle

• How business cycle impact M&A valuation

• Common Mistake during M&A valuation

• Importance of culture in M&A

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at dealroom.net.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

11:00 What is a business cycle

12:41 What is a credit cycle

16:59 Cycle’s impact on energy sector

19:09 How business cycle impact M&A valuation

22:36 Industries most affected by the cycles

26:43 M&A valuation for first-timers

31:47 Importance of culture in M&A

34:23 When to pull of a deal

37:37 Example of failed deals

41:59 Example of good deals

45:43 Common Mistake during M&A valuation

46:43 M&A function maturity

48:02 Other early M&A considerations

49:15 Craziest thing in M&A

Validating the Acquisition Plan Feb 28, 2024

Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds

When executing M&A, having a structured approach to validating the acquisition plan is crucial. The worst thing any acquirer can do is to buy a business that doesn’t bring value to the parent company.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds, shares the meticulous 6-step process his company uses to validate their acquisition plan.

Things you will learn:

• Surveying Customers

• Industry Trend Analysis

• Partner vs Build Analysis

• Formulating the strategic rationale

• In-depth Company Analysis and Product Demos

• Drafting a detailed memo

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

08:45 Approaching M&A

18:20 Surveying Customers

23:47 Industry Trend Analysis

28:13 Partner vs Build Analysis

34:12 Formulating the strategic rationale

36:50 In-depth Company Analysis and Product Demos

41:18 Drafting a detailed memo

44:15 Pitching M&A to the board

44:54 Craziest thing in M&A

Mastering M&A Integration Feb 26, 2024

Seema Nimmagadda, Head of M&A Integration for North America at Woven by Toyota.

A lot of times, M&A integration is considered only after closing the deal. It is often treated as an afterthought, and this approach is where many deal failures stem from. If we want to improve our M&A process and get better results from deals, we have to start updating our practices to the most efficient way of doing things.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Seema Nimmagadda, Head of M&A Integration for North America at Woven by Toyota, discusses how to master M&A integration.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• The Ideal Integration Process

• M&A Integration planning pre-LOI

• Setting up an early version of the IMO

• Detailing the M&A Integration Strategy

• Aligning deal goals with integration strategy

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:00 Toyota’s Woven Business Unit

05:00 The Ideal Integration Process

06:53 The Importance of Integration Capabilities

08:52 Integration planning pre-LOI

11:50 Ensuring Adequate Resources and Capabilities during M&A Integrations

13:27 Avoiding early pitfalls for integration

14:40 Key integration milestones from LOI to Close

18:53 Aligning the IMO and Corporate Development

21:49 Adapting mature M&A teams to change

23:28 Setting up an early version of the IMO

25:04 Key people in forming an early IMO

26:16 Detailing the Integration Strategy

29:09 Balancing team autonomy in integration planning

31:56 Maintaining collaboration and progress in integration

34:24 Managing cross-functional dependencies

35:16 Tech stack diversity

36:41 M&A execution checkpoints

38:04 Information gathering challenges pre-close

39:08 Managing vendor dependencies and ensuring transparency

40:12 Balancing functional plans with the master integration strategy

42:04 Securing stakeholder buy-in

43:04 Risks of overlooking integration

44:03 Aligning deal goals with integration strategy

44:36 Identifying when an M&A integration is complete

46:25 Best practices for smooth post-close integrations

46:59 Craziest thing in M&A

Using M&A Best Practices to Get Better Deals Feb 21, 2024

Brent Baxter, Chief Executive Officer at Association for Corporate Growth, and Jeff Giles, VP, Corporate Development at Core & Main (NYSE: CNM)

In a highly competitive market, speed is crucial for companies wanting to do M&A. Especially with all the economic and market changes that’s happening, professionals must use M&A best practices to get better deals.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Brent Baxter, Chief Executive Officer at Association for Corporate Growth, and Jeff Giles, VP, Corporate Development at Core & Main, share their strategies and experiences when executing successful M&A.

Things you will learn:

• Target outreach

• Best practices when building relationships

• Challenges of working with private sellers

• Executing agile and efficient Diligence

• Role of technology in the M&A process

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:12 Getting deals faster

10:35 Target outreach

15:54 Best practices when building relationships

19:47 How to best optimize ACG

22:46 M&A challenges

25:20 Challenges of working with private sellers

29:39 Executing agile and efficient Diligence

34:53 Executing deals during COVID

39:59 Role of technology in the M&A process

42:06 Role of technology in the future

46:47 Craziest thing in M&A

Connecting Diligence and Integration in M&A Feb 19, 2024

Amy M. Weck, VP, M&A and integrations at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, LLC

It's common to see due diligence and integration as separate stages, but combining them can make the M&A process much smoother and more effective. But how exactly can we weave these two critical phases together effectively?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amy M. Weck, VP, M&A and integrations at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, offers practical strategies to align integration and diligence for optimal outcomes.

Things you will learn in the episode:

• Merging separate integration departments

• How to connect diligence and integration

• Fostering a ‘One Team’ Mindset

• Maintaining Team Rhythm in High-Volume Acquisitions

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com.

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:26 Getting into M&A

06:12 Evolving into integration

07:55 Transitioning from deal team to integration team

09:26 Pre-LOI considerations in M&A

10:40 Merging Corp Dev and Integration Team

13:26 The impact of mindset during transition

15:26 Connecting the two functions

18:42 Keeping teams and workflows aligned

22:14 Biggest challenge in the transition

24:05 The challenge of change management

26:11 Managing new hires in key roles

27:29 Key advice for managing the end-to-end M&A process

34:37 Optimizing the M&A function for a roll-up

36:21 Practical Tips for Learning from Past Due Diligence

38:16 Maintaining Team Rhythm in High-Volume Acquisitions

40:05 Key Strategies to Avoid Failing in Your Integrations

42:02 Key Questions to Ask Before the LOI

43:17 Evaluating Cultural Fit and Red Flags

48:15 Ideal candidate for an M&A role

59:44 Advice to first-time M&A practitioners

1:01:02 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Bridge Valuation Gaps in M&A Feb 14, 2024

John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates

In M&A, it’s very common for buyers and sellers to disagree on the value of the business. If both parties cannot agree on the price, the deal could fall apart. However there are certain strategies and tools that both parties can use to compromise and be happy during closing.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates, shares best practices on how to bridge valuation gaps in M&A.

Things you will learn in this episode:

•Bridging gaps in M&A Valuation

•Earnouts

•Seller Financing

•Equity structure

•Market’s impact on Bridging M&A Valuation Gaps

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:13 When to get involved in the M&A Process

07:50 Negotiations during LOI

09:42 Bridging gaps in M&A Valuation

11:09 Using Holdbacks to Bridge M&A Valuation Gaps

13:20 Seller Financing

15:00 Earnouts

16:43 Earnouts on Intellectual Property

18:45 Key Variables in an Earnout

23:14 Earnout payment structure

25:53 Making Earnouts Successful

29:08 Structures of Seller Financing

36:24 Traditional terms of seller financing

38:20 Equity structure

41:04 Stock options

43:52 Minimizing the cash upfront during a sale

46:34 Contents of Letter of Intent

49:14 Advice for first timers

50:01 Craziest Thing in M&A

Transforming Existing Staff into M&A Experts Feb 12, 2024

In the dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), creating an effective team is crucial for success. This process can be complex and demanding, but also immensely rewarding. After all, having an internal team means having the capability of acquiring companies in the future, rather than treating M&A as a one-time event.

In this episode, Birgitta Elfversson, Non-Executive Director at Netlight, shares her experience in transforming existing staff into M&A experts.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Shaping the M&A strategy

• Building an M&A team

• Scaling the M&A Team

• Recruiting competent people

• Managing burnout

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

10:54 Shaping the M&A strategy

12:46 Key elements of the strategy

14:58 Strategy approval

16:10 Challenges on the first acquisition

18:30 Building an M&A team

22:05 Scaling the M&A Team

25:10 Recruiting competent people

26:44 M&A Aptitude test

32:48 Working with consulting firms during M&A

37:17 Setting the external team up for success

39:08 M&A Team structure

39:48 Managing burnout

43:18 Programmatic M&A

49:09 Start up doing M&A

51:47 Integration execution

53:19 Smart collaboration in the future

55:51 Setting integration up for success

58:20 Craziest thing in M&A

Negotiating Cross Border M&A Feb 07, 2024

Jake Lin, Head of Corporate Development at Xendit

Navigating cross border M&A is one of the most challenging tasks for deal makers. There are a lot of intricacies involved that are unique to each country, and must be handled delicately.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jake Lin, Head of Corporate Development at Xendit, shares his best practices when executing cross border M&A, particularly in South East Asia.

Things you will learn:

Biggest challenge in Cross Border M&A
Language barrier during Cross border M&A
Managing Cultural Differences during negotiations
Cross border M&A best practices
Integration approach to cross border M&A

This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net.

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:44 Biggest challenge in Cross Border M&A

08:18 Cross Border M&A without Bankers

09:04 Working with Local Bankers

09:55 Language barrier during Cross border M&A

12:05 Managing Cultural Differences during negotiations

16:01 Managing the Speed of Cross border M&A

17:20 Cultural Differences almost killing the deal

18:48 Countries easiest to work with

21:06 Cross border M&A best practices

22:32 Strategic tips when dealing with Cross border M&A

23:49 Integration approach to cross border M&A

25:37 Negotiating Payment terms

28:59 Computation for stock payments

30:06 Advice for first-timers

30:29 Craziest thing in M&A

Achieving Business Growth Through Strategic M&A Feb 05, 2024

Yoav Zeif, CEO at Stratasys

In today’s competitive global market, organizations need to leverage every tool in their arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. One of the best ways to do this is strategic M&A. With the right approach, M&A can drive significant growth, unlock fresh opportunities, and expedite the achievement of strategic business goals. In this article, Yoav Zeif, CEO at Stratasys, shares his experience on achieving business growth through strategic M&A.

Things you will learn in this episode:

•The Start of their M&A Journey

•Strategic M&A framework

•Evolution of Strategy

•Working with the corporate development team

•How to ensure positive business outcomes during integration

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:04 Start of M&A Journey

11:56 M&A strategy framework

18:58 Real-life acquisition scenario

20:20 Evolution of Strategy

23:59 Working with the corporate development team

26:29 Corporate development teams pitching deals

30:22 How to ensure positive business outcomes during integration

31:57 Big lessons learned

39:18 Retaining key people

40:26 Other lessons

42:42 Craziest Thing in M&A

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

The Challenges of Sell-Side M&A Jan 31, 2024

Russ Heddleston, Co-founder & former CEO, DocSend

Every owner loves their business. This makes selling their company even harder than it already is. But aside from the emotional turmoil that founders go through every exit, there are also a lot of intricacies included in the process.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Russ Heddleston, Co-founder & former CEO of DocSend, discusses the challenges of sell-side M&A.

Things you will also learn in this episode:

Considerations in Potentially Selling a Startup
Challenges of sell-side M&A
Key Factors for a Successful Exit
How to manage diligence in sell-side M&A

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:10 Starting DocSend

06:08 Identifying the Inflection Point to sell

09:01 Selling a Startup

10:46 Considerations in Potentially Selling a Startup

14:28 Best Time for an Exit

16:00 Balancing Stakeholder Interests in an Acquisition

17:50 Relationship Management in an Acquisition

19:46 How Relationships Influence Negotiations

20:41 Relationships with Bankers

23:14 Reaching out to DropBox

26:16 Key Factors for a Successful Exit

28:04 Impact of Market Conditions on M&A

28:45 The Unknowns of Selling a Business

30:53 Post-Acquisition Challenges and Unknowns

32:34 Enhancing Preparation for Post-Close Integration

34:05 Tips for Buyers for Smoother Integration

35:18 Challenges of Sell-side M&A

37:15 Efficiently Managing Diligence

38:46 People involved from pre-LOI to Close

41:36 Post-Acquisition Team Dynamics

43:01 Evaluating Alternatives to Selling

48:28 Fundraising Strategies to Minimize Dilution

49:44 Advice for Acquirers Seeking Successful Acquisitions

51:29 Effective Strategies for Corporate Leaders to Engage with Founders

53:14 Craziest thing in M&A

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Pros and Cons for a Growth Company to Take PE Capital Jan 29, 2024

Jason Mironov, Managing Director at TA Associates

Partnering with PE firms is a great way to exponentially grow a business and reach new heights. However, there are considerations that must be taken into account, before taking PE capital. Fully understanding them will increase chances of success, in the attempt to unlock the full potential of the business.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Jason Mironov, Managing Director at TA Associates, discusses the pros and cons of taking PE capital.

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:29 The Lack of Operating Experience

07:03 Pros of taking money from a private equity firm

11:01 Other factors to take money from PE firms

12:49 Cons of taking money from private equity

17:16 Focusing on IRR

22:10 Culture of focusing on numbers

26:54 Working with Unhappy CEO

30:06 Board control

35:33 Expectation for the Board Structure

38:30 Dilution for founders

42:53 How to build and preserve wealth

47:20 Approach on partnership

51:03 Handling Inbound Contacts

56:51 Creating value before partnership starts

01:03:15 Working with the founder

01:05:38 Pushing M&A to portcos

01:08:51 Founder Exit

01:16:01 Timeline of investment

01:20:26 Craziest thing in M&A

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

Selling a Small Business Unit Jan 24, 2024

Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital

When times are good, big companies tend to ignore their smaller business units, as they operate smoothly on their own. It is only when the economy gets tough that these little businesses get more attention, and often seen as off-strategy or a distraction. That's when the company's leaders decide it's time to sell them, which is not ideal, as the business is no longer in their prime, making it harder to sell.

In this episode of M&A Science podcast, Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital, joins us to share his best practices of selling a small business unit.

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

03:35 The decision to sell a business

05:01 Reasons to sell the business

06:43 Steps in selling a small business unit

09:59 Finding buyers

11:53 Avoid using bankers

13:30 Pitching the deal

14:50 Avoiding non-serious buyers

16:42 Important factors other than price

23:01 Real life example

27:54 Valuation gap

30:29 Evaluating the business

34:45 Hardest part of selling a small business unit

37:03 Advice for first time buyers

41:48 Proactively approaching a seller

47:25 Earnouts on small deals

48:44 Craziest Thing in M&A

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Create a Positive Exit Experience in M&A Jan 22, 2024

Swapnil Shinde, CEO at Zeni

Selling your business is never easy. Aside from the emotional stress that it provides, it can also be detrimental to the business if it's sold to the wrong company. Oftentimes, during the process, it can also serve as a massive distraction to the operations, harming the business in the process.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to create a positive exit experience in M&A with Swapnil Shinde, CEO at Zeni.

Things you will learn:

• Reasons for the first exit

• Reacting vs Proactive Exits

• Hardest part of selling a business

• Role of sellers in Integration Planning

• Do’s and Don'ts of Buying a company

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:31 Reasons for the first exit

09:19 Venture Exit

12:19 Build to sell

14:03 Reacting vs Proactive Exits

16:28 Using Bankers during Exits

19:09 Hardest part of selling a business

21:30 Managing Diligence

24:28 Lessons Learned on Diligence

28:03 Keeping and building relationships

29:29 Role of sellers in Integration Planning

32:29 Reasons why Integration fails

34:49 Worst exit experience

36:31 Making integration successful

38:25 Do’s and Don'ts of Buying a company

39:41 Identifying Cultural Fit

This episode is sponsored by our products DealRoom and FirmRoom. Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Realizing Revenue Synergies in M&A Jan 15, 2024

Chris Von Bogdandy, Global Lead M&A Solutions at Slalom

Revenue synergies are why you’re doing the deal in the first place. But unlike cost synergies that happen instantly, revenue synergies are more difficult to achieve and often go unrealized. One of the biggest problems in M&A is that when a company pursues a deal, different departments have varying perspectives on what's essential. So how do you maintain the deal thesis as a central focus?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Chris Von Bogdandy, Global Lead M&A Solutions at Slalom, discusses his framework for realizing revenue synergies in M&A.

Things you will learn:

•Importance of Revenue Synergies

•Correlation between M&A strategy and Revenue Synergies

•Understanding Customer Journey

•Planning for Revenue Synergies Pre-LOI

•Agile M&A

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:17 Importance of Revenue Synergies

09:58 Correlation between M&A strategy and Revenue Synergies

16:42 Timeline of Revenue Synergies

18:49 Realistic Revenue Synergies

21:14 Understanding Customer Journey

24:44 Planning for Revenue Synergies Pre-LOI

27:38 Capturing Revenue Synergies Post-LOI

31:04 Executing the Plan

34:21 Cross-Functional Work Streams

36:29 New product introduction process

40:15 Agile M&A

43:31 Disbanding team and workstreams

46:57 Top three principles to success

48:48 Advice for next generation of young leaders in M&A

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom. To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net . FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Focusing on ESG in M&A Jan 08, 2024

Casey Nault, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief ESG Officer at Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE: CDE)

ESG in M&A is very real. And while it is a fairly new term, it represents a range of critical issues and priorities that companies have long considered. In many ways, ESG has always been important and is essential for risk management and maintaining company value, even for for-profit organizations.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to focus on ESG in M&A, featuring Casey Nault, SVP, General Counsel, and Chief ESG Officer at Coeur Mining, Inc.

Things you will learn:

•Importance of ESG in M&A

•Balancing ESG and profit

•ESG diligence

•Red flags during ESG diligence

•ESG on cross-border deals

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:31 M&A in the Mining Industry

09:26 Valuation and Deal Structures in the Mining Industry

13:51 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

15:57 Importance of ESG

20:13 Disaggregating ESG

21:49 Sustainability in today's market

24:04 Balancing ESG and profit

26:52 ESG considerations during M&A

30:58 Evolution of ESG approach

32:41 ESG diligence

33:35 Red flags during ESG diligence

35:31 Deal Stoppers

36:36 Designated person sustainability

37:17 Diligence Execution during M&A

39:19 ESG on cross-border deals

40:55 Negotiations on cross border deals

42:47 Advice for practitioners

43:18 Craziest thing in M&A

How Not to Bomb Your First M&A Deal Jan 01, 2024

Brock Blake, Co-Founder and CEO at Lendio

M&A is a never-ending web of complexities and challenges. While the potential for growth and transformation is promising, the chances of failure are extremely high. To increase chances of success, acquirers must learn how to be adaptable and work with the target company for alignment.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Brock Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of Lendio, shares their approach on how not to bomb your first M&A deal.

You will learn:

• How to drive your first deal

• Understanding the cultural aspect of M&A

• Strategizing acquisitions

• Validating assumptions before acquisition commitment

• Budget allocation for an earnout

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by our products DealRoom and FirmRoom

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at dealroom.net.

FirmRoom is the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

06:02 Getting into M&A

07:14 First deals and their drivers

10:43 Second Acquisition

14:49 Third Acquisition

18:43 Understanding the cultural aspect

25:17 The new deal approach

29:10 Strategizing acquisitions

32:07 Validating assumptions before acquisition commitment

38:14 Budget allocation for an earnout

41:37 Craziest thing in M&A

The Basics of M&A Integration Execution Dec 25, 2023

Aaron Whiting, Chief of Staff at Crownpeak

Value creation in any acquisition relies heavily on how well the M&A integration goes. By focusing on integration, buyers can increase their chances of success in obtaining and realizing their intended synergies. But how well can it go if the company’s integration lead is a first-timer?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Learn the basics of M&A integration execution, with Aaron Whiting, Chief of Staff at Crownpeak.

You will learn:

How to coach a first-time integration leader
Getting ready for day one
Kickoff meeting strategies
Challenges during integration
Setting alignment for kickoff meetings

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Bookmark

00:00 Intro 05:09 Coaching an integration lead 06:33 Involving the Integration Lead 12:42 Integration on Day one 17:49 Getting ready for Day one 22:31 M&A teams to pull in for integration 25:41 Kickoff meeting strategies 31:12 Maintaining regular cadence for good progress 35:53 Umbrella track 37:47 How to track integration activities 42:38 Challenges during integration 47:55 Mechanical things that could go wrong during integration 52:59 Setting alignment for kickoff meetings 56:26 What success looks like through stories 01:01:50 How to know when the integration is complete 01:03:42 Advice for first timers 01:07:48 Craziest thing in M&A

ChatGPT Interview: AI's Impact on M&A Dec 20, 2023

ChatGPT Voice, powered by OpenAI.

This past year, AI has revolutionized the way we do things, and ChatGPT has been a big part of that. Created by OpenAI, ChatGPT can understand and use language like a human, making it extremely useful in a lot of different areas. And now, we can actually talk to it.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we are introducing our first-ever ChatGPT interview. We are going to learn its insights on AI’s impact on the world of M&A.

You will learn more about:

AI’s role in deal sourcing
Streamlining due diligence using AI
Future of M&A
Limitations of AI
ChatGPT’s advice on integrating AI into M&A

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:06 Revolutionizing M&A with AI

03:53 AI’s role in Deal sourcing

08:08 AI’s role in deal valuation process

12:41 Limitations of ChatGPT

14:05 Streamlining due diligence

18:00 AI’s impact on M&A integration

22:10 Case Study: Daimler Chrysler merger

25:15 Case Study: Amazon acquiring Whole Foods

28:14 Future of M&A

30:23 DealRoom

32:40 How to incorporate AI into DealRoom

35:57 Positive business outcomes using DealRoom

37:41 Ethical Considerations Using AI

39:28 Limitations of AI

41:04 Advice on integrating AI into M&A

43:10 Craziest thing in M&A

Automation in M&A Dec 18, 2023

Dr. Karl-Michael Popp, Senior Director, Corporate Development at SAP (FRA: SAP)

In today's digital era, the pervasive influence of technology is felt in every facet of business, and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are no different. The arrival of innovation and automation will soon make their way to the industry, streamlining processes that could bolster productivity and facilitate smoother post-merger integration.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Karl Michael Popp, Senior Director, Corporate Development at SAP, discusses in detail automation in M&A.

Things you will learn:

Measuring Strategy during automation
Strategic Fit Analysis
Identifying Targets
Quantifying culture in M&A
Impact of new emerging technologies in M&A

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:10 Measuring Strategy

10:00 Structuring Strategies

13:53 Quantifying Metadata

16:24 Breaking it down into details to complete the strategy

18:49 Strategic Fit Analysis

20:06 Identifying Targets

22:40 Cascading of Strategy

25:33 Changing the strategy

27:11 Learning from the target company

31:18 Quantifying culture in M&A

32:47 Impact of new emerging technologies in M&A

34:50 Automation in M&A

39:27 The late evolution of M&A

40:51 Craziest thing in M&A

Executing Smaller Deals and Negotiating Key Legal Provisions Dec 11, 2023

Anthony Krueger, Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP

M&A comes in varying sizes. However, there’s a common misconception that smaller deals are easier to execute than larger ones. The truth is, that smaller deals come with their own unique set of challenges that could possibly make them even harder to do.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Anthony Krueger, Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP, debunks this myth and discusses how to execute smaller deals and negotiate key legal provisions.

You will learn:

•The complexities of smaller deals

•Executing earnouts

•Reps and warranties insurance for smaller deals

•Working capital adjustments and its effect on smaller deals

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. If you’re looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided. Give your team members access to the best-in-class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. It’s also a great way to show your support for M&A Science. If you’re interested in learning more about individual or team plans, visit this page.

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:36 Smaller deals vs bigger deals

06:35 Complexities of smaller deals

06:52 Other layers of complexities

10:10 Earnouts

18:03 Reps and warranties

24:08 Fundamental vs General Reps and Warranties

25:35 Indemnities

28:40 Disclosure schedules

32:34 Caps and Baskets

35:52 Carve-out

36:44 Working capital adjustments

40:47 Deferred revenue

42:01 Accrued bonuses and vacations

44:12 Advice to those doing small deals

45:12 Craziest thing in M&A

The Intricacies of M&A from Start to Finish Dec 04, 2023

Rajive Dhar, VP, Head of Corporate Development at NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP)

For first-time acquirers, M&A can be challenging, as it comes with strenuous processes with many complexities that can turn the dream into a nightmare. However, with proper guidance, acquirers can have a smooth transaction and an amicable negotiation.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast. We discuss the intricacies of M&A from start to finish with Rajive Dhar, VP, Head of Corporate Development at NetApp, to help us navigate our first deal.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:58 Different types of M&A

09:49 Corporate Strategy for M&A

12:37 Dealing with new customers

14:49 Acquiring competitors

17:13 Target screening

22:19 Opening up conversations with the target company

23:55 Initial Due Diligence

25:59 Diligence list

30:17 Sunsetting competitors product

33:02 Assessing culture

34:52 Putting an LOI together

39:58 Negotiating deal structure

46:41 Earnouts

55:44 Keeping relationships

1:00:13 Best advice for practitioners

M&A Surprises and Horror Stories Nov 27, 2023

Jim Ackerman, recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex; Steve Coghlan, Semi-recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex.

Every deal is different, which means each and everyone will present unique challenges that teams have to overcome. Especially when dealing with smaller companies. There is no such thing as a perfect deal. However, with the right mindset and approach, deals can still close and bring value to both parties involved.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jim Ackerman, recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex, and Steve Coghlan, former Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex, discuss their experiences on M&A surprises and horror stories.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

05:06 Sourcing deals

08:24 Key things to ask during the first meeting

11:49 How to get exclusivity

15:01 How the governance works

16:41 Due diligence red flags

17:21 Cultural integration

19:46 Working with the board

23:54 Best way to pitch a deal to the board

24:34 Stakeholder management in the board

25:40 Managing M&A surprises

29:30 Good M&A Surprises

34:37 Accounting surprises

36:30 Private deal surprises

40:39 IT surprises

42:33 Surprises between signing and closing

45:38 How to mitigate risks and surprises

46:13 What trap currency is

48:04 Integration surprises

50:40 Mitigating surprises from integration

54:25 Instilling clear and purposeful communication

55:23 Hardest step to do in M&A

56:10 Worst deal ever done

59:11 Best advice

1:00:12 Craziest thing in M&A

How Positive Relationships Can Drive Success in M&A Nov 20, 2023

Nicole Markowski, Manager and Corporate Development at Wipfli LLP

More than the numbers, relationships can make or break a deal. Regardless of the deal rationale, strong, trusting connections between parties can lead to smoother negotiations, clearer communication, and a greater likelihood of mutual satisfaction in the end result.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Nicole Markowski, Manager and Corporate Development at Wipfli LLP, delves into the importance of cultivating positive relationships to drive M&A success.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

07:04 The importance of relationships in M&A

09:25 Key people to build relationships with

15:55 How to foster and develop relationships

23:03 How to engage with key people

25:27 Approach to build relationships

28:30 People assignment for developing relationships

30:47 Delegating tasks in building relationships

34:22 Key acquired company people to build relationships with

36:31 Handling resistant groups

39:25 People problems and how to address them

45:57 Advice to first-time practitioners

47:45 Craziest thing in M&A

M&A from a CFO’s Perspective Session 2 Nov 13, 2023

Samuel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at 8x8 (NASDAQ: EGHT)

In the grand scheme of things, every M&A must make financial sense. Whether it’s cutting cost, increasing revenue, or achieving operational efficiencies, it all boils down to the numbers. After all, every company’s main goal is to grow and increase profit for its shareholders. It is why the Chief Financial Officers play an integral role in M&A.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective, featuring Samuel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at 8x8.

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This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom and FirmRoom.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

07:55 The Role of CFO

11:39 Risk Management

14:39 Integration aspect

15:54 Alignment on assumptions

18:14 Managing people

19:28 Best integration practices

21:25 Working with the CEO

22:52 Walking away from a deal

27:10 Getting involved in the deal

29:50 Tying the Strategy

33:36 Integration Budgeting

39:43 Working with corporate development

40:54 Advice for first time acquirers

44:04 Craziest thing in M&A

M&A from a CFO’s Perspective Session 1 Nov 06, 2023

David Barnes, Chief Financial Officer at Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB)

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of strategic ventures. Beyond their traditional financial responsibilities, these financial architects hold the key to unlocking the full potential of mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective with David Barnes, Chief Financial Officer at Trimble Inc.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:29 The Role of CFO

05:14 How the CFO’s roles differs from the CEO

06:24 Decision-making process and approvals workflow

09:43 Communicating opportunities

11:15 Prioritization

14:18 Balancing the allocation of budgets

16:42 How equity compensation works

18:14 How aligned investment analysts are when evaluating a company

20:08 Forecasting deals

22:53 Priorities when looking at deals

26:49 Balancing priorities when structuring earnouts

28:31 Understanding a company’s culture

31:08 Integration from a CFO’s perspective

33:49 How the speed of integration impacts value realization

37:05 Biggest lessons learned as a CFO

39:23 How to pitch deals to the CFO

41:38 Craziest thing in M&A

The Big Shift from Corporate Development to Private Equity Oct 30, 2023

Joe Metzger, Managing Director at 777 Partners

Navigating a career shift can be a transformative experience, unlocking new opportunities and challenges. For Joe Metzger, Managing Director at 777 Partners, diving into the world of private equity was an exciting path to explore. It's a chance to grow expertise, collaborate with diverse entities, and embrace strategic growth.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe shares his amazing journey shifting from corporate development to private equity.

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Craving for fresh, actionable M&A insights? Dive into the M&A Science Fall Summit this Nov 8th! Unlock secrets on integration, valuations, talent retention, and more from top M&A minds. It’s all the ‘how-tos’ you need, and it’s FREE! Secure your spot at mascience.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:02 Transitioning from Corporate Development to Private Equity

08:59 Corporate Development role vs Private Equity role

12:10 Seeking employment opportunities

16:16 The efficient frontier concept

20:06 Are you happier in private equity than in corporate development?

24:17 How to negotiate employment offers

26:48 Other things to negotiate in employment agreements

30:47 How to land a PE role

33:34 Advice to those considering transitioning between Corp Dev and Private Equity

34:52 How to transition to a PE role from a VC and M&A role

36:03 Craziest thing in M&A

Integration Strategies in M&A Part 2 Oct 23, 2023

Chris Evans, Experienced M&A Leader | former Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd, Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | former Head of Integration for AWS. (NASDAQ: AMZN)

Change management is one of the most crucial aspects of M&A. While integration involves multiple facets, from supply chains to customers, change management is solely focused on the employees. This can make or break a deal, as employee retention is one of the main ingredients to achieving synergies in a timely manner.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Chris Evans, former Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd, former Head of Integration for AWS, discusses integration strategies change management person. particularly the nuisances of change management.

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Craving for fresh, actionable M&A insights? Dive into the M&A Science Fall Summit this Nov 8th! Unlock secrets on integration, valuations, talent retention, and more from top M&A minds. It’s all the ‘how-tos’ you need, and it’s FREE! Secure your spot at MAscience.com!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:26 Integration Strategy vs Change Management

06:50 Definition of Change Management

09:55 Dedicated Person for Change Management

14:03 Change Management Planning

16:16 Most Effective Approach to Change Management

19:32 Common Challenges during Change Management

24:25 Practical Tips for Change Management

26:49 Hardest Step in M&A

33:38 Craziest Thing in M&A

Integration Strategies in M&A Part 1 Oct 16, 2023

Chris Evans, Experienced M&A Leader | former head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd, Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | former Head of Integration for AWS. (NASDAQ: AMZN)

In the complex world of M&A, the difference between a successful deal and a failed one often hinges on integration. Proper integration, driven by a harmonious fusion of strategy and execution, ensures that the merging entities can effectively combine their strengths and navigate potential pitfalls.

In this two-part episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of integration strategies and underscores the pivotal role of the integration team during the due diligence process, featuring Chris Evans, ex-Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd, former Head of Integration for AWS.

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Craving for fresh, actionable M&A insights? Dive into the M&A Science Fall Summit this Nov 8th! Unlock secrets on integration, valuations, talent retention, and more from top M&A minds. It’s all the ‘how-tos’ you need, and it’s FREE! Secure your spot at mascience.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:11 Types of Integration Strategies

09:14 Transformative Integration

11:39 Deals Easy to Integrate

13:24 Most difficult thing to Integrate

15:40 Timeline of integration planning

20:26 Benefits of Integration teams running diligence

25:49 Integration Teams’ Diligence Execution

28:46 Structuring the M&A Function

34:39 Consistency vs. agility

40:10 Understanding culture pre LOI

44:34 Working with inexperienced business leaders

46:59 Questions to ask pre-LOI as an Integration leader

Executing M&A in Healthcare Oct 09, 2023

Roy Schoenberg, President & Co-CEO at Amwell - American Well Corporation (NYSE:AMWL)

The healthcare industry is a complex and rigid space where change is often rejected. Any evolution in this sector not only signifies business decisions but also influences the overall quality and accessibility of patient care.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Roy Schoenberg, President & Co-CEO at Amwell, delves into the intricacies of navigating M&A in the healthcare industry.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:26 Evolving from a medical background to M&A

07:27 What makes the healthcare space distinct

09:36 What drove Amwell to do acquisitions

13:03 Shaping the acquisition strategy

16:59 Amwell’s first acquisition

22:29 Integrating the new company

24:50 Retaining key people

28:33 First acquisition lessons learned

31:03 Dealing with transaction surprises

34:03 Approaching deals as one of the main principal

38:01 Deal sourcing

39:49 Managing relationships with the counterparty

41:30 Communication during diligence

43:14 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Balance Culture During an Integration Oct 02, 2023

Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America (EPA: SGO) and CertainTeed

Integration is not just about combining processes and systems. It is about bridging cultures and creating a shared identity. However, integrating two organizations can be complex, especially when it comes to managing major cultural differences.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we explore key strategies for effectively balancing culture during an integration, featuring Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:50 Culture in M&A

09:59 Acquiring a competitor

11:18 Team Alignment

13:24 Understanding culture

15:45 Difficulties of Culture

16:52 Improving decision-making

18:55 Challenges for smaller companies

20:37 Lessons learned from acquisitions

24:58 Establishing strong communication

27:14 Advice on Integration

31:08 Retaining lessons learned

32:49 Ensuring deal value

34:40 Governance and M&A activities

37:20 Success metrics

38:59 Messaging with key investors

40:20 Non-core acquisitions

41:19 Cultural aspect of non-core acquisition

43:02 Craziest thing in M&A

Planning and Executing Your Exit as an Investor Sep 25, 2023

Dr. Irit Yaniv, Founding Partner and CEO at Almeda Ventures (TLV: AMDA)

While most investors have a passive role in their portfolio company, some investors are active in shaping and contributing to its success. For venture capitalists, one of the best scenarios is for the portfolio company to be acquired to maximize investment returns.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Irit Yaniv, Founding Partner and CEO at Almada Ventures, discusses what investors can do when planning and executing the exit.

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:26 M&A in the medical device industry

04:49 Minority position during Investment

05:35 When to think about an exit

06:59 Getting involved in the exit

09:57 Working with the CEO

12:03 Keeping track of potential acquisitions

14:34 Finding the right buyer

17:55 Managing exit planning disagreements

20:34 Who controls exit decisions

22:23 Negotiation

25:37 When to engage with a banker

36:51 Advice on planning an exit

38:11 Bad exits

40:29 Other takeaways

42:35 Craziest thing in M&A

How PE Should Support Portfolio Company Acquisitions Sep 18, 2023

Barak Routhenstein, Vice President of Corporate Development at Profile Products

The collaboration between a Private Equity (PE) firm and a portfolio company during an acquisition is a powerful partnership. Together, they create a synergistic environment where growth and value thrive.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will explore insights from Barak Routhenstein, Vice President Corporate Development at Profile Products, on how PE firms can provide invaluable support to portfolio companies during the acquisition process, setting the stage for success and maximizing value creation.

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Join us on October 5th, 2023, in New York City for the M&A Science Fair 2023. Dive into a transformative M&A experience that not only emphasizes participant-driven topics but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with the industry's top minds.

You can elevate your M&A practice with actionable insights and top-tier networking. The event is invitation-only to ensure a curated experience. Secure your invite today!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:57 Changes in the M&A landscape

04:39 Changes in private equity acquisitions

08:14 Go-to-market

10:48 Deal origination

12:19 International deals

14:25 How PE firms look at acquisitions

15:48 Bad cultural fit

18:40 Relationship with PE firms

20:20 Ideal PE-sponsor relationship

21:45 Managing deal sourcing conflicts

22:38 Approval process

24:44 Sustaining support from PE firms

27:08 Reporting structure

29:54 Advice for PE firms in supporting portfolio companies

32:54 Staging productive meetings

35:01 Keys to pitching a deal

38:46 Approaching target company relationships

41:28 Managing underperforming acquired companies

42:18 PE firms buying other PE firms

43:26 Craziest thing in M&A

The Art of M&A: Striking the Right Balance Between Integration and Autonomy Sep 11, 2023

Glenn Sanford, CEO eXp World Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPI)

For high-growth companies, M&A is almost inevitable. If done right, it could speed up growth and open new opportunities for the acquiring entity. However, it’s not without challenges, as it can also be destructive and destroy both companies involved.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Glenn Sanford, CEO eXp World Holdings, Inc., discusses the art of M&A, and striking the right balance between integration and autonomy.

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Join us on October 5th, 2023, in New York City for the M&A Science Fair 2023. Dive into a transformative M&A experience that not only emphasizes participant-driven topics but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with the industry's top minds.

You can elevate your M&A practice with actionable insights and top-tier networking. The event is invitation-only to ensure a curated experience. Secure your invite today!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:51 EXP’s acquisition history

05:31 Reasons behind EXP’s acquisitions

10:12 Acquiring Success Magazine

14:22 Factors to consider when looking at potential targets

17:49 Understanding a company’s culture

20:13 Reverse merger

24:38 Capital structure evolution

27:05 Managing relationships with the board of directors and shareholders

31:19 Managing integration

36:47 Other lessons and takeaways

39:03 Craziest thing in M&A

Ensuring Alignment for Deal Success Sep 04, 2023

Andrew Bilbao, current CFO of Noble Education Acquisition Corp.

M&A is a massive undertaking that calls for collaboration among numerous individuals. Ensuring alignment with everyone involved is essential for the success of a deal. Yet, with a variety of opinions and personalities at play, achieving alignment can be quite a challenge.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Bilbao, CFO of Noble Education Acquisition Corp, shares valuable insights on how to guarantee alignment for deal success, paving the way for a smooth and fruitful M&A process.

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Join us on October 5th, 2023, in New York City for the M&A Science Fair 2023. Dive into a transformative M&A experience that not only emphasizes participant-driven topics but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with the industry's top minds.

You can elevate your M&A practice with actionable insights and top-tier networking. The event is invitation-only to ensure a curated experience. Secure your invite today!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:47 Areas where alignment is important

07:03 Approach to Alignment

11:19 Prioritizing the pipeline

14:11 Identifying an opportunity to LOI

15:56 Target Market Competitiveness

19:50 Evolving from first conversations

20:59 Go/No-go decision

25:47 Bidding process

28:45 Things to not do when dealing with the Board

29:55 Working with functional leads

33:41 Alignment with functional leads

35:53 Keeping alignment to strategy

38:16 The hardest part of achieving alignment

39:10 How do you not fall in love with your deal?

46:41 Craziest thing in M&A

How a Public Equity Analyst Evolves to Executing M&A Aug 28, 2023

Greg Stein, Vice President, M&A and Strategy at Xerox (NASDAQ: XRX)

For public equity analysts, M&A is nothing new. One of their main jobs is to conduct financial analyses of companies and other potential investments. However, M&A execution is another story.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Greg Stein, Vice President of M&A and Ventures at Xerox, shares his experience as a public equity analyst and how his role evolved to executing M&A.

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:42 From public equity analyst to doing deals

07:32 Executing M&A against the strategy

10:49 Assessing M&A processes of companies

13:58 Trends between announcement of a deal and stock price

15:50 Transition from PE analyst role into corp dev

17:48 How to evaluate a business

19:26 Walking away from a deal

21:11 Integration aspects

24:09 Potential pitfalls in a deal

25:25 Prioritizing diligence

26:54 Guiding principles

28:08 Deal timeline and who gets involved

30:52 People overlap

32:25 Preliminary diligence as a Public Equity Analyst

35:59 Tips for negotiations

38:09 Advice for people transitioning from public equity role to M&A

40:10 Craziest thing in M&A

The Challenges of Cross-Border Deals Aug 21, 2023

Clifford Felig, Partner at Meitar | Law Offices.

International business transactions often present unique challenges that are vastly different from local ones. The complexity increases exponentially when these transactions involve mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Clifford Felig, Partner at Meitar Law Offices, discusses the challenges of cross-border deals, particularly in Isreal, where he had most of his experiences.

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This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. If you’re looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided. Give your team members access to the best in class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. Our academy was designed to lead practitioners with the outdo with the M&A practices. It’s also a great way to show your support for M&A Science. If you’re interested in learning more about individual or team plans, visit this page.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:44 Finding an attorney for cross-border deals

08:01 Challenges of cross-border deals

14:55 Being mindful of the time difference

16:21 Key differences in local laws

19:18 Nature of deals in Isreal

21:40 Mitigating Risks

25:19 Differences in Negotiations

28:10 Difference in presenting LOI

29:56 Key differences in price negotiations

33:33 The American stereotype

36:59 Indemnification issues

39:40 Confidentiality

43:20 Differences in diligence

46:43 The importance of an attorney’s experience

48:09 Negotiating legal fees

52:22 Integrating Cross-Border Deals

53:32 Signs of a bad counsel

Tax Considerations in M&A Aug 14, 2023

Lesley Adamo, Vice Chair of the Tax Group at Lowenstein Sandler LLP,

The intricacies of tax considerations in a merger or acquisition (M&A) transaction cannot be overstated. These considerations play a crucial role in shaping the overall economics and structure of the deal and can significantly impact the outcome for all parties involved. With expert tax planning and structuring, it is possible to mitigate the tax burden and maximize the benefits of the transaction.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Lesley Adamo, Vice Chair of the Tax Group at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, delves into the importance of tax considerations in M&A and provides valuable insights on navigating this complex landscape.

Things you will learn in this episode:

Tax complexities in M&A
Buyer’s tax considerations
Seller’s tax considerations
Gross-up in negotiations
Net-operating losses

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This episode is sponsored by The M&A Science Fair, the exclusive event for the industry-leading M&A corporate practitioners.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

05:49 Tax Complexities

07:34 Considering Tax

15:05 Start-up Tax liabilities

18:33 Minimizing Risks

21:42 Stock vs. Asset sale

22:58 Net Operating Losses

27:00 Buyer’s Benefits

28:24 Creating a Holding Company

30:00 Equity Compensation

31:33 Efficient Tax Structuring for Sellers

36:59 Negotiations

39:38 Tax Considerations in LOI

43:40 Qualified small business stock

48:59 Relocation for Tax Savings

50:41 Tax considerations during diligence

52:21 Lessons Learned

How to do Deals in Latin America Aug 07, 2023

Juan Guillermo Castaneda, former Senior Advisor to SKG CEO (LSEG: SKG)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:13 Difference of M&A in the US vs Latin America

10:14 Mitigating Risks

14:31 Culture

17:54 Deal sourcing

19:41 Approaching companies

21:02 Getting companies interested

22:46 Dealing with Legacies

25:06 Red Flags in deals

29:59 Integration

33:11 Alignment before closing

34:01 Lessons Learned

35:37 Negotiations

36:27 Craziest thing in M&A

The Path to Successful Equal Mergers Jul 31, 2023

Scott Crofton, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Too often, M&A involves a larger entity acquiring a smaller business. Only a few believe that a merger of equal can be possible, especially considering the power struggle between the two companies. However, a merger of equals can be a powerful strategy that could unlock tremendous value and opportunities for growth if done right.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Scott Crofton, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, discusses the path to a successful equal merger.

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. If you’re looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided.

Give your team members access to the best in class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. Our academy was designed to lead practitioners with the outdo with the M&A practices. It’s also a great way to show your support for M&A Science.

If you’re interested in learning more about individual or team plans, visit this page.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 04:27 Mergers of equal 07:05 Managing mergers of equal 09:13 Private deals 12:55 The management team under mergers of equals 14:33 Board of directors composition 16:12 The process of mergers of equals 19:27 Diligence process 20:55 The impact of mergers of equal 23:06 Real-life story of Hostile Bids 25:13 Poison pill defense 28:51 Fairness Analysis 31:31 Litigation 33:18 Pros and Cons of Mergers of Equal 35:06 Time frame of mergers of equal 35:57 Best Advice 36:59 Craziest thing in M&A

How To Create a Value Chain Ecosystem Jul 24, 2023

Brian Matthews, CEO at ITEL

In today's highly competitive business landscape, companies are constantly looking for ways to enhance their capabilities and maintain their edge. With so many competitors in the market, how can a company stand out and reduce customer churn?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Brian Matthews, CEO at ITEL, discusses his value chain ecosystem approach that can drive stability and growth to businesses.

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, mascience.com/academy.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:20 Value chain ecosystem approach

08:23 Real-life example of a value chain ecosystem

12:05 Emphasis on the exit planning

13:51 Traditional bank exit

16:50 Benefits of an ecosystem approach

18:47 Bringing fresh perspectives

21:56 Ecosystem Playbook

23:58 How to create a value chain ecosystem

30:22 Considering the maturity of partner ecosystems of companies

37:19 Valuation

38:32 Best practices on deal execution

40:14 Transparency rules

42:18 Reading between the lines

43:09 Craziest thing in M&A

Buying Carve-outs for Future Exits Jul 17, 2023

Joe Covey, a serial CEO and acquirer, and investor since 1992.

Matthew Davidge, the co-owner of the NBC Affiliate WVNC (Watertown, NY) and several other stations around the country.

In big companies, some business units may not perform well and might be overlooked. It can be helpful for the company to find a more suitable owner for these units. At the same time, buyers can take advantage of these opportunities to improve the businesses and maximize their potential.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, we will explore the experiences of Josh Covey, a successful CEO, acquirer, and investor, and Matthew Davidge, co-owner of NBC Affiliate WVNC, as they buy and develop these businesses with the goal of exiting in the future.

____________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. If you’re looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided.

Give your team members access to the best-in-class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. Our academy was designed to lead practitioners to outdo M&A practices. It’s also a great way to show your support for M&A Science. If you’re interested in learning more about individual or team plans, visit this page.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:43 Buy-side carve-out deals

10:35 Key approach to due diligence

11:52 Unbinding a company

13:51 Why carve-outs are difficult

15:41 Conversations with the right people

19:05 Key things to consider when doing a carve-out

22:58 Walking away from a deal

23:59 Considerations in the carve-out model

26:32 Challenges on the buy-side of carve-outs

27:58 You have to surround yourself

30:21 Evolving the operating model

34:37 The right time to exit

35:55 How working with an investment bank is different

37:48 Bank process vs. Proprietary deals

39:21 Key lessons

40:55 Timing

42:14 Communications

43:34 Alignment on post-close operations

45:27 Advice for first-time sellers

47:57 Negotiation considerations

49:59 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Execute Product-Based Acquisitions Jul 10, 2023

Andrew Morbitzer, VP/Head of Corporate Development at Typeform

There are many different reasons why companies buy other entities. Traditionally, acquirers have focused more on the financial aspect of the target company. However, experience have shown that not all acquisitions are the same, and must be executed properly against their strategy.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Morbitzer, VP/Head of Corporate Development at Typeform, discusses how to execute product-based acquisitions.

______________________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. If you’re looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided.

Give your team members access to the best in class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. Our academy was designed to lead practitioners with the outdo with the M&A practices. It’s also a great way to show your support for M&A Science. If you’re interested in learning more about individual or team plans, visit this page.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro 05:35 From engineering product to M&A 09:21 Difference of Product based acquisition 16:04 Gauging Product Market fit 22:07 Direct Observation 26:15 Permission from the company 28:21 Overlap analysis during product-based acquisition 31:35 Key elements for deal success 36:16 Agile M&A 37:51 Integrating engineering teams 40:53 Tips for product acquisition 42:41 Integrating competing products 47:00 Craziest thing in M&A

Building your M&A Muscle Jul 03, 2023

Nate Lemmerman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at Cast & Crew

To perform M&A at the highest level, an ever-evolving M&A function is necessary. Organizations must focus on refining their strategies, processes, and team dynamics to ensure they can effectively navigate the complexities of each deal.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Nate Lemmerman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Cast & Crew, shares his experience and tips on how to build your M&A muscle.

____________________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:10 Building an M&A function from scratch

09:05 Steps to building an M&A muscle

12:17 The strategy

15:38 Process and execution structure

22:16 Critical things to consider before signing a deal

26:04 Hiring people for the M&A team

28:30 Building the diligence muscle

30:01 People alignment in M&A

32:20 Building the integration muscle

35:39 Best practices when doing deals

37:55 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Overcome M&A Hurdles Jun 26, 2023

Ritika Butani, Head of Corporate Development at Toast

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:22 Secrets to overcoming hurdles

05:51 Challenges in M&A

09:58 Complexities of smaller deals

12:43 Handling people in a smaller company

13:50 Cultural assessment

15:24 Culture ends up killing the deal

17:03 Tax Issues

18:58 HR issues

20:44 Contractual Issues

23:41 Change of control and assignment

25:05 Risks Mitigation

26:58 Finding good lawyers

28:34 Integration planning

30:05 Integration planning vs. hypothesis

32:44 No dedicated integration lead

34:34 Principles of doing deals

37:31 Non-negotiables

39:40 Dealing with issues

41:44 Surprise Issues

44:08 Craziest thing in M&A

Build-to-Buy and Option Structures Jun 19, 2023

Finn Haley, SVP, Corporate Development at Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:53 Option structure

14:04 Exit cap

16:11 Drivers for the structure

18:28 Alignment with the strategy

20:35 Monitoring progress and milestones

22:16 Moving fast

24:08 Failed startups

26:16 Risks

30:09 Exercising the option

33:54 Why deals don’t push through

38:53 Innovation

40:13 Approaching a company for the buy-to-build option structure

43:20 Craziest thing in M&A

Key Regulatory Considerations for M&A in the Current Market Jun 12, 2023

Mark Legaspi, Director, Legal - Corporate at LinkedIn

Hello M&A Friends, if you're looking to improve your in-house training, we have corporate training plans provided through M&A Science Academy.

Give your team members access to the best in class courses, templates, and networking opportunities in the industry. Our academy was designed to lead practitioners with the outdo with the M&A practices.

If you're interested in learning more about individual or team plans, go to www.mascience.com/academy. It's also a great way to show your support for M&A Science. Again, that's mascience.com/academy.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:53 Key Considerations for M&A in 2023

05:22 Regulatory Challenges

09:41 Effect of Regulatory on Negotiations

15:43 Managing Value

17:51 Other Considerations Regarding Regulatory Risks

20:38 Suing the Regulatory Bodies

32:18 Regulatory Effects on Employees

34:08 Other Deal Killers in M&A

38:04 Trademarks Killing Deals

40:30 Market situation with IPs

42:22 Deal Breaks Due to IP

43:48 Advice for Deal Teams

46:39 Craziest thing in M&A

The Evolution of M&A Functions Jun 05, 2023

David Hindley, VP of Corp Dev at Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use the code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:00 The Evolution of M&A Functions

06:48 Deal experience as a Banker vs. Corp Dev

15:04 Leading an evolving M&A function

16:13 How the strategy evolved

18:07 Scoring opportunities

19:28 Speeding up the evolution for efficiency

21:31 Working with functional leads

22:29 Aligning the functions

24:10 Business Units

25:08 Corporate Development structure

27:57 Accountability

29:11 Working with integration folks

32:41 Evolution of the governance model

33:56 Success metrics

35:42 Retaining deal learnings

37:04 The hiring process

40:19 Lessons learned

41:26 Craziest thing in M&A

Thriving in Times of Change With Flexibility in Your Integration Planning May 29, 2023

Staci van Schagen, Head of M&A Integration & Disentanglement at Philips

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:40 Running global Integrations

08:08 Adapting to different cultures

09:37 Fostering safety in IMO

11:31 Continuous Improvement

13:57 Delivering integration outcomes

18:16 Dealing with uncertainties during integration planning

20:52 Threshold for mistakes during integration

24:56 Using reflections to run integration

28:57 Deal sizes affecting preparations

31:51 Upskilling scenario planning

32:53 Craziest thing in M&A

Best Practices When Selling a Business May 22, 2023

Jeff Wald, Co-founder of Bento Engine

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:44 Best practices during exits

04:41 Thinking about an exit

09:54 Engaging with investors

14:13 The path to being acquired

18:24 Tips for Outreach

19:49 First conversation

25:11 Key people when executing deals

29:00 Negotiating Law firm prices

30:16 Negotiating LOI

34:37 Confirmatory due diligence

37:06 Communicating with employees

39:13 Announce day

44:55 Integration

47:46 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Focus on Integration as a Corporate Development Professional May 15, 2023

Brent Campbell, Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Alight Solutions (NYSE: ALIT)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use the code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:46 Importance of Integration

07:38 Gaining integration perspective

10:12 Negative consequences of neglecting integration

12:53 How corporate development can focus on integration

15:38 Challenges in integration

18:22 Challenges in aligning stakeholders

21:04 HSR restrictions

22:27 Integration structure

24:19 Building the integration muscle

32:06 Business sponsor

34:02 How to measure integration success

37:13 Craziest thing in M&A

The HR Practitioner’s Guide to Cultural Integration in M&A May 08, 2023

Klint Kendrick, HR and M&A Leader | Keynote Speaker | Author of the HR Practitioners Guides to Mergers & Acquisitions

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net.

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

05:30 The role of HR in M&A

09:55 Importance of identifying a potential culture clash

12:40 Cultural due diligence

17:27 Pre-LOI cultural diligence

22:09 Finding culture fit

24:48 Five Areas of culture clash

49:39 Deal-specific considerations

59:48 Taking findings that impact the deal terms

1:02:55 Assessing the level of cultural diligence

1:05:40 Transformative deals

1:09:44 The secret sauce to overcoming culture clash

1:12:44 Craziest thing in M&A

Valuation Principles and Working with Earnouts May 01, 2023

PJ Patel, Co-CEO & Senior Managing Director at Valuation Research Corporation (VRC)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

08:37 Market Trends

11:15 Maximizing your company’s valuation

12:24 Growth vs Cash flow

13:35 The effect of Storytelling on valuations

14:27 Investor’s Influence on Valuation

17:14 Things to avoid as an operator

19:14 Common Mistakes in Valuation

20:53 Impairment

23:42 Implications of impairment

25:49 Purchase price allocation

29:05 Earnout structures

32:34 Length of earnouts

32:51 Computing for Earnouts

38:33 Negotiating Earnouts

41:06 Craziest thing in M&A

Growing through Multiple Roll-ups Apr 24, 2023

Sam Youssef, Founder and CEO at Valsoft Corporation

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

05:44 Looking at business through a different lens

09:19 Distinguishing good acquirers

11:17 Identifying the right segment and deal size

15:07 Platform play acquisition

19:57 Approaching target companies

23:16 Financial structure

26:09 Challenges in building an M&A muscle

29:42 Driving value from synergies

30:56 Getting the right people

32:49 Sharing learnings

38:39 Craziest thing in M&A

The Complexities of Smaller Deals Apr 17, 2023

Kevin Griffin, Executive Director, Corporate Development at JLL (NYSE: JLL)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://www.firmroom.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

04:15 Focusing on smaller deals

06:48 Sourcing deals

08:10 Pros and cons of a competitive auction process

15:47 Cons of doing a proprietary deal

18:35 Benefits of doing a proprietary deal

22:15 Relationship problems

23:24 Proprietary deals vs auctions

25:32 Educating founders on the deal process

26:13 Working with lawyers

27:40 Biggest challenge when educating founders

29:42 Valuation

31:09 Negotiation

34:49 Earnouts

41:45 Making earnouts successful

43:19 Retention with smaller companies

44:17 Best Practices to retain people

46:08 Craziest thing in M&A

People-Focused Integration Apr 10, 2023

Marilyne H. O'Hara, Global Head of M&A Integration at Block (NYSE: SQ)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

05:20 What is People-Focused Integration

06:02 Ideal Integration Process

08:46 Strong Partnerships With Deal Leads

12:25 Consequences of Late Integration

14:53 Building the Integration Team

20:41 Involving the Integration Team

22:29 Integration Led Diligence

24:07 Building an Agile Team

28:30 Understanding Culture

30:49 Culture Shaping Integration

31:44 Red Flags in Culture Fit

32:46 Best Practices When Onboarding People

39:06 Working with Vendors for People-Focused Integration

40:12 Biggest Challenge

40:36 Advice for First Timer

41:23 Craziest thing in M&A

Preserving Startups During Acquisitions Apr 03, 2023

Nadia Gil, Chief of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development at Brady (NYSE:BRC)

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy, DealRoom, and FirmRoom.

To join our growing online community of M&A practitioners, visit https://www.mascience.com/academy. Don’t forget to use code “podcast” at checkout.

Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://www.dealroom.net

FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to https://firmroom.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

04:01 Why large companies are focusing on acquiring startups

10:36 Why startups don't thrive in a larger company

13:15 Factors to consider when acquiring a startup

17:28 Factors that make startups unacquirable

21:35 Preserving startups in the larger company

24:41 Joint planning approach

26:35 Keys to a strong relationship

29:44 How can large companies protect the acquired small company

32:19 Integration

34:13 Compensation

38:49 How startups can protect themselves

40:48 When to walk away

46:29 How to mitigate the risk of destroying a small company

48:06 Craziest thing in M&A

Executing M&A Without Corporate Development Mar 27, 2023

Michael Farlekas is the CEO at E2open

Have someone in mind that would be perfect to help build out a new on-demand talent service line at M&A Science? Reach out to Kison at kison@mascience.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction

02:24 Background

04:58 14 transactions without a dedicated Corp Dev team

08:47 Networking and scoring the deals

14:34 The hunting part

20:45 Restructuring the business for faster integration

22:04 Approach to due diligence

24:10 Key things to look at pre and post-LOI

25:15 Considering the culture and the people aspect

27:34 Integration

30:20 Budgeting Integration cost

32:19 Go-to-Market Integration

34:14 Acquiring away from the core

36:13 Keys to success

37:38 Go-To-Market Framework

39:54 Advice for first-time acquirers

44:33 Craziest thing in M&A

Setting Up Day One for Success Mar 20, 2023

Chris Evans is the former Head of Corporate Development Integration at Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)

Have someone in mind that would be perfect to help build out a new on-demand talent service line at M&A Science? Reach out to Kison at kison@mascience.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction

5:32 How Important is Day One

10:40 What happens on Day One

14:59 Integration North Star

16:25 What Success on Day One looks like

21:00 Introducing the Integration Manager

25:43 Engaging the managers

31:08 Keeping the big picture alignment

35:30 Identifying the faces of the acquiring company

37:34 Sharing the Integration Plan

40:45 Connecting the value drivers to integration

45: 20 The biggest challenge on Day One

48:34 What is Day One of Day One in Amazon

52: 28 Craziest thing in M&A

How to Perform Diligence on Sustainability in M&A Mar 13, 2023

Sarah Thuo, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Sustainability Services

As the business world shifts towards a more environmentally and socially conscious approach, the significance of sustainability in M&A has become increasingly prominent. In light of this, companies are now considering the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives of their target companies before making any acquisitions.

In this article, we explore the importance of sustainability in M&A and how to perform sustainability diligence, with insights from Sarah Thuo, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Sustainability Services.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function.Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

Setting Up M&A for Hyper-Growth Companies Mar 06, 2023

Michael Nov, Head of Corporate Development & Chief of Staff to the CTO at OwnBackup

M&A is a game-changing tool that can propel a company's growth several years ahead of schedule. However, for hyper-growth companies, M&A can also be a double-edged sword that leads to attrition and detracts from the core business objectives.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael Nov, Head of Corporate Development & Chief of Staff to the CTO at OwnBackup, discusses how to set up M&A for hyper-growth companies.

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, visit https://ma-science.webflow.io/podcast-commercial

GTM Integration Feb 27, 2023

Pat Belotti, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Zendesk.

The go-to-market (GTM) integration strategy has a large impact on revenue generation and overall deal success. Integration can be very disruptive to the customers, but if done right, it can enhance the customer experience and acquisition results.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Pat Belotti, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Zendesk, delves into the intricacies of GTM integration and offers valuable insights on how to approach it.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function. Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

How Integration Has Changed Over Time Feb 20, 2023

Pat Belotti, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Zendesk

M&A integration in tech has changed quite a bit over the last twenty years. Integration has evolved from integration volunteers, to large teams with detailed tracking, to dedicated teams and Agile approaches.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Pat Belotti, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Zendesk, delves into the evolution of integration.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function. Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

Improving IMO For Efficiency Feb 13, 2023

Windy Nicholson, Technology Leader | Mergers and Acquisitions at Salesforce (NYSE: CRM)

Acquisitions present unique challenges, but deal lifecycle processes can still be optimized for efficiency. Timeliness is a crucial factor in M&A, and the quicker a deal closes and integration is completed, the faster deal synergies can be achieved.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Windy Nicholson, the Technology Leader for Mergers and Acquisitions at Salesforce, discusses how to improve an IMO for efficiency.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function.Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

How to Manage Deals From Strategy to Closing in M&A Part 2 Feb 09, 2023

Andy Wijaya, Senior Director, M&A at KLA (NASDAQ: KLAC)

Managing a deal from start to finish requires a strategic approach and the ability to navigate the nuances of each phase.

In this 2-part episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andy Wijaya, Senior Director, M&A at KLA, talks about managing deals from strategy to closing, and dives deep into key stages of acquisition.

"This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, visit https://ma-science.webflow.io/podcast-commercial

How to Manage Deals From Strategy to Closing in M&A Part 1 Feb 06, 2023

Andy Wijaya, Senior Director, M&A at KLA (NASDAQ: KLAC)

Managing the multi-faceted process of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be a daunting task, especially for those in charge of overseeing the entire process.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andy Wijaya, Senior Director of M&A at KLA, discusses how to manage deals from strategy to closing.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function. Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

Alternative Strategies to Accelerate Growth Feb 02, 2023

Yvanna Perez-Morel, Sr. Director of Corporate Development at Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) | Managing Director at Prisma Ventures

Acquisitions are not the only way companies can achieve growth. Partnerships are a great way for organizations to grow their organic growth capabilities.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Yvanna Perez-Morel, Sr. Director of Corporate Development at Ulta Beauty | Managing Director at Prisma Ventures, discusses alternative strategies to accelerate growth.

This episode is sponsored by our new publication: How to Stand Up an M&A Function. Topics include the order of hiring, establishing your operating model, developing your organization's integration muscle, and more. Find it on Amazon: shorturl.at/jBCW1

First Conversation to LOI Session 3 Jan 30, 2023

Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital

Establishing strong connections with a target company is essential in M&A. Securing deals can be challenging, but a strategic approach can result in mutually beneficial outcomes.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital, shares his approach to deal-making from first conversations to LOI.

We want to feature our listeners over the coming months on social media. If you’re a big fan, we’d love to hear about your favorite episode or something valuable you learned from M&A Science. You can send me an email directly at kison@mascience.com

Setting M&A Governance Up for Efficiency Jan 26, 2023

Guy Fisher, Head of Corporate Development at Suncorp Group (ASX: SUN)

In order for an M&A process to be successful, there must be effective governance in place. Governance is used to manage risks, and ensure that key stakeholders are well-informed and able to provide appropriate oversight throughout a transaction.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Guy Fisher, Head of Corporate Development at Suncorp Group, shares his expertise in setting M&A governance up for efficiency.

"Speed and efficiency create better outcomes. It reduces confusion and the time for external factors to impact the value of the deal and increases certainty." – Guy Fisher

We want to feature our listeners over the coming months on social media. If you’re a big fan, we’d love to hear about your favorite episode or something valuable you learned from M&A Science. You can send me an email directly at kison@mascience.com

Executing Acquihires Jan 23, 2023

Thomas Gorman, Strategy & Corporate Development at Pantheon Platform

Mark Khavkin, CFO at Pantheon Platform

Acquiring a company is complex and challenging, and in some instances, unnecessary. If buyers only need the people inside of a target company, they can do an acquihire instead of a traditional acquisition.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Thomas Gorman, Strategy & Corporate Development at Pantheon Platform, and Mark Khavkin, CFO at Pantheon Platform, discusses executing acquihires.

We want to feature our listeners over the coming months on social media. If you’re a big fan, we’d love to hear about your favorite episode or something valuable you learned from M&A Science. You can send me an email directly at kison@mascience.com

How to Approach Reps and Warranties Insurance Jan 19, 2023

Josh Holleman, Partner at Cooley LLP

In recent years, there has been a surge in using reps & warranty insurance in M&A, especially in private deals. Buyers and sellers can save significant time and money using reps and warranties insurance.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Josh Holleman, Partner at Cooley LLP, discusses how to approach reps and warranties insurance.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

First Conversation to LOI Session 2 Jan 16, 2023

Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group

Before buyers and sellers agree to an LOI, there are many informal conversations that happen in the background. Buyers must carefully approach any informal conversations to avoid turning a buyer off while still securing the deal.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group, discusses the key things to consider during pre-LOI conversations.

We want to feature our listeners over the coming months on social media. If you’re a big fan, we’d love to hear about your favorite episode or something valuable you learned from M&A Science. You can send me an email directly at kison@mascience.com

Reps and Warranties from a Business Perspective Jan 12, 2023

Gitanjali Pundir, Vice President, Global Corporate Development and M&A at Visa (NYSE: V)

Today, more than 20 reps and warranty insurance companies exist. And unlike before, they are now willing to cover the entire suite of reps and warranties to replace the indemnification provisions in a traditional purchase agreement. So are they worth it? Should buyers consider reps and warranty insurance on all their deals?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Gitanjali Pundir, Vice President, Global Corporate Development and M&A at Visa, discusses representations and warranties from a business perspective.

First Conversation to LOI Session 1 Jan 09, 2023

Jeremy Segal, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Progress (NASDAQ: PRGS)

Deal origination requires a well-planned strategy, and starts with informal conversations with a potential target.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeremy Segal, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress, discusses what happens from first conversations to LOI.

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, visit https://ma-science.webflow.io/podcast-commercial.

Starting Up Your Corp Dev Function Jan 05, 2023

Veena Ramaswamy, Head of Corporate Development at Lemonade (NYSE: LMND)

Executing acquisitions without a dedicated function is highly inefficient and results in failed deals. Companies should not purely rely on inbound opportunities, and need strategic teams dedicated to sourcing deals.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Veena Ramaswamy, Head of Corporate Development at Lemonade, discusses how to create a corporate development function.

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, visit https://ma-science.webflow.io/podcast-commercial.

Executing Various Strategies and How to Get a CEO on Board Jan 02, 2023

Rohit Dave, Head of Corporate Development at Block (NYSE: SQ)

M&A is an excellent tool for growing a company. Still, acquirers should consider a variety of strategies before committing to a transaction. Choosing the right growth approach also dictates any integration plans.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Rohit Dave, Head of Corporate Development at Block, discusses executing various M&A strategies and how to get the CEO on board.

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

How to Efficiently Execute M&A Integration Dec 29, 2022

Cara Bibbiani, Senior Director, Corporate Development, M&A Integration at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE)

The integration stage of the deal lifecycle is when teams can achieve a transaction's desired synergies. Even though integration starts post-close, integration planning should begin much earlier in the deal process.

In this interview, Cara Bibbiani, Senior Director Corporate Development, M&A Integration at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, discusses how to efficiently execute M&A Integration. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

Creating an M&A Team Structure Dec 26, 2022

Kevin Barnes, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at Premier (NASDAQ: PINC)

Standing up a corporate development function from scratch is a challenging, yet exciting task. And one of the pillars of a successful M&A function is a solid team who can effectively run deals.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kevin Barnes, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at Premier, discusses how to create an M&A team structure.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

How to Transition Roles in M&A Dec 22, 2022

Kerry Perez, VP of Enterprise Strategy at AMN Healthcare (NYSE: AMN) Corporate development and integration roles consist of different responsibilities. Yet, understanding both roles can help practitioners become more effective at deal execution.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kerry Perez, VP of Enterprise Strategy at AMN Healthcare, will discuss her fascinating journey to M&A, during which she experienced a variety of roles.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

Accelerating M&A Integration Dec 19, 2022

Caroline Jones, Senior Director - Acquisition Success at Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

Integrating an acquired company is always challenging. Acquirers must execute quickly and efficiently, navigate changes, and preserve the target company's value.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Caroline Jones, Senior Director - Acquisition Success at Cisco, discusses how to accelerate M&A integration.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

Tying Up M&A Strategy With Integration Dec 15, 2022

Darrell Heaps, CEO at Q4 Inc. (TSE: QFOR)

A strong deal strategy doesn't guarantee success. Integration is where value is created and must be prioritized from the very beginning of a deal.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Darrell Heaps, CEO at Q4 Inc., discusses how to tie M&A strategy and integration together.

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, email marsha@mascience.com.

How to Get Alignment From Both Teams During M&A Integration Dec 12, 2022

Don Yakulis, Global Head of M&A Integration, Light and Wonder, (NASDAQ: LNW) formerly Scientific Games

Integrating an acquired company is one of the most daunting tasks in M&A. Integration never goes as planned, but there are things that teams can do to make it much easier for everyone involved.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Don Yakulis, Global Head of M&A Integration at Light and Wonder, discusses the importance of achieving alignment from both teams during M&A integration.

This episode is sponsored by the M&A Science Academy. Check out corporate training plans to connect your team with M&A knowledge straight from the best in the industry. They'll also gain access to the entire M&A Science community. For information on group plans, email marsha@mascience.com.

Go-To-Market Integration Planning Part 2 Dec 08, 2022

James Harris, Principal, Corporate Development Integration at Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Achieving revenue synergies should always be a transaction’s top priority. By leveraging the combined customer base of both companies, and combining the marketing and sales efforts, companies can become a much more powerful force in the marketplace.

In this two-part M&A Science Podcast episode, James Harris, Principal, Corporate Development Integration at Google, discusses go-to-market integration planning.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Go-To-Market Integration Planning Part 1 Dec 05, 2022

James Harris, Principal, Corporate Development Integration at Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL)

When two businesses merge, the new company's success often depends on how well the go-to-market plan is executed. The combined company inherits the two businesses’ customers, products, and respective sales and marketing channels. If not planned properly, the combined efforts can lead to customer confusion and lost sales.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, James Harris, Principal, of Corporate Development Integration at Google, discusses go-to-market integration planning.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

The Corporate Venture Strategy Dec 01, 2022

Larry Forman, Senior Manager and Head of the Ecosystem for Deloitte’s New Venture Accelerator

There are different ways to create and grow a business: build up from scratch, acquire another company, or gain strategic alignment with other companies through partnerships. Through a parternship, a business can leverage someone else's technology for faster growth.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Larry Forman, Senior Manager and Head of the Ecosystem for Deloitte's New Venture Accelerator, discusses corporate venture strategy.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

How to Run an Accelerated Deal Process Nov 28, 2022

Kirti Gavri, Head of Corporate Development for Wizeline

Auction processes in M&A are very challenging for strategic buyers and corporate development teams need more than a compelling offer to compete in an auction.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kirti Gavri, Head of Corporate Development for Wizeline, discusses how to run an accelerated deal process.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom: faster diligence and integration in one combined process. See how DealRoom produces more value in less time by going to www.dealroom.net

Strategizing and Executing your Exit for the Greater Good of your Team Nov 24, 2022

Tim Wentworth, Retired CEO, Evernorth

Selling a business can be challenging for a founder. Regardless of the reasons behind an exit, there are ways to ensure a company's continuity and success.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tim Wentworth, Retired CEO of Cigna, formerly known as Express Scripts, discusses how to strategize and execute an exit for a team's greater good.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom: faster diligence and integration in one combined process. See how DealRoom produces more value in less time by going to www.dealroom.net

Successful End-to-End M&A Nov 21, 2022

Hannah Elsakr, Vice President, Corporate Development, M&A Integration at Adobe

Creating value through M&A takes work. There are many steps to take during targeting, diligence, and integration in order to achieve a transaction’s intended synergies. So. how can teams increase a deal’s chances of success?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Hannah Elsakr, Vice President, Corporate Development, M&A Integration at Adobe, discusses executing successful end-to-end M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom: faster diligence and integration in one combined process. See how DealRoom produces more value in less time by going to www.dealroom.net

Bottoms Up Deal Origination Model Nov 17, 2022

Benjamin Orthlieb, VP and Head of Corp Dev at LinkedIn

The M&A can be highly inefficient, and inefficiency can lead to failed deals. However, some practitioners have figured out how to increase deal success using new work methods. For example, some practitioners have turned to Linkedin as a different way to approach deal origination.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Benjamin Orthlieb, Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at Linkedin, discusses Linkedin’s bottoms-up deal origination model.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom: faster diligence and integration in one combined process. See how DealRoom produces more value in less time by going to www.dealroom.net

How to Execute an Effective M&A Integration Handoff Nov 14, 2022

Keith Crawford, Global Head of Corporate Development / M&A at State Street (NYSE: STT)

Integration is where value is created regardless of what happened during negotiations and diligence. However, an acquirer can destroy a target company if integration is poorly executed. Therefore, ensuring the acquired business is in good hands is imperative.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Keith Crawford, Global Head of Corporate Development / M&A at State Street, discusses how to execute an effective M&A integration handoff.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom: faster diligence and integration in one combined process. See how DealRoom produces more value in less time by going to www.dealroom.net

How to Create an Agile M&A Strategy Nov 10, 2022

Daniel Gittsovich, Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Development at L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX)

Strategy execution is one of the most fundamental reasons behind M&A. Acquiring a business and rationalizing the deal afterwards is a quick way to waste time and money.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Daniel Gittsovich, Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Development at L3Harris Technologies, discusses how to create an Agile M&A strategy.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. We built the world's most intuitive virtual data room, that meets public company standards, at a fair price. Learn more by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Sell-Side Behind-the-Scenes: Preparing a Company For an Acquisition Part 2 Nov 07, 2022

Frederic Lebourg, CEO & Managing Director at Redlands Farm Holding, Inc. - a Subsidiary of the Bollore Group

Selling a business is always challenging. Finding the right buyer, negotiating a fair price, and preserving a business for sale takes time and effort, and there are plenty of potential pitfalls that can derail the entire process along the way.

This interview is part two of our M&A Science Podcast interview during which Frederic Lebourg, CEO & Managing Director at Redlands Farm Holding, Inc., discusses how to prepare a company for an acquisition.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. We built the world's most intuitive virtual data room, that meets public company standards, at a fair price. Learn more by going to https://www.firmroom.com

Sell-Side Behind the Scenes: Preparing a Company For Acquisition Part 1 Nov 03, 2022

Frederic Lebourg, CEO & Managing Director at Redlands Farm Holding, Inc. - a Subsidiary of the Bollore Group.

There are many reasons why an owner sells their business. Before talking to an actual buyer, potential sellers need to prepare their business in order to maximize value.

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode on the M&A Science Podcast, during which Frederic Lebourg, CEO & Managing Director at Redlands Farm Holding, Inc., discusses how to prepare a company for acquisition.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Reverse Auction in M&A Oct 31, 2022

Atul Tiwary, Vice President of Corporate Development at Barracuda (NYSE: CUDA)

The M&A auction process creates competition among potential buyers and drives prices up. In most cases, proactive acquirers tend to avoid these types of transactions, but buyers can also initiate and create their own auction process.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Atul Tiwary, Vice President of Corporate Development at Barracuda, talks about the reverse auction process in M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Properly Lay Off People During an Acquisition Oct 28, 2022

Evelyn De la Cruz, Head of North America Administrative Operations at Spencer Stuart

When acquiring another company, there is always the potential that layoffs will need to take place to streamline the new organization. Of course, letting people go is never easy, but there are ways to go about layoffs properly to minimize damage to the individuals and the company's reputation

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Evelyn De la Cruz, Head of North America Administrative Operations at Spencer Stuart, discusses how to properly lay off people during an acquisition.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 30% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Dissecting GTM for Successful Integration Oct 26, 2022

Dustin Delewski, Director of M&A Integration Management at Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH)

Go-to-market integration is more than just combining the sales and marketing teams. Many nuances often get overlooked, especially in the back office. To increase integration success, there has to be a detailed understanding of the go-to-market system.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dustin Delewski, Director of M&A Integration Management at Cardinal Health, gives a comprehensive view of how to dissect a GTM for successful integration.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 30% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Approach Deal Targets Oct 20, 2022

Andrew Whitcomb, Sr. Director, Strategy, Corporate Development, M&A at Builders FirstSource NYSE: BLDR

Proactive M&A is not easy. Proactive M&A requires keeping tabs on multiple companies, reaching out to them directly, and convincing owners to sell their businesses to strangers. Yet, the ability to tackle all of these actions are what make a great corporate development team.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Whitcomb, Sr. Director, Strategy, Corporate Development, M&A at Builders FirstSource, shares how to approach deal targets.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Introducing M&A to a Larger Company Oct 17, 2022

Jeff Hennig, Vice President, Corporate Development at AMD (NASDAQ)

Dan Menge, Head of M&A Integration at AMD (NASDAQ)

When two companies merge together, there will be overlaps that result in winding down functions. But what happens when there are two functions that perfectly complement each other?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeff Hennig, Vice President, Corporate Development at AMD, and Dan Menge, Head of M&A Integration at AMD, will talk about how AMD acquired Xilinx and how to introduce M&A to a large company

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Carving Out A Competitor Oct 13, 2022

Liz Lockhart, Sr. Director, PMO, Training and Business Applications

Carve-outs are incredibly complex. Buying a small part of a target company brings many challenges and can be even more complicated if the acquirer is carving out a public company.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Liz Lockhart, Sr. Director, PMO, Training and Business Applications, shares her first experience and lessons learned in carving out a competitor.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Formulating M&A Strategy for Proactive Sourcing Oct 10, 2022

Mike Kryza, Head of Corporate Development at The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Private- F500

Mergers and acquisitions are a critical part of any business, yet they can be very risky. Therefore, a clear strategy is necessary for deal success. A well-planned deal strategy enables companies to proactively source deals rather than be reactive. Without the right target, what is the point of M&A?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Mike Kryza, Head of Corporate Development at The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, discusses formulating an M&A strategy for proactive sourcing.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Realizing Go-To-Market Synergies Oct 06, 2022

Karen Ashley, Vice President, Corporate Development Integration at Cisco CSCO (NASDAQ)

M&A doesn't end when a deal closes. The deal's success relies heavily on how well the acquirer can integrate the target company. Revenue synergies are one of the most important, but also one of the hardest, things to achieve during integration. When two companies come together, their products and services often overlap, and it can be challenging to figure out how to market them as one company.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Karen Ashley, Vice President, Corporate Development Integration at Cisco, discusses how to realize go-to-market synergies.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Convince People to Sell their Business Oct 03, 2022

Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, Inc (NYSE: WD)

M&A is one of the fastest ways to grow a company. Many of the largest companies in the world turn to M&A for inorganic growth. However, first-time acquirers often find it difficult to buy companies due to a lack of experience and reputation.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Willy Walker, Chairman, and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, Inc, discusses how to convince people to sell their business.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Proactive Deal Sourcing Sep 29, 2022

Lisa Marchese, Head of Corporate Development at American Express AXP (NYSE)

Culture is one of the biggest M&A killers. Some of the biggest deal failures in history are due to culture clashes that resulted in value leaks and destroyed companies. Bringing culture to the forefront of transactions can help increase deal success.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Lisa Marchese, Head of Corporate Development at American Express, discusses proactive deal sourcing with culture in mind.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Improve the Sales Function During Integration Sep 26, 2022

Richard Dunkel, Global Head of Field Enablement at Celonis

The sales operation is the cornerstone of every business. Without it, companies would not have revenue.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Richard Dunkel, Global Head of Field Enablement at Celonis, discusses how to improve the sales function during integration.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Lessons Learned from Leadership Onboarding Sep 22, 2022

Kim Jones, HR Director M&A at Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)

An effective M&A onboarding process post-close can dictate employee retention. But what's even more important is retaining the acquired company's leadership. Leadership has massive influence inside the business, and helping them transition properly will positively impact the overall transaction.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kim Jones, HR Director M&A at Microsoft, discusses lessons learned from leadership onboarding.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Building an Exit Path Sep 19, 2022

Touraj Parang, President & COO of Serve Robotics

Selling a business is a difficult task that requires a lot of planning and preparation. However, most entrepreneurs refuse to entertain the idea of a sale until it is too late. The best time to plan an exit is when times are good, not in a desperate situation. The longer the prep time, the higher chances of success.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Touraj Parang, President & COO of Serve Robotics, discusses how to build an exit strategy.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “academy20%” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Developing an M&A Thesis Sep 15, 2022

Siran Tanielyan, SVP, Corporate Development at Paramount (NYSE: PGRE)

Every company wants to evolve and grow its business, and M&A is one of the fastest and most powerful ways to grow. If done correctly, M&A can transform an organization overnight but there must be a sound M&A thesis. Without an M&A thesis, acquirers might end up wasting time, money, and opportunities.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Siran Tanielyan, SVP, Corporate Development at Paramount, talks about developing an M&A thesis.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Leadership Alignment and GTM Strategy for Successful Deals Sep 12, 2022

Cole Breidenbach, VP, M&A Integration & Strategic Initiatives at Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA)

Leadership alignment is one of the most underrated aspects of M&A. But without leadership alignment, there will be confusion regarding what the company will represent post-close and what needs to be integrated. The company will be left with an inconsistent narrative and messaging, which leads to retention issues.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Cole Breidenbach, VP, M&A Integration & Strategic Initiatives at Okta, discusses leadership alignment and creating a GTM strategy for successful deals.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Growing Beyond M&A Sep 08, 2022

Christina Ungaro, VP, Head of Corporate Development at Wind River

Corporate development is more than just doing M&A. Sometimes, acquiring a company isn't the best way to achieve the organization's growth strategy. There are a variety of approaches to accelerating a business that require extra analysis and planning.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Christina Ungaro, VP, Head of Corporate Development at Wind River, talks about growing beyond M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Stand Up an IMO Function Sep 05, 2022

Joshua Zatkin-Steres, Head of M&A Integration at Zuora NYSE: ZUO

Integration is one of the most challenging and crucial parts of M&A. It requires a complete understanding of the parent company and the newly acquired business. If done right, it will allow acquirers to capture intended synergies and maximize the value of their transaction. It is why having a dedicated integration function can be extremely valuable to an organization.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joshua Zatkin-Steres, Head of M&A Integration at Zuora, talks about how to stand up an IMO function.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Secrets to Building an M&A Function Sep 01, 2022

Bani Bedi, SVP, Head of Corporate Development, Strategy and Monetization at Smartsheet

M&A is one of the most powerful tools to transform your business instantly.

If done right, your organization will reach new heights that otherwise would not have been possible. But before you can reap its benefits, you must build a good M&A function.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Bani Bedi, SVP, Head of Corporate Development, Strategy, and Monetization at Smartsheet, shares the secrets to building an M&A function.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Financial Diligence in M&A Aug 29, 2022

Amr Abdelaziz, Senior Director, M&A Finance at Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX)

Finance is arguably the most critical part of the due diligence process. Almost every transaction comes down to the numbers unless it's a pure IP deal. Conducting effective financial diligence in M&A is crucial to every acquisition's success.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amr Abdelaziz, Senior Director, M&A Finance at Equinix, talks about financial diligence in M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Developing Strategy with Business Leaders Aug 25, 2022

Michael McDonald, Director, Strategy at Koch Engineered Solutions

Strategy is a crucial part of an M&A. Without it, acquirers may end up purchasing companies that compromise their time and resources. A good strategy shapes how to approach a target company, the questions to ask during diligence, and how to integrate the newly acquired business.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael McDonald, Director, Strategy at Koch Engineered Solutions, talks about developing strategies with business leaders.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Compete in a Competitive M&A Market Aug 22, 2022

Tyler Rodewald, Vice President, M&A at EIS Holdings

In M&A, most acquirers don't like a competitive process. Auctions can drive higher prices, shorten the diligence process, and increase uncertainty. However, competitive processes are almost inevitable as sellers are looking to maximize the value of their company.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings, talks about how to compete in a competitive M&A process.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Capturing Revenue Synergies Aug 18, 2022

Joe Heel, Chief Revenue Officer at Zebra Technologies

Revenue synergies are one of the most challenging metrics to achieve during integration, but are also the primary reason companies buy businesses. It's safe to say that many transactions fail to realize their intended value.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Heel, Chief Revenue Officer at Zebra Technologies, talks about capturing revenue synergies.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Architecting Communications for Successful Integration Aug 15, 2022

Emma Barton, Director, Alliance and Integration Management at AstraZeneca AZN (NASDAQ)

Deal failure can often be tied back to a lack of communication and collaboration. Teams often work in silos which results in inefficiencies and a poor employee experience. However, smooth transaction workflows are possible, and with increased deal success, with the proper framework.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Emma Barton, Director, Alliance and Integration Management at AstraZeneca, discusses architecting communications for successful integration.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Risk Allocation Between Signing and Closing an M&A Deal Aug 11, 2022

Brett Shawn, Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel at Warburg Pincus LLC

In M&A, time is the enemy. The longer a deal takes to close, the more risks it poses for both parties. Both the buyer and the seller need to understand the deal risks and how to mitigate them.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Brett Shawn, Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel at Warburg Pincus LLC, talks about risk allocation between signing and closing an M&A deal.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Working with Legal to Dial in Your M&A Strategy Aug 08, 2022

Felipe Heiderich, Senior Counsel at Moderna NASDAQ: MRNA

We all know it's impossible to do M&A without lawyers. But the question is, how early should lawyers be involved in a transaction? Understanding what lawyers do is crucial to answering this question.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Felipe Heiderich, Senior Counsel at Moderna, discusses the importance of lawyers in M&A and their role throughout the deal lifecycle.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Challenges of Go-To-Market Integration Aug 04, 2022

Massimo Malizia, Director of Corporate Development Integration at Cisco Systems

More often than not, M&A involves go-to-market integration. After all, companies are bought to achieve revenue synergies in new markets. Getting the GTM integration just right should be a top priority.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Massimo Malizia, Director of Corporate Development Integration at Cisco Systems, talks about the challenges of go-to-market integration and how to make it more successful.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Scale Your Corporate Development Function Aug 01, 2022

Saurabh Tejwani, Vice President, Corporate Development and Business Operations at GoPuff.

The corporate development function is crucial to a company's growth, and is primarily focused on strategic decisions to achieve inorganic growth. The more activity, the bigger the function should be. But scaling is not always easy, especially the first time around.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Saurabh Tejwani, Vice President, Corporate Development and Business Operations at GoPuff, talks about how to scale a corporate development function.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

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If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Buying Public Companies Jul 26, 2022

Pranjal Gambhir, and Doretta Mistras, Managing Director - Global Investment Banking, Healthcare at Citi

The M&A process varies when dealing with a public vs private company. To many, acquiring a public company is more ideal. First-time acquirers need to be aware of the differences between acquiring a public company and acquiring a private company.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Pranjal Gambhir and Doretta Mistras, both Managing Directors, Global Investment Banking, Healthcare at Citi, talk about how to buy public companies.

To check out Affinity’s 2022 M&A Benchmark Report, download it for free at http://affinity.co/kison

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

How to Execute an Integration Plan (Day1) Jul 18, 2022

Gene Hugh, Chief Financial Officer at Procure Analytics, and John Morada, COO at M&A Science + DealRoom.

Day one is a monumental day for acquirers.

All cuffs are off, and the target company has an official new owner. How well the acquired business is integrated will determine the transaction's success and the realized value.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Gene Hugh, Chief Financial Officer at Procure Analytics, and John Morada, COO at M&A Science + DealRoom, will discuss how to execute an integration plan successfully.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

The Process of Change Management in M&A Jul 11, 2022

Michael DeVita, Business Value Advisor at Salesforce

Change management is one of the most crucial parts of M&A.

When you don't plan for it; value creation is in jeopardy..

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael DeVita, Business Value Advisor at Salesforce, talks about the change management process in M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Divestitures from a Legal Perspective Jul 04, 2022

Andrew Gratz, Chief Privacy Officer and Associate General Counsel at LyondellBasell

Divesting a business is never easy. And while corporate development plays a huge role in the preparation, the legal team also plays a crucial role.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Gratz, Chief Privacy Officer, and Associate General Counsel at LyondellBasell, talks about what a divestiture looks like from a legal perspective.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.This episode is sponsored by DealRoom, the leading M&A lifecycle management platform. To see why the best in the industry use DealRoom, go to https://www.dealroom.net

Sourcing Companies that are Not for Sale Jun 27, 2022

Rishabh Mishra, Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at Infostretch.

Traditionally, corporate development sources deals by looking for willing sellers. While that is an excellent way to find initiate M&A, there are alternative options.

Companies that are looking for buyers have been dressed up for sale and are under-invested for profit maximization and growth. Buying growth companies in their raw state can end up being a more lucrative acquisition.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Rishabh Mishra, Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at Infostretch, talks about how to source companies that are not for sale.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Effective Deal Sourcing Through Market Mapping Jun 20, 2022

Sabeeh Khan, Director of Corporate Development at Infoblox NYSE (BLOX)

Reactive M&A is a great way to become distracted, go after unproductive deals, and tie up internal resources.

If you want to do effective M&A, you have to be proactive. M&A is a great tool to have and should be a part of your growth strategy.

So, how do you find target companies?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Sabeeh Khan, Director of Corporate Development at Infoblox, talks about how to effectively source deals through market mapping.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom, the leading M&A lifecycle management platform. To see why the best in the industry use DealRoom, go to https://www.dealroom.net

The Basics of Sell-Side M&A Jun 13, 2022

Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of CEO Advisory Guru LLC.

Selling a business is an extremely significant event in a business owner’s life.

The decision to sell is life-changing for entrepreneurs, and not just financially. Owners need to be prepared and educated before putting their company up for sale.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of CEO Advisory Guru LLC, discusses the basics of sell-side M&A.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom, the leading M&A lifecycle management platform. To see why the best in the industry use DealRoom, go to https://www.dealroom.net

How to Source Deals and Build Your Pipeline Jun 06, 2022

Jeremy Segal, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Progress NASDAQ: PRGS

Corporate development teams are tasked with finding potential M&A targets.

And while that may sound fun and exciting, deals don’t just fall out of the sky. Any serious acquirer knows that inbound deals are not always the best way to get leads. Proactively sourcing deals is the best way to approach M&A.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Jeremy Segal, EVP, Corporate Development at Progress, teaches us how to source deals and build a pipeline.

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining our M&A Science Academy. Use code “podcast” on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. www.mascience.com/academy

Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup

If you’re a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com.

This episode is sponsored by DealRoom, the leading M&A lifecycle management platform. To see why the best in the industry use DealRoom, go to https://www.dealroom.net

How M&A Strategy Evolves in Education Technology May 30, 2022

Tom Horton, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy at Kaplan, Inc.

Online education is not new. Back in 2010, Kaplan University already had 75,000 students in its online higher education program. It grew rapidly and was highly profitable since online schools have lower costs than face-to-face campus delivery-based education.

But because of the pandemic, the entire educational sector was forced to shift in this direction, increasing competition. There has been a 40% increase in acquisitions since the pandemic, and interest in the education sector has exploded.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tom Horton, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy at Kaplan, Inc., talks about how M&A strategy has evolved in education technology.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- The evolution of online education

- How Kaplan allocates resources for growth

- Five M&A criteria Kaplan requires for potential acquisitions

- Team alignment and how it has evolved over the years

- Biggest lessons learned from Tom’s M&A experience

Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining our M&A Science Academy. For a special 30% discount, use code “podcast” at our sign-up page for either monthly or annual plans. www.mascience.com/academy If you’re head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com

From Accounting to an M&A Career May 23, 2022

Kayla Davis, Vice President, Head of M&A at ABM Industries (NYSE: ABM) M&A is a fascinating career path, and traditionally there are a only few entry points. Banking roles are the most common entry point to M&A, but recently, we have seen an increase in practitioners coming from different backgrounds.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kayla Davis, Vice President, Head of M&A at ABM Industries, talks about how she transitioned from accounting to an M&A career.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- Kayla's journey to M&A

- How she built her team and the function

- Advice to new M&A practitioners

- How to transition to internally sourcing deals

- Maintaining accountability throughout the entirety of the deal

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Career Development in M&A May 16, 2022

Caleb Shafer, Corporate Development Associate at RS Group plc. (LON: RS1)

Traditionally, corporate development professionals come from banking roles.

And while nothing is wrong with that, it is always fascinating to hear other ways that professionals start their careers in M&A.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, M&A is Caleb Shafer, Corporate Development Associate at RS Group plc talks about his career development in M&A.

You will also learn:

- Where Caleb started

- Skills required for a corporate development role

- What senior leadership can do to unlock their junior-level talent

- Gray-zone leadership Advice to aspiring practitioners

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Implementing an Actionable GTM Strategy May 09, 2022

Hannah Leung, Senior Manager, Global Distribution M&A at Salesforce (NYSE: CRM)

Implementing a GTM strategy is one of the most crucial parts of integration. The GTM strategy is what makes achieving synergies and scaling post-close possible.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Hannah Leung, Senior Manager, M&A at Salesforce, talks about the challenges of implementing an actionable GTM strategy.

In this episode you will learn about:

- The relationship between corp dev and integration team

- How integration teams do GTM planning

- The challenges in implementing an actionable GTM strategy

- How to ensure team alignment

- How to track value from buying plans

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Run an Integration Led Confirmatory Diligence Process May 02, 2022

Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware (NYSE: VMW)

It doesn’t matter if you buy the best company in the world, if integration is not done properly, value will be lost. And while there are a handful of companies embracing the value of integration and bringing the integration team in during the diligence process, some take it even further.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware, talks about how to run an integration-led confirmatory diligence process.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-The difference between a corporate development and integration team

-Why you should involve the integration team pre LOI

-How integration leaders draft diligence questions

-The do's and don'ts of integration

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Formulate Your M&A Strategy Apr 25, 2022

Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development at Jamf

Too many times, we've seen M&A used as a strategy to grow businesses. But in fact, M&A is not a strategy, it's a tool that organizations use to achieve their corporate strategy.

But once you understand your true north, having an M&A strategy is just as important.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development at Jamf, talks about how to formulate an M&A strategy.

You will also learn:

- The importance of an M&A strategy

- How socializing your strategy can help you source deals

- Creating your own M&A scorecard

- Challenges in developing your M&A strategy

- Lessons learned along the way

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Stand Up an IMO Apr 18, 2022

Ian Burk, EVP of integration at Upland Software (NASDAQ: UPLD)

The importance of integration has never been more prevalent. And standing up a dedicated function to oversee integration is becoming more of a necessity as a company grows more prominent.

Having an integration management office (IMO) might be a good fit for your company. But how do you stand up to such a function?

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Ian Burk, EVP of integration at Upland Software, talks about how to stand up an IMO.

You will also learn:

-What is the primary role of an integration management office

-The actual steps in standing up an IMO

-How to build playbooks

-Best practices during integration

-The importance of executive sponsorship

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Grow Purely on Acquisitions Apr 11, 2022

Austin Woody, Senior Vice President of M&A and Corporate Development at Upland Software(NASDAQ: UPLD)

From zero revenue to a billion-dollar market capitalization, Upland Software has exponentially grown its business through acquisitions. How did Upland Software do it?

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Austin Woody, Senior Vice President of M&A and Corporate Development at Upland Software, explains how to grow purely on acquisitions.

You will also learn:

- How Upland Software source deals

- Standing up an M&A function

- What their integration process looks like

- How they look at culture

- Biggest lessons learned

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Tie Deal Origination to Strategy Development Apr 04, 2022

Scott Hile, Senior Director - Corporate Strategy & Development at Enviva (NYSE: EVA)

With so many companies out there, how do you know who to approach as a potential M&A target? Having a solid origination process helps teams save time and money by enabling them to target the right entities. In this episode of the M&A science podcast, Scott Hile, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy & Development at Enviva, talks about how to tie deal origination to strategy development.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- How to funnel a target list

- Importance of trust during outreach

- Tools that can help source deals

- How to do cold outreach

- Effective messaging during first interactions with a target company

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Define your M&A Strategy for Increased Deal Success Mar 28, 2022

Sreepathy Viswanathan, Chief Corporate Development Officer, HGS Healthcare (HGS.NS)

An M&A transaction can be an expensive mistake, and you can waste a lot of time and money if you pursue a transaction without a solid M&A strategy.

On the other hand, a solid strategy allows you to pick the right targets and pursue them proactively.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Sreepathy Viswanathan, Chief Corporate Development Officer, HGS Healthcare, who has 25 years of experience in Corp Dev, talks about how to build a great M&A strategy.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- The Importance of M&A strategy

- How to shape your M&A strategy

- The difference between M&A strategy and corporate strategy

- The integration’s role in strategy

- How relationships affect M&A deals

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Automation Roll-ups & Growing Technical Leadership Talent Mar 21, 2022

Daniel Burseth, Vice President at Eckhart, Inc.

Roll-ups are one of the fastest ways to grow a business in a fragmented industry. But combining several entities with different cultures can be challenging and may lead to inefficiencies.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Daniel Burseth, Vice President at Eckhart, talks about the opportunities and challenges of rolling up small manufacturing companies.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- The great wealth transfer

- Challenges in buying a business

- How to grow technical leadership talent

- The significant trends of automation

- Change management challenge

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Pivot to an M&A Integration Career Mar 14, 2022

John Morada, COO at M&A Science + DealRoom Are you looking to pivot into an M&A integration career? Over the past decade, the importance of integration has become more prevalent. Practitioners have realized that integration is where you make or break value. However, the role and skills needed for integration leaders remain the same.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, John Morada, COO at M&A Science, will be sharing how to pivot into an M&A integration career, and the essential skills needed for the role.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- How to transition to an M&A integration role

- Attributes of a good integration leader

- Primary role of an integration leader

- Future of M&A integration

- Importance and function of an IMO

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Approach M&A Negotiations Mar 07, 2022

Larry Forman, Senior Manager at Deloitte

It's no secret that M&A transactions require negotiations. But what most people don't realize is how you approach negotiations can determine the success of the overall transaction and your future relationship with the other party.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Larry Forman, Senior Manager at Deloitte, helps us understand how to approach M&A negotiations to increase deal success.

Things you will learn in this episode:

- The three pillars of negotiating

- How to negotiate an LOI

- Negotiating sensitive information during diligence

- How to handle limitations of liability

- Things to watch out for in non-compete clauses

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Modernize a Process-Based Company Feb 28, 2022

Naomi O'Brien, Head of M&A Integration at Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON)

Is your company's M&A process out of date? M&A has dramatically changed over the past few years, and practitioners have realized that there are better ways to go about acquisitions.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Naomi O'Brien, Head of M&A Integration at Honeywell, talks about modernizing a process-based company.

- Things you will learn in this episode:

- The biggest challenge in a process-based company

- How to train people for M&A

- Ensuring integration success

- Selecting integration leaders

- The effect of the great resignation to M&A

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Standing up a Diligence and Integration Management Office Feb 21, 2022

Kerry Perez, Head of Diligence and Integration Management Office (M&A) at AMN Healthcare Corporate development typically involves their integration team a couple of weeks before closing a deal. And while this is good practice, we are here to take things further.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kerry Perez, Head of Diligence and Integration Management Office (M&A) at AMN Healthcare, talks about the benefits of involving integration earlier and how to stand up a diligence and integration management office.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-The difference between DIMO and IMO

-How they pick the integration lead

-What their diligence team looks like

-Kerry's role in every deal

-How to build a steering committee

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

How to Acquire for Capabilities Feb 14, 2022

Henry Schuck, CEO & Founder at Zoominfo (NASDAQ: ZI)

Acquiring capabilities is one of the most effective ways to do M&A. Not only will acquiring capabilities improve your existing offerings but it can also expand your market. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Henry Schuck, co-founder and CEO of Zoominfo, shares his experience on how to acquire capabilities.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-What it means to acquire capabilities

-Zoominfo’s M&A process from start to finish

-His role as CEO during acquisitions

-How to effectively drive change management

-Lessons learned on failed acquisitions

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Creating the Right Governance Structure in an M&A Deal Feb 07, 2022

Tomer Stavitsky, Corporate Development, Partnerships and M&A Lead, Digital & Data Business Unit at Intuitive Surgical.

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Tomer Stavitsky, Corporate Development, M&A Lead at Intuitive Surgical, talks about creating the proper governance structure in M&A deals.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-How to solidify your corporate strategy

-Creating the right deal team

-Keeping your deal team aligned

-How to lead an M&A deal from diligence to integration

-Setting up your governance structure

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

Successful Acquisitions Through Leadership and Culture Jan 31, 2022

Tim Wentworth, CEO of Evernorth, a Cigna Corporation company (NYSE: CI)

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tim Wentworth, CEO of Evernorth, (the CEO of Express Scripts at that time of sale), will share his experiences on the deal and how leadership and culture made this transaction successful.

What you will learn in this episode:

-Keys to successful acquisitions

-How to focus on culture and values

-The role of the CEO on M&A deals

-Why focusing on customers is crucial

-Common mistakes that people make regarding culture

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

The Complexities of Sell-Side M&A Jan 24, 2022

Noah Waisberg, Co-Founder & CEO - Zuva; Author of "AI for Lawyers"

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Noah Waisberg, Co-Founder & CEO - Zuva shares his experience and top learnings after he creatively decided to sell his own company, Kira to Litera in 2021.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-What made Noah sell his company even though he was reluctant at first

-How empathy and creativity helped Noah create more value to shareholders

-Why they opted out of an auction process

-How easy the TSA was for both companies

-Noah’s biggest lessons learned from selling his company

-Advice for founders looking for an exit

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com

Hiring A Head Of Corporate Development That Fits Your M&A Strategy Jan 17, 2022

Charles Breed, VP Corporate Development at Corel Corporation (NASDAQ: CREL)

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Charles Breed, VP of Corporate Development at Corel Corporation, talks about how to hire a corporate development team that fits into your M&A strategy.

When you’re building a corporate development function, the first thing you need to do is hire a head of corporate development, but hiring is not as simple as it sounds. The head of corporate development needs to fit into the overall strategy.

Things you will learn in this episode:

-What to look for in when hiring a head of corporate development

-The role of the head of corporate development

-Skills required for a corporate development leader

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

How to Create Better People Experience in M&A Jan 10, 2022

Klint Kendrick, Chair of the HR M&A Round Table

After over 100 podcast interviews, we have collected more than 40 lessons learned from top practitioners worldwide. In those lessons, we saw a recurring theme: creating a better people experience in M&A is key to a successful transaction.

The biggest value leak after a deal closes is losing key employees and people. In this episode, HR expert Klint Kendrick, Chair of the HR M&A Round Table, is going to share with us best practices on how to retain key employees.

Listen in and learn about:

-The biggest shift in the M&A industry

-Best practices for successful integration

-The importance of empathy

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Making M&A GTM Successful Jan 03, 2022

Gwen Pope, Head of Global Product M&A at eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY)

Creating a go-to-market plan is one of the first things to do during an acquisition. In this interview, Gwen Pope, Head of Global Product M&A at eBay, will be sharing how to make M&A GTM successful.

Listen in and learn about:

- The importance of getting your house in order

- How to pressure test your deal rationale

- Steps to building your GTM plan

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter, go to mascience.com.

M&A Market Trends From a Banker’s Perspective Dec 27, 2021

Kunal Jain, Director at William Blair, Health Care Investment Banking

The M&A market is not what it used to be. Markets change all the time, and the M&A industry is no exception. Especially with COVID-19, the M&A market has been crazy the past couple of years. Helping us understand M&A market trends from a banker's perspective is Kunal Jain, Director at William Blair, Health Care Investment Banking.

Listen in and learn about:

- The biggest changes in the M&A market

- How strategic buyers and PE firms fair in this new environment

- How bankers are thriving in this new landscape of M&A

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Overcoming Change Management with Great Leadership Dec 20, 2021

Harry Kraemer Jr, Professor of Management and Strategy at Kellogg School of Management

Change management is the tilting point of every M&A deal. Preserving the value that you just acquired is dependent on how you retain key employees. In this episode of the M&A science podcast, Harry Kraemer, Jr, Professor of Management and Strategy at Kellogg School of Management, talks about how effective leadership helps overcome change management challenges. Listen in and learn about:

- how leaders can help retention

- the importance of feedback mechanisms

- how to create an environment where your people can thrive

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Why You Should Update Your M&A Management Approach Dec 13, 2021

Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware (NYSE: VMW)

M&A deals are bound to get complicated. The key to success is keeping it as simple as possible, for as long as possible. In this continuation of last week’s interview, Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware talks about how to update your M&A Management Approach. Listen in and learn all about:

- the 5x5 framework that you can use to keep your process simple

- what to focus on during change management

- how to ensure team alignment

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

How To Succeed in M&A Integration and Measure Success Dec 06, 2021

Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware (NYSE: VMW)

Integration can be difficult but it’s, without a doubt, the most important part of M&A. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kison interviews Jim Buckley, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration at VMware as he talks about how to create a successful integration plan. Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Why working backwards is best in integration planning

- What makes a successful integration leader

- How to measure success

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com

How to Structure Teams Approaching Diligence Nov 29, 2021

Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group

Building M&A teams require different considerations based on your growth strategy. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kison interviews Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group on how he structures teams approaching diligence. Here’s what you’ll learn:

- The three functions you need to build your M&A team

- How to determine the ideal M&A team size for your strategy

- The role of the project manager in the M&A team

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

How To Negotiate And Structure NDAs Nov 22, 2021

Mark Khavkin, CFO of Pantheon Platform

NDAs are often overlooked as people tend to fall into the trap of thinking they can be templated. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kison interviews Mark Khavkin, CFO of Pantheon Platform about NDAs, how to negotiate them, and their structures. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why NDAs are not routine legal documents
The fundamentals of NDAs
Negotiating NDAs depending on the type of deal you have

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Buy or Build Considerations Nov 15, 2021

Cameron Weiner, VP of Strategic Development, Head of M&A at Shopko Optical

To buy or build, that is the question! In this interview with Cameron Weiner, VP of Strategic Development, Head of M&A at Shopko Optical, he shares how his team determines whether to buy or build a business. Here's what you'll learn:

- How to approach targets

- Considerations when buying or building a business

- Resources for deal origination

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Engineering Deals for Success Nov 08, 2021

Punit Micocha, Executive Vice President, Business and Corporate Development at Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS)

M&A deals are never easy and require rigorous planning. In this interview, Punit Micocha, Executive Vice President, Business and Corporate Development at Zscaler, shares how to execute successful deals by planning the end game. Learn about:

- Creating the deal vision pre-LOI

- Why planning for integration early is crucial

- The 3 elements of negotiating with employees

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Making GTM Successful Nov 01, 2021

Pragnya Kashinath, M&A Consultant at Deloitte

A go-to-market strategy is one of the most important things in an acquisition. In this week's podcast, we're featuring Kison's interview with Pragnya Kashinath. At the time of this interview, she was the Director of M&A, Corporate Strategy at Cognizant. Now, she's an M&A Consultant at Deloitte . Pragnya shares how to create a successful GTM strategy from the very beginning of a transaction and the challenges you need to watch out for. Learn about:

- Pragnya's unique role on the business side versus on the corporate development team

- How not to overestimate synergy models

- Customizing the customer journey

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Managing Sourcing, Diligence, and Integration Oct 25, 2021

Sabeeh Khan, Director, Corporate Strategy & Development at Syniti

Aaron Whiting, M&A Integration and Strategic Programs at ContinuumCloud

Managing a deal can be complicated, especially on larger deals. You need experienced leaders from both ends of the spectrum. In this interview, we talk about how to manage sourcing, diligence, and integration from a project manager's perspective featuring Sabeeh Khan, Director, Corporate Strategy & Development at Syniti, and Aaron Whiting, M&A Integration and Strategic Programs at ContinuumCloud. Here's what you'll learn:

- Why you should use pipeline management tools other than Excel

- The importance of having a go to market strategy before closing the deal

- How to gather intelligence aside from industry conferences

This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Access the most up-to-date and accurate data on private companies in a single web-based platform so you can get all the resources you need to create a winning pitch.

Staying True to Culture in M&A Oct 18, 2021

Trish Mosconi, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer & Corporate Development at Synchrony (NYSE: SYF)

Culture is one of the most controversial and hot topics in the world of M&A. On this episode of M&A Science, Trish Mosconi, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer & Corporate Development at Synchrony discusses how to stay true to culture during a deal. In the interview, she talks about how her team walked away from an almost perfect deal due to cultural differences. You'll hear about:

- When to involve HR

- How to approach integration to stay true to the target company

- When to walk away from a deal

This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Access the most up-to-date and accurate data on private companies in a single web-based platform so you can get all the resources you need to create a winning pitch.

How to Commit to Integration Start to Finish Oct 11, 2021

Karen Ashley, Vice President of Corporate Development Integration at Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

Cisco is one of the largest and most successful acquirers in the world. On this week's episode of the podcast, Kison spoke with Cisco's Vice President of Corporate Development Integration, Karen Ashley. We looked at their deal process and how they commit to integration from start to finish. Here's what you'll learn:

- The importance of strategy meetings

- The 3 success metrics

- Why their integration team leads operational diligence

This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Access the most up-to-date and accurate data on private companies in a single web-based platform so you can get all the resources you need to create a winning pitch.

Transformative M&A Oct 04, 2021

Duncan Painter, CEO of Ascential (LON: ASCL)

In this week's episode of the M&A Science podcast, we're learning about transformative M&A. In Kison's recent interview with Duncan Painter, CEO of Ascential, we talk about what a “transformative deal” means to their organization and how they achieve deal success. Here's what you'll learn:

- How to build a transformative M&A strategy

- How divestitures can transform your business

- Why you need to commit to the strategy

This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. A c cess the most up-to-date and accurate data on private companies in a single web-based platform so you can get all the resources you need to create a winning pitch.

Executing a Divestiture Without a Bank Sep 27, 2021

Russ Hartz, Vice President of Corporate Development at Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS)

Hiring a bank to facilitate a divestiture is an option, not a necessity. Kison Patel interviewed Russ Hartz, VP Corp Dev at Ansys, to talk about his vast experience of successfully executing divestitures without a bank. Here's what you'll learn:

- The importance of constant business evaluation

- How to create a competitive buyers' pool

- How to know which buyer is right for the company

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Managing Infrequent Acquisitions Sep 20, 2021

Peter Linas, CPO and EVP Corporate Development at Bullhorn

If you’re an infrequent buyer, you might be thinking about how to maximize your existing resources. Kison Patel spoke to Peter Linas, CPO & EVP Corporate Development at Bullhorn. Peter talks about managing a corporate development team in an infrequent acquisition environment. Here's what you'll learn:

- Staffing Up Internal Vs. External Resources

- Key Areas to Hire Advisors

- Determining the Integration Lead

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Evolving Your M&A Function Sep 13, 2021

Christina Amiry, Head of M&A Strategic Operations, Integration at Atlassian (NASDAQ: TEAM)

The Covid-19 pandemic has completely transformed how most people work, and M&A is no different. Atlassian is one of the first companies to make acquisitions fully remote. In this interview, Christina Amiry, Head of M&A Strategic Operations, Integration at Atlassian, discusses how to evolve your M&A integration function in the digital era. You will hear about:

- How Atlassian made the switch to completely virtual

- The acquisition of Chartio

- How to have a mindset of change

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Buy and Build Strategy Sep 07, 2021

Adam Coffey, CEO at CoolSys, Refrigeration and HVAC Systems

This week's episode of the M&A Science podcast is about how PE firms can ramp up the growth of their businesses using the buy and build strategy. Kison interviewed Adam Coffey, CEO at CoolSys, Refrigeration and HVAC Systems, and author of The Private Equity Playbook. Here's what you'll learn:

- What is a buy and build strategy

- When you should consider this strategy

- How to build a team to implement this strategy

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Preserving Value in M&A Aug 30, 2021

Jay Dettling, CEO of Ansira

Everyone wants to preserve the value of the target company. This week on the podcast, let's learn from Jay Dettling, CEO of Ansira, about the best way to preserve value in M&A. He also shares his advice for CEOs who are getting acquired for the first time. Hear about:

- How to communicate your Ethos to the buyer

- Creating value during integration

- Integration vs. value creation

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Assessing Value Realization Aug 23, 2021

Michael DeVita, Success Strategy Lead at Salesforce (NYSE: CRM)

Integration is crucial to realizing deal value. In this interview with Michael DeVita, Success Strategy Lead at Salesforce, we talked about integration best practices, the importance of having dedicated resources, and why you should measure integration success. Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

- Common challenges in assessing value realization

- Dealing with a confidential process

- The lack of success metrics in M&A

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Making Partnerships in India Successful Aug 16, 2021

Darshan Mehta, President and CEO of Reliance Retail Limited (NSE: RELIANCE)

Reliance Retail Limited is one of the fastest-growing retailers in the world. Learn how they manage multiple deal structures and form successful partnerships in India directly from their President and CEO, Darshan Mehta. In this episode, you'll hear about:

- Deal structures used by Reliance Retail Limited

- How to engage with brands

- Advice for brands looking to enter the Indian market

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

Executing Divestitures Aug 09, 2021

Rhonda Rein, Director of Corporate Development at Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI)

We’ve had discussions about buy-side divestitures, but we rarely talk about it from the seller's perspective. I recently spoke with Rhonda Rein, Director of Corporate Development at Thomson Reuters. She shared her vast experiences in executing divestitures and how to make them work. Here's what you'll learn:

- The complexities of divestitures

- The steps of a divestiture

- How early to start your TSA

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com

How to Build an M&A Team That Can Support Multi-Vertical Strategies Aug 02, 2021

Ailene Holderness, Head of M&A at IAC (NASDAQ: IAC)

How do you manage a multi-vertical M&A strategy? IAC (NASDAQ: IAC) is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to building consumer internet companies such as Tinder, Expedia, and Vimeo. Ailene Holderness, IAC's Head of M&A shares their strategy and how they build a team to execute on that. In this episode you'll learn:

-How to build a diverse M&A team

-Why you shouldn't just look for current skills in capabilities when hiring a team member

-M&A Approach on Portfolio Companies and New Verticals

Managing M&A on a High Scale Jul 26, 2021

Jeff Bender, CEO at Harris Computer Systems

What does it take to manage M&A on a large scale? We're going to find out as Jeff Bender, CEO at Harris, shares what their entire process looks like and how they manage massive volumes of M&A investments in their organization. In this episode you'll learn about:

- Platform vs. tuck in transactions

- The centralized structure of services at Harris

- Business development at a high scale

To join our network of M&A practitioners and sign up for our newsletter go to mascience.com.

How To Successfully Execute Deals With a Small Team Jul 19, 2021

Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII)

Understanding that not everyone can afford to have big M&A teams, I interviewed Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries. He has only one dedicated M&A person, and he will be teaching us how LCI successfully executes deals with a small team. Here's what you'll learn:

- How to structure a small team for maximum impact

- The deal sourcing process

- Advice for first time CEOs doing acquisitions

To join our network of M&A practitioners and see bonus content sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Managing Internal Dynamics of Your M&A Team Jul 12, 2021

Randy Tinsley, Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at Synopsys (NASDAQ: SNPS)

Hello M&A friends! Do you know how to manage the internal dynamics of your team? In this interview, Randy Tinsley, Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at Synopsys, shares how he assembles and manages his internal M&A team. Here's what you'll learn:

- How to set your team up for success

- Resolving conflicts and disagreements

- Tracking deals post-close

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter, and listen to more episodes, go to mascience.com.

Deal Origination from a PE Investor's Perspective Jul 06, 2021

Jay Jester, Partner at Plexus Capital, LLC

Explore the world of private equity and deal sourcing with me and Jay Jester, Partner at Plexus Capital, LLC. Here are some of my key takeaways:

- Deal origination for PE vs corporate development

- The one deal at a time system

- Developing an origination process

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter, and listen to more episodes, go to mascience.com.

How to Negotiate like a Pro Jun 28, 2021

Mladen Kresic, Founder and CEO of K&R Negotiation Associates LLC

Do you want to learn how to negotiate like a pro? I recently had a chat with Mladen Kresic, Founder and CEO of K&R Negotiation Associates LLC, and he shared a lot when it comes to negotiating effectively. Here's what you'll learn about:

- Breaking Down Value-Based Negotiations

- Macro and Micro Agenda of Negotiations

- Tools to Become a Better Negotiator

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Conducting M&A without a Dedicated Team Jun 21, 2021

Alexi Venneri, Founder and CEO of Digital Air Strike

What's the secret sauce to executing M&A without a dedicated deal team? According to this week's guest, Alexi Venneri, Founder and CEO of Digital Air Strike, it's all about team alignment. Hear her perspective on:

- Deal sourcing without a dedicated team

- A CEO's role in confirmatory diligence

- The four values to be successful

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

How SS&C Conducts Acquisitions Jun 14, 2021

Bill Stone, CEO of SS&C Technologies (NASDAQ: SSNC)

This week's episode features Bill Stone, CEO of SS&C Technologies. We were lucky enough to hear some of Bill's top tips for conducting acquisitions such as:

- Why Bill doesn't believe in paying nine times sales multiples

- Being on his team's sales calls to ensure his team his performing their best at all times

- In order to preserve value, you must carefully evaluate the talent inside the target company

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Hunting Deals in M&A Jun 07, 2021

Dustin Intihar, Director, M&A, and Strategic Alliances at Lubrizol (NYSE: LZ)

Finding the right deal is hard, but finding companies that don't want to be found is even harder. Dustin Intihar, Director, M&A, and Strategic Alliances at Lubrizol, joined Kison for an interview and shared his tips and experiences in hunting deals in M&A. Here are some things you'll hear about:

- Seeking the right person

- What the first conversation looks like

- Tools to use for building a pipeline

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

How to Prepare a Business for Private Equity Acquisition Jun 01, 2021

Philip Soar, Executive Chairman and CEO of CloserStill Group PLC

Are you familiar with the trade show industry? It’s very under-appreciated but is gaining a lot of traction now with PE firms. Learn how to prepare your company for a Private Equity acquisition with Philip Soar, Executive Chairman and CEO of CloserStill Group PLC. In this episode you'll hear about:

- The history of trade shows

- Why private equity firms are interested in this industry

- What to look for in a PE partnership

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

From Private to Public Company May 24, 2021

Darren Lampert, CEO at GrowGeneration Corporation (NASDAQ: GRWG)

Ever wondered what it's like to go from a private company to a public company? Darren Lampert, CEO at GrowGeneration Corp, has lived through this transition and has shared his experience in our interview. Here are some highlights from the interview:

- Life as a CEO

- Why go public in the first place?

- Acquiring versus building

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

How to Prevent International Deals From Failing May 17, 2021

Martin Richenhagen, former CEO of AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO)

Have you ever wondered why international deals fail so often? Hear from AGCO Corporation's former CEO, Martin Richenhagen, about how leaders can prevent these types of deals from failing. In this episode you'll hear:

- Stories of international deals Martin's worked on

- The keys to a successful international deal

- The importance of brand awareness

Developing Leadership in M&A May 10, 2021

Scott Hile, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy & Development at Enviva (NYSE: EVA)

Ever wondered what key qualities leadership should have to execute M&A? On this episode, Kison speaks with Scott Hile, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy & Development at Enviva, about specific traits leaders of M&A teams should develop. Learn about:

- Developing trust and empathy

- The importance of communication

- How to influence leaders to start integration early

To learn more about M&A Science and join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

M&A From Founder to A Board Member’s Perspective May 03, 2021

Allen Gilmer, Founder, Advisor, and former CEO/Chairman of Enverus (formerly Drillinginfo)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interview Allen Gilmer, Founder, Advisor, and former CEO/Chairman of Enverus (formerly Drillinginfo) and CoFounder of Vecta Oil & Gas, Ltd., about the role of a board member in M&A. Learn how M&A evolves from founder led acquisitions to overseeing deals as a board member. In this podcast, you will hear about:

- What led to Allen's decision to step back as CEO

- How Allen chose his successor

- What kind of deals Allen looks for as a board member

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Managing Communication Workstream Apr 26, 2021

Jeff Hennig, Sr. Director, Corporate Development at Xilinx (NASDAQ: XLNX)

On this week's episode of M&A Science, Kison speaks with Jeff Hennig, Sr. Director, Corporate Development at Xilinx, and talked about how to manage communication workstreams in M&A. Here are some key takeaways:

- Importance Of a Dedicated Person for Communication

- Considering Wall Street on Communication Plans

- Considering Target Company on Communication Plans

- What Happens Between Announcement and Close

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Executing M&A from a Legal Perspective Apr 19, 2021

Brett Shawn, Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel at Warburg Pincus (NYSE: WPCA)

On this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kison interviews Brett Shawn, Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel at Warburg Pincus. They discussed how to execute M&A deals from a legal perspective. In this episode you'll learn:

- The Biggest Surprise in Today’s Market

- Thinking Outside the Box for Contractual Risk

- Common Mistakes Non-Lawyers Make

- PE firms vs SPAC

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

How to Cultivate Relationships with Deal Targets Apr 16, 2021

Michael Frankel, SVP and managing director at Deloitte

Bruce Bowden, CFO at Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ: EPAY)

This is a previous interview that Kison had with Michael Frankel, SVP and managing director at Deloitte, and Bruce Bowden, CFO at Bottomline Technologies about cultivating relationships with deal targets. In this episode, you'll learn:

How you can foster relationships with the right targets
CEO to CEO relationship
The 3 biggest mistakes when cultivating a relationship with a seller

The Legal Team's Role in M&A Apr 12, 2021

Andrew Gratz, Associate General Counsel at LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Andrew Gratz, Associate General Counsel at LyondellBasell, about how a company's legal team should be involved in mergers and acquisitions. In this podcast, you will learn:

- When to involve your legal team in M&A

- The legal team's expectations from the corporate development team

- How legal teams can be helpful during diligence

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Working with the Business Leader to Build an M&A Strategy Apr 05, 2021

Michael Frankel, Senior Vice President Managing Director at Deloitte New Venture Accelerator

Justin Goldman, Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance and Corporate Development at MediaMath

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Michael Frankel, Senior Vice President Managing Director at Deloitte New Venture Accelerator, and Justin Goldman, Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance and Corporate Development at MediaMath, to discuss how business leaders can build an M&A strategy. In this podcast you will learn:

- The biggest challenges of working with a business leader

- How to keep business leaders motivated

- Why M&A needs to transform

Joint Ventures at Scale Mar 29, 2021

Clayton Stanley, Vice President, Head of Corporate Development at Amerivet Partners Management

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison Patel interviews Clayton Stanley, Vice President, Head of Corporate Development at Amerivet Partners Management, to discuss the interesting model he uses regarding joint venture and how the company can scale the model.

Here's what you will learn:

- Joint venture consolidation strategies

- How to create a JV model at scale

- Challenges you may face when building a JV model

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Career Paths in M&A Mar 22, 2021

Matt Arsenault, Vice President of Corporate Development at Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Matt Arsenault, Vice President of Corporate Development at Jamf, about navigating the many career paths of M&A. In this podcast, you will learn: - What roles can get you closer to a corporate development job

- The importance of global M&A experience

- How to network and utilize LinkedIn to move your career forward

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Evolving to Agile M&A at Scale Mar 15, 2021

Kimberly Baird, Corporate Development Integration Lead at Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

Ashley Rice, Sr. Consultant HR M&A at Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

On this episode of M&A Science, we're featuring a session from our Holiday 2020 Summit. Kimberly Baird, Corporate Development Integration Lead at Cisco, and Ashley Rice, Sr. Consultant HR M&A at Cisco, discuss how to evolve Agile M&A at scale. In this podcast, you will learn:

- How Cisco's M&A process is changing

- What prompted the change

- How to start an Agile approach

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Transforming M&A to Improve Integration Mar 08, 2021

Javid Moosaji, M&A Sales Integration Strategy at Paypal (NASDAQ: PYPL)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Javid Moosaji, M&A Sales Integration Strategy at Paypal, about how to transform your M&A process to improve integration. In this podcast, you will learn:

- How to identify bad processes in your organization

- Why the integration lead should validate the investment thesis

- How to uncover hidden talent through relationships

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Conversations From the Frontlines Mar 01, 2021

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Emma Barton, Director, Alliance and Integration Management at AstraZeneca, about the spectrum of deals that corporate development manages, approaching partnerships and alliances, and how those relationships may progress into future transactions. In this podcast you will learn:

- How to measure the success of a global alliance

- The process of sourcing alliances

- How to establish governance in alliances

- How to manage disputes within an alliance

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Agile Value Capture from Initial Deal Prospecting to Integration Feb 22, 2021

Carlos Cesta, Vice President of Corp Dev at Presidio

On this episode of M&A Science, we're featuring a session from our December 2020 holiday summit. In this session, Carlos Cesta, Vice President of Corp Dev at Presidio discussed the best practices to capture value from initial deal prospecting to integration. You will learn:

- How to price a deal with integration in mind

- How to test your synergies during diligence

- Why involving the deal sponsor is crucial

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Corporate Venture Capital Feb 15, 2021

John Orbe, Associate General Counsel of M&A at Emerson (NYSE: EMR)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews John Orbe, Associate General Counsel of M&A at Emerson. They discuss corporate venture capital and how it differs from traditional venture capital. In this podcast you will learn about:

- The deal structure of corporate VC

- How to assemble your corporate VC team

- The negotiation stage of corporate VC and how to excel at it

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Why Big Companies Destroy Small Ones in M&A Feb 08, 2021

Carlos Cesta, Vice President of Corporate Development at Presidio

Jeff Desroches, Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at VAT Group (OTCMKTS: VACNY)

This episode of M&A Science features Carlos Cesta, Vice President of Corporate Development at Presidio, and Jeff Desroches, Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at VAT Group. Carlos, Jeff. and Kison discuss why big companies often destroy small ones during M&A. In this podcast, you will learn:

- Common reasons small companies get destroyed

- How small companies can protect themselves

- How to plan for integration early on in the deal process

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Creating Successful Deal Outcomes Using Innovation Feb 01, 2021

Chris Von Bogdandy, Practice Director at Slalom.

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Chris von Bogdandy, Practice Director at Slalom, about how to create successful deal outcomes using innovation. In this podcast you will learn:

- Why the decision making process is crucial to integration success

- How to build an Agile governance

- Why you should have a pre-mortem for every deal

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Managing a Multi-Vertical M&A Strategy Jan 25, 2021

Jerry Will, Vice President of Corporate Development at 3M (NYSE:MMM)

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison has an insightful with Jerry Will, Vice President of Corporate Development at 3M, about how to manage a multi-vertical M&A strategy and what 3M's strategy looks like. In this podcast you will learn:

- How leaders at 3M assess deals

- How 3M manages deals during COVID

- An in-depth guide to read team process

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Identifying Risks in Software M&A Dec 28, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Elena Sidelnikova, a corporate development executive with 15 years of experience in M&A Finance. Together they discuss how to identify risks in software M&A. In this podcast you will learn about:

- Technical due diligence

- Risks in hiring foreign talent

- Things to look out for in customer contracts

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Evolving Your Corporate Development Function Dec 21, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interview Mike Palumbo, Director of Corporate Development at Halo Branded Solutions. In this discussion, they talk about evolving your corporate development function. In this podcast you will learn:

- How to add value to your business

- The tools needed for success

- The importance of internal communication

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Why is M&A Integration So Hard? Dec 11, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Galina Wolinetz, Managing Director at Virtas Partners M&A Integration, and James Payne, Principal Consultant at Merger Integration Consulting, LLC, about why integration in M&A is so difficult. In this podcast, you will learn:

- How to ensure success for integration

- Various risks to look out for when preparing for integration

- Why leadership can make or break the success of integration

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

How to Evolve Your M&A Workflow Using Agile Principles Dec 07, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Gina Sandon, Director of Corporate Development, M&A, Synergy, and Integration at IBM, about how to evolve your M&A workflows using key Agile principles. In this episode, you will learn:

- The evolution of IBM's integration process

- What the Agile Acceleration Model is and how to implement it

- How to drive change to the people

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Virtual Summit Recap: Why Everything You've Been Told About Integration is Wrong Dec 04, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, we're re-visiting a session from our M&A Science Virtual Summit held in June. In this session, the topic discusses why everything you’ve been told about integration is wrong. Moderated by Zoe Bogan, Corporate Development executive at KPMG, with guest speakers David Boyd and Ben De Haldevang, founders of Agile Gorilla. In this session you will learn:

- How to create the right environment for integration

- How to be an empathetic leader

- How to look at integration with an outcome-based perspective

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Virtual Summit Recap: Tone at the Top - Intersection of Leadership and Culture in M&A Nov 27, 2020

This is a rewind from the virtual summit that was held last June. In this session, the topic of discussion is about the intersection of leadership and culture in M&A, hosted by Dr. Klint Kendrick, Director of Strategic Workforce Initiatives at SC Johnson. Our guest panelists are:

Sallie Cunningham, HR Executive and Integration Leader at Cytiva
Dr. Keith Dunbar, Managing Partner at JKD Talent Solutions
Keith Crosby, Global Leader for M&A Leadership and Change at IBM

The group discusses the importance of culture and leadership, when to start leadership assessment, and the pros and cons of culture and leadership diligence. In this episode you will learn:

- How to give people reason to come to work besides money

- How to identify the right people to retain

- The importance of middle managers

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Virtual Summit Recap: Post Merger Innovation - Don't Just Integrate, Innovate Nov 20, 2020

This M&A Science episode is a rewind from the virtual summit held last June. In this interview, Kison discusses post merger innovation. Joining him to talk about this topic is Toby Tester, Senior Consultant and Project Manager at BTD. In this episode you will learn about:

- M&A as a means of transforming your business

- The Holy Trinity of M&A success

- How to make your M&A process more innovative

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Building a Partnership Between the Investment Sponsor and Operating Sponsor Nov 16, 2020

In this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Sean Alford, SVP, Corporate Development at J2 Global, about how to build a partnership between the investment sponsor and the operating sponsor. You will learn:

- The evolution of the relationship between the investment sponsor and the operating sponsor

- The steps of building a corporate development program

- How to avoid leaking value in M&A

Virtual Summit Recap: Making Integration Successful from Both Sides of the Deal Nov 13, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, we're recapping a session from our virtual summit in June. Guest panelist Christina Amiry, Head of M&A Strategic Operations, Integration at Atlassian, and Steve Elliott, Head of Jira Align at Atlassian talk about how to make integration successful from both sides of the deal.

In this podcast episode you'll learn:

- How to drive a collaborative environment

- How Atlassian makes integration a smooth process

- Why Agile is perfect for integration

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

How Proactive Integration Engagement Can Differentiate Value in Deals Nov 09, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison speaks with Johanna Tseng, M&A Integration Leader at Coinbase. She's an M&A expert with a demonstrated history of leading acquisitions through integration and high growth environments. In this discussion, they talk about how proactive integration engagement can differentiate value and deals.

In this episode you will learn:

How to position yourself to optimize integration planning
Steps in developing an M&A integration program
Benefits of building integration process pre diligence

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Virtual Summit Recap: Lessons Learned From Large Scale Divestitures Nov 06, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, we're recapping one of the sessions from our M&A Science Virtual Summit. We had four guest speakers who talked about lessons learned from large scale divestitures:

Galina Wolinetz - Managing Director at Virtas Partners M&A Integration, Separations

Joshua Beggs - Field CTO at Dell Technologies

Jillian Kaebel-Sisk, Global HR M&A Mgr in Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Caterpillar Inc.

Nitin Kumar - CEO of Appnomic

Together they discuss key components of large scale divestitures both from HR's perspective as well as from the tech department's perspective. In this podcast you will learn:

How communication affects the outcome of large scale divestitures

About transition service agreements and how to set boundaries with them

How to spot red flags during a divestiture

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Virtual Summit Recap: Keeping Teams Aligned During M&A Integration Oct 23, 2020

For this episode of M&A Science, we're taking it back to our virtual summit we held in June. This conversation focuses on how to keep teams aligned during M&A integration. Featured speakers include Kash Ahuja, Senior Program Manager, M&A Integration at Google, James Harris, Principal Corporate Development Integration at Google, and Gwen Pope, Go-to-Market, M&A at Google.

In this podcast episode you'll learn:

The balance between legacy and new products
How to handle an overeager sales team
When to communicate internal issues

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

How to Build an M&A Center of Excellence from Scratch Oct 16, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Philip Pratt, Director, Acquisition Integration at Corning Incorporated, about building an M&A center of excellence from scratch. Philip has been at Corning for over eleven years, working in every aspect of M&A from being Director of M&A integration and even as Director of Acquisition Integration of Corning Glass Technologies in Japan.

In this episode, you will learn:

The benefits of creating an M&A center of excellence
The steps of building that center of excellence
The biggest challenges you will face when creating a center of excellence

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

How to Build and Align a Corporate Development Team with Multiple Mandates Oct 12, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison talks with Jeremy Segal, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress, about building and aligning a corporate development team with multiple mandates.

Jeremy’s a Corporate development executive with 20+ years of experience in the technology industry focused on M&A, Strategic Planning, Joint Ventures, Divestitures, International Expansion, and Strategic Partnerships. He has led all aspects of 35+ acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments with aggregate value exceeding $8B.

In this podcast you will learn:

The ideal method of getting a prospect on board
How to find the right people that can do all the various growth deal types
How Jeremy manages the wide breadth of responsibilities he has

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Go to DealRoom.net to learn more.

To join our network of M&A practitioners, sign up for our newsletter at mascience.com.

Perfect your M&A practice using Agile. Go to agilema.com to learn how you can close deals faster.

Aligning People in M&A for a Better Outcome Oct 09, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Carlos Cesta, Vice President of Corporate Development at Presidio, about aligning leadership for greater deal success. Together they discuss leveraging employees to ensure deal success, when to start thinking about integration, and developing a joint integration plan.

Carlos is an investment banking and private equity-trained executive with over 15 years of experience executing and leading strategic initiatives. His expertise is in mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, direct investments, alliances, and partnerships.

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Learn more about DealRoom at dealroom.net.

Structuring Talent Focused Acquisitions Oct 05, 2020

On this episode of M&A Science, Kison interviews Christina Ungaro, Head of Corporate Development at JLL, about how to structure a talent focused acquisition. Christina breaks down what a talent focused acquisition truly is, how to make that kind of acquisition successful, and all the necessary components your team needs to consider when executing this specific transaction.

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software. Learn more about M&A Science and join a network of leading practitioners sharing lessons learned over the years at mascience.com.

Virtual Summit Recap: The Future of M&A Sep 28, 2020

Ever wondered what is the future of M&A? This is one of the topics we tackled in the M&A Virtual Summit that we had. In this session, Dr. Karl Michael Popp, Senior Director of Corporate Development at SAP, and CEO of DealRoom, Kison Patel had an amazing interview.

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software designed for collaboration and responsiveness. Learn more about M&A Science and join a network of leading practitioners sharing lessons learned over the years at mascience.com.

Virtual Summit Recap: Dimensions to Cultural Integration Sep 25, 2020

This amazing interview is from the past virtual summit we held in June. It talks about one of the hardest things in M&A practice- Cultural Integration. Discussing this topic is Jonathan Shiery, Director at Guidehouse, and Valeria Strappa, Director and Healthcare Integration Leader at JP Morgan, Chase.

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software designed for collaboration and responsiveness. Learn more about M&A Science and join a network of leading practitioners sharing lessons learned over the years at mascience.com.

Working With Private Sellers Sep 21, 2020

Had a great interview last week with Isaac Lund, VP Corporate Development and M&A at National Express LLC. The topic is all about learning how to work with a private seller to get the best outcome. We cover topics such as whether to work with a private seller or an advisor, what happens to the leadership of the seller, and finding good deal representation.

This podcast is brought to you by DealRoom, an M&A lifecycle management software designed for collaboration and responsiveness. Learn more about M&A Science here and join a network of leading practitioners sharing lessons learned over the years.

The HR Practitioner’s Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence Sep 14, 2020

This week’s featured interview is all about an HR practitioner’s guide to M&A due diligence, with Klint Kendrick, Chair of HR, M&A roundtable. Klint was a former director of M&A, HR at Oracle, and HR M&A leader at Boeing. He discusses topics such as bringing HR in early, the definition of due diligence, deal killers, and how to weigh risks.

Virtual Summit Recap: Positive Employee Experience is Key to Successful M&A Sep 11, 2020

This is an interview that we had during our M&A virtual summit. Hosted by Jill Harrison, VP of Silverline venture, this interview is all about positive employee experience and how it impacts the success of M&A deals. Joining this discussion are our 3 speakers Cole Breidenbach- Head of M&A Integration at Okta, Josh Olson- Head of solution sales at the Americas at VMware, Amy Gannaway- Vice President, Global Compensation, Benefits and HRIS at VMware.

Virtual Summit Recap: Leading M&A with Integration Sep 04, 2020

This interview is a rewind from our M&A virtual summit, which was held in June. The topic of discussion is leading M&A with integration, featuring our guest speakers Carlos Cesta, Corporate Development/M&A at Presidio and Javid Moosaji, global head of partner channels, platform solutions and transformation at Travelex, hosted by Stacy Hendricks, senior director at Alvarez and Marsal.

Winding a Business Down Aug 31, 2020

Had a great interview last week with Ajit Sane, Director IT M&A at Agilent Technologies. Ajit is an M&A professional with multiple years of experience in leading acquisitions, integrations and divestitures. Our topic of discussion is how to wind a business down with minimal customer and people disruption.

Some topics we covered include the planning behind a wind down, challenges you can expect, and protecting your assets. Ajit reminds the audience your company's biggest assets are your employees and your customers, so it's important to prioritize them.

Virtual Summit Recap: How to Modernize IMO Aug 27, 2020

In this episode, we're sharing an interview we had in our M&A virtual conference that talks about how to modernize IMO, and building a synergy plan that actually delivers. This interview was hosted by Jonathan Shiery, Director at Guidehouse, with the guest panel Bill Clarkin, Head, M&A at BMO Financial Group.

They discuss the seven principles you should follow in order to modernize IMO including flexibility, the importance of documentation, and setting a hard deadline. Learn from their extensive and impressive backgrounds and hear about experiences they've learned from that you can avoid.

How To Plan a Divestiture From an Accounting Perspective Aug 24, 2020

Last week was a great interview with Neil McNamara, Co-founder of Virtas Partners, which is an advisory firm specializing in preparing companies financially and operationally for M&A. The topic of discussion is how to plan divestiture from an accounting perspective.

First thing that you should do is set up your deal perimeter. Clearly define what you're selling so that you can create the structure of the financial data needed to get the deal done. The complexity of the financial data varies depending on what type of exit you are doing.

Carve outs can be very difficult because most of the time, you are selling something that has never been looked at as a standalone entity. Therefore, you will have to build a standalone financial statement without any financial historical information.

Virtual Summit Recap: Aligning Strategy with Your M&A Process Aug 21, 2020

In case you didn’t know, in the middle of this pandemic, we were able to pull off a successful M&A Virtual Conference. One of the sessions that we had was hosted by Ben Sutton, senior manager of corporate development at NCR corporation. This session was all about Aligning Strategy with Your M&A Process, featuring our two guest speakers: Scott Kaeser, executive VP of corporate development, US security services at GardaWorld and Sean Corcoran, VP of corporate development and M&A at Neustar, inc.

It is absolutely critical that everyone understands the rationale behind the deal. In order for everyone to fully understand the strategy, you have to simplify things and let them know what you are trying to achieve. Especially on a very large team and the integration process takes years to finish, knowing the true north of that deal will keep teams aligned.

Making Joint Ventures Successful Aug 17, 2020

Last week’s interview was with Ivan Golubic, former VP Corporate Development at Goodyear. Prior to Goodyear, Ivan spent 10 years with Whirlpool, Deloitte and Ford in various finance and M&A roles. Our topic of discussion is how to make joint ventures more successful.

To make joint ventures more successful, first you need to define what success means to you. Each party has their own rationale so you need to find your objectives. Hire a third party consultant to create a strict governance structure. And create an exit strategy so if things don't work out, both parties know what to do and preserves their relationship.

Summit Recap: Bridging the Gap Between Corporate Development and Integration Aug 14, 2020

On this recap from the M&A Science Virtual Summit, Kison moderates a panel featuring Devorah Bertucci, Director of Corporate Development at Microsoft, and Kim Jones, Senior HR M&A Manager at Microsoft. They discuss the topic of how to bridge the gap between corporate development and integration functions.

Making an acquisition successful and creating value for both sides isn’t easy. There needs to be a partnership with corporate development and integration that drives negotiations to structure a deal for success. Topics covered in this panel include identifying early signs of a bad fit, balancing different company cultures, and how a role in corporate development impacts views on culture.

Summit Recap: Avoiding Valuation Surprises and Accounting for M&A Transactions Aug 12, 2020

This is a session from our M&A Virtual Conference which was held on June 10 and 11. The topic of discussion is avoiding valuation surprises and accounting for M&A transactions, hosted by PJ Patel, co-CEO and Senior Managing Director at Valuation Research Corporation. Our guest for this interview is the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and M&A at Church and Dwight, Brian Buchert.

Together, Brian and PJ discuss how to not overpay in deals, explain why valuing a company 10 years from now is a joke, and explain the effects of a long term recession. Learn tips on how to avoid common valuation mistakes, what the aftermath of COVID-19 may look like, and how valuation requires their own proprietary metric.

How Successful Diligence and Integration Planning Frames Successful M&A and Valuation Aug 10, 2020

Last week’s interview was with Erik Levy, Group Head Corp Dev and M&A at DMGT PLC. Erik has completed over 150 acquisitions, minority and venture investments and strategic partnerships. The topic of discussion is how successful Diligence and Integration planning frames success of M&A and valuation.

Kison and Erik cover topics such as different approaches to valuation, causes of failures, and the keys to success.

Virtual Summit Recap: Virtualizing the People Experience During Integration Aug 07, 2020

In this recorded session from our M&A Science Virtual Summit, Laura Lane, Chief of Staff at VMware, Kimberly Baird, Corporate Development Integration Leader at Cisco, and Dawn White, Manager of M&A Integration at Corning discuss how to virtualize the people experience during integration. They cover topics such as maintaining enthusiasm, boosting morale, and what tech tools they use during this unprecedented time.

Diligence in M&A Aug 05, 2020

On this episode, Kison interviews Jeff Desroches, VP of Corporate Development at Atlas Copco, about how to identify issues during diligence in M&A. Jeff is a high-impact Corporate Development executive adept at identifying, developing and executing strategic growth opportunities. He’s a resourceful problem solver with proven ability to manage large, cross-functional teams to drive complex commercial and technical programs with extensive experience in international dealmaking.

Together, Jeff and Kison discuss approaches to take for deal negotiations, how to present an offer and prepare yourself for any responses you may get, and what the main priorities of diligence are. They also cover topics such as issues that commonly appear during diligence, how to deal with those issues, and Jeff's opinion on culture.

Navigating International Deals Aug 03, 2020

In this interview, Kison discusses the topic of international transactions with Jeff Baker, EVP Mergers and Acquisitions at InComm. Jeff has extensive international experience and will be offering his advice on how to be sensitive towards other cultures and how to work with outside governments when completing a deal.

What is Rebadging and How it Works Jul 31, 2020

Kison sits down with Sachin Kumar, Senior Director - M&A and Regional Lead for HR North America at Conduent, to discuss the topic of the not so famous process of Rebadging. Together they break down the process step by step and explain the use case.

Some tips: Don’t forget to get the HR team involved quickly. Without having an HR plan, focused job descriptions, and performance standards, rebadging can quickly turn into a big headache. Also, problems arise if Corp Dev was not informed because the business team doesn’t know how to manage an asset deal. So try your best to keep Corp Dev in the loop especially when the deal is scaling.

Assimilating Unique Cultures in M&A Jul 29, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Kim Jones, Senior HR M&A Manager at Microsoft. She conducts due diligence research and completes all HR-related integration activities as part of Microsoft's M&A programs.

Together they discuss what company culture is, at what of the deal to consider it, and how to assess the company culture. Hear Kim’s advice on identifying the early signs of a bad fit, how to minimize fear, and how to accommodate the target company’s culture. She also gives insight as to what affects culture that you may not expect, the challenges that arise when assimilating different cultures, and what some non-negotiables are.

Preserving a Company's Value During Integration Jul 27, 2020

In this episode, Kison interviews Dev Sirur, Director of M&A Integrations at Intel.nHe has spent over 23 years at Intel and worked on 40+ transactions over a 10 year period. Dev is a proven executive experienced in helping business leaders and executive management on M&A strategy and synergy drivers.

Together they discuss preserving a company’s value during integration and give advice on how not to annihilate the value creation during M&A. Learn how to retain value through M&A, how to adjust the integration process to fit your company's specific needs, and how to drive an efficient yet thorough due diligence process.

COVID-19's Impact on M&A Jul 24, 2020

In this episode, Kison discusses the impact COVID-19 is having on M&A with Toby Tester, a Senior Consultant and Project Manager at BTD, Kevin Robbins a General Partner at Blue Delta Capital Partners and Co-Founder of Wolf Den Associates, and Fred Thiel, Chairman and Chief Advisor of Thiel Advisors, Inc.

For this discussion, Kison wanted to bring in industry professionals to talk about market shifts, the impact this pandemic is having on closing deals, and if we’re seeing any new deals arising because of COVID-19 we wouldn’t be seeing otherwise.

Developing International Joint Ventures Jul 15, 2020

On this episode, Kison and Ritch Schaafsma, VP of Corporate Development, Global Mergers and Acquisitions at General Motors, discuss the ins and outs of international joint ventures. Ritch is an accomplished and internationally seasoned Senior Corporate Development Executive, with over 15+ years of experience offering execution, valuation, strategy and restructuring expertise for driving multi-billion dollar growth transactions to C-level executives and Boards of Directors of Industry-leading manufacturers to meet their strategic objectives.

In this podcast you will hear about Ritch’s transition to working overseas, cultural challenges, and his favorite global transaction. Additionally, they discuss how to navigate national governments, what prompts an international joint venture, and what exactly the international joint venture process looks like. Please note the views expressed in this podcast do not reflect those of General Motors.

Building an Effective Internal Communication Plan for M&A Jul 01, 2020

On this episode Kison speaks with Briana Elkington, Program Manager at VSP Global. Previously she was a Lead Project Manager at Oracle where she assembled a project management office responsible for the successful integration of acquired assets. She's led integration efforts for roughly 10 acquisitions throughout her career.

Together they discuss how to build an effective internal communication plan for M&A. Briana goes in depth on how to create a communication plan, how to effectively distribute that communication plan, and how to approach an onboarding supplier. You'll learn how to deal with heavy resistance and what challenges you can expect to face during the process.

Building a Corporate Development Function From Scratch Jun 17, 2020

On this episode, Kison Patel speaks with Russ Hartz, VP of Corporate Development at ANSYS, Inc. / former VP of Corporate Development at SAP. He’s an experienced Corporate Development professional with specific expertise in M&A and investments and post-merger integration. His role at ANSYS involves M&A strategy and deal sourcing, as well as managing transaction execution.

Together, Kison and Russ discuss best practices he’s learned at SAP, how he was able to bring those best practices over to ANSYS, guiding principles he focuses on during a transaction, and how to begin building an integration process at a company that doesn’t have one. Russ also discusses how deal strategy affects company alignment and how he measures the success of a post-merger integration.

Sneak-Peek: Making Integration Successful from Both Sides of the Deal Jun 04, 2020

Kison Patel gives a sneak-peek into a panel discussion of the highly anticipated M&A Science Virtual Summit, featuring over 40 industry-leading practitioners.

This panel discussion features Christina Amiry, Head of M&A Strategic Operations and Integrations at Atlassian and Steve Elliott, Head of Jira Align at Atlassian. Together they discuss the ways in which Atlassian ensured the acquisition of Jira Align was successful from both sides of the deal.

The Virtualization of M&A May 27, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Kimberly Baird, Corporate Development Integration Lead at Cisco. She’s responsible for driving the successful integration of acquired organizations into Cisco by implementing best practice methodology rooted in M&A-specific project and change management developed over 200+ acquisitions. Today she shares tips on how to adjust your M&A practice to a virtual process.

How to Best Protect a Business Case in an Acquisition May 13, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Ben Sutton, a senior manager of corporate development at NCR Corporation, about executing transactions and what a senior manager’s role looks like. Together they discuss how to measure the success of a transaction, the difference between revenue synergy and cost synergy, and how you can predict what a leader wants out of a transaction.

Ben breaks down legal terms he’s come to be familiar with and discusses potential learning curves to expect when entering a senior manager role. From predicting outcome wants incorrectly, transaction metrics, and experiencing post-close surprises, Ben covers every aspect of a senior manager corporate development role.

How to Plan a Divestiture from HR’s Perspective Apr 29, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Sallie Cunningham about how to plan a divestiture from HR’s perspective. Together they discuss the process of moving employees, how to approach ringfencing, and what Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) are. Sallie also explains what the key materials HR must have when it comes to preparing for due diligence during a divestiture and which transition records are required for HR to gather.

Bringing M&A and Business Agility Together Apr 15, 2020

On this episode, Toby Tester interviews Kison Patel about his newly published book, Agile M&A, and how Agile can transform the traditional M&A deal process. They discuss topics such as how companies can apply Agile techniques to the antiquated M&A process and take a deep dive into how Agile is a unique project framework that increases efficiency and closes deals faster. The two also address the importance of accountability and leadership.

Through this interview, Kison gives a step by step guide on how to implement this innovative framework and breaks down Agile to its fundamental pillars. Learn how to adopt the responsive mindset Agile requires and hear Kison’s opinion on the future of M&A. You can purchase Kison’s book on Amazon or at agilema.com.

Building a Communications Plan from Scratch Apr 01, 2020

On this episode, Kison Patel speaks with Stephanie Carty. Stephanie is a corporate communications professional with more than 15 years of experience at GE, KPMG and other companies. Her expertise is in executive communications and ensuring top leaders communicate with honesty, clarity, and credibility. Currently, Stephanie is a strategic advisor, specializing in employee communications.

Learn components of communication plans, when to start planning, and behind the scenes activity that makes all the difference in the success of Day 1. In this episode, she tells Kison best practices for Day 1 and gives advice on how to avoid disasters. Stephanie also talks about a time she wrote 25 versions of a communication plan and how that unfolded at the time of signing.

The Impact of People Experience on Deal Outcomes Mar 18, 2020

On this episode, Kison speaks with Karen Isely of Isely Associates International regarding the impact people experience has on the outcome of M&A deals. Karen is an M&A specialist and the founder of Isely Associates International, an Australian-based global consulting business providing M&A advisory services to organizations growing by merger, acquisition or other similar business transactions. She brings experience as an HR professional, business leader and management consultant to every engagement and has contributed to nearly 150 deals, in-house as well as for corporate and private equity clients.

Navigating Intangible Asset Valuation Mar 04, 2020

On this episode, Kison talks with PJ Patel, Co-CEO and Senior Managing Director at Valuation Research Corporation (VRC). VRC is a full-service, independent, global valuation firm that focuses exclusively on valuations that offer judgment beyond modeling. Kison and PJ discuss how to navigate intangible asset valuation in today’s market, how the current M&A climate is affecting valuation, and how to avoid the most common mistakes when conducting a valuation.

The Impact of Leadership in M&A Feb 21, 2020

In this episode, Kison Patel discusses the groundbreaking research done by Dr. Keith Dunbar. As a Managing Partner at JKD Talent Solutions, his team delivers actionable leadership intelligence. With this intelligence, we enhance clients’ long-term profitability and growth by providing a unique, holistic view of leadership capabilities.

Keith gives insight into how leadership has more of an impact than culture, which is contrary to popular belief, and who actually has a bigger impact on deal success - middle management or C suite. They also cover why it’s taken so long for people to realize how much leadership impacts the success of a deal, how to look for those leadership traits in your staff, and what works the best in terms of incentivizing leadership in your team.

How to Successfully Build a Corporate Development Function Feb 05, 2020

Kison speaks with Nichelle Maynard-Elliot, a corporate M&A Executive, public company board member, and corporate dealmaker with over 20 years of financial and legal experience in M&A business development and strategic partnerships at Fortune 300 multinational corporations and top-ranked international/boutique law firms. She’s a highly experienced corporate attorney lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.

Demystifying the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Jan 08, 2020

Kison speaks with Richard Harmon, a Managing Director at CSG Partners, a firm that helps owners of private, middle market companies achieve equity monetization while addressing personal goals. In this podcast, they discuss how ESOPs can harvest equity, enhance liquidity, and create tax advantages.

Focusing Less on Cost Synergies to Increase Value Creation Dec 18, 2019

Kison speaks with Anirvan Sen, the Founder and Managing Director of Fifth Chrome, a professional advisory firm that specializes in M&A integration and operational growth. In this podcast, they discuss creating deal value by focusing more on growth capabilities and revenue synergies than cost synergies.

How to Plan a Divestiture from HR’s Perspective Dec 04, 2019

Kison speaks with Jillian Kaebel-Sisk, an HR Global Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures Manager at Caterpillar. This podcast covers how HR practitioners plan for and executive divestitures. They also discuss carve-out and divestiture challenges, as well as TSA agreements, asset vs. stock sale, due diligence, and more.

How to Deliver Maximum Value from Divestitures Nov 20, 2019

Kison speaks with Toby Tester, an M&A Consultant and Project Manager with over 20 years of experience driving strategic, financial and operational value through M&A. This podcast covers how you can deliver maximum value from divestitures. We will discuss how divestitures, like acquisitions, can become a positive and transformational process.

How to Drive Transformational Change Through M&A Nov 06, 2019

Kison speaks with Toby Tester, an M&A Consultant and Project Manager with over 20 years of experience driving strategic, financial and operational value through M&A. This podcast follows Toby's article, Driving Transformation Through M&A, in which he discusses how M&A transactions are becoming necessary transformational strategies for companies in the modern marketplace.

How to Prepare a Company for an Acquisition Oct 23, 2019

Kison speaks with Jordan Lampos, a director specializing in healthcare M&A at Duff & Phelps, about how to best prepare a company for an acquisition and the role project management plays in improving this process.

Behind the Scenes: Effective Deal Sourcing and Closing Sep 11, 2019

Kison speaks with Scott Kaeser, the Executive VP of Corporate Development for United American Security, a GardaWorld company, on sourcing strategies for successful deals.

Evolving Technology Trends in Mergers and Acquisitions Aug 28, 2019

Kison speaks with Jill Harrison and Steve Siler about which technology trends are addressing some of the M&A industry's largest challenges. Jill is the Vice President of Ventures at Silverline and Steve is the CTO of Stonebriar Commercial Finance.

Perspectives on Modern M&A Consultancy and Divestitures Aug 13, 2019

Kison speaks with Kelly Haggerty, who founded her own advisory firm, Nearco Transaction Advisors, after 15 years of leading integrations and divestitures for top consulting firms and Fortune 500 companies.

On this episode, Kison talks with Kelly about her experience as an M&A advisor and the lessons she's learned regarding what makes a strong, efficient, and successful deal.

For more information on Kelly and Nearco Transaction Advisors please visit: https://www.nearcoadvisors.com/

Creating Solutions for Industry-Wide Challenges Jul 31, 2019

Kison speaks with Paul Koenig, Founder and CEO of SRS Acquiom, a platform that manages escrows, payments, risks, and claims for complex M&A transactions.

The Art of Protecting Value Drivers Jul 10, 2019

During this episode, Kison and Jai discuss the best strategies for identifying, extracting and protecting value drivers during the due diligence process and most importantly while conducting integration post-close.

The Power of Empathy in M&A Jun 26, 2019

Kison speaks with Dr. Mark Goulston on the benefits of practicing empathy for more successful M&A, specifically to improve value creation and productivity post-close.

The Importance of Conducting Cultural Assessments Jun 12, 2019

On this episode, Kison speaks with Dawn White, an M&A Integration Manager at Corning. Dawn explains the importance of conducting cultural assessments during M&A transactions and explores how these assessments can lead to stronger deal outcomes, increased value creation and an overall happier and more productive workforce.

How to Enable a High Performing Deal Team May 29, 2019

Harvard instructor, author and speaker, Richard Kasperowski, discusses how to build and maintain high-performing teams in any industry.

An Agile Gorilla’s Approach to Mergers and Acquisitions May 16, 2019

The Founding Partners of the M&A advisory firm, Agile Gorilla, discuss their agile, modern approach to deal and integration management.

Integration Strategies Suited for Modern Business Landscapes May 01, 2019

Nitin Kumar, a seasoned C-level operating executive and management consultant in the technology, media and telecom (TMT) sector, discusses how to create integration strategies better suited to modern business environments.

A Guide to Planning Successful Divestitures Apr 18, 2019

Al Ansari, a veteran divestiture and integration advisor currently assisting Cisco with the development of their divestiture methodology, discusses the strategies, decisions and planning behind divestitures.

How to Implement an Agile Approach into M&A Apr 03, 2019

In this podcast, Kison interviews James Harris, Principal of Corporate Development Integration at Google. They explore the ways in which deal practitioners can implement a more Agile approach to each step of M&A, from due diligence to integration.

Creating Corporate Development Acquisition Strategies Jul 19, 2018

In this episode, Kison speaks with Joseph Feldman, a corporate development, acquisitions and growth strategies consultant. Joseph discusses acquisition strategies, diligence checklists, company inconsistencies, and post-close surprises.

Best Ways to Approach Cultural Integration Jul 12, 2018

In this episode, Kison interviews corporate and business development consultant Judah Karkowsky.

They discuss the best ways to approach cultural integration, handling ownership issues, the surprises you can find during preliminary due diligence, international entities’ approach on diligence, being transparent with employees during an integration, and confidential data protection.

M&A in the Technology Industry Jun 25, 2018

In this episode, Kison asks Paul Weiskopf, a professional who has worked over 25 years with companies in the technology industry such as Hewlett Packard, Adobe Systems and smaller companies, about his professional experience on M&A.

Weiskopf shares his knowledge about strategy common errors that lead companies to failure and about the best ways to build integration plans for acquisition teams.

M&A, Due Diligence, and Integration from an Attorney's Point of View Jun 12, 2018

In this episode, Kison interviews mergers and acquisitions attorney Luke Fedlam, who shares his knowledge on working with and outside counsel, representing the seller, sending letters of intent, setting up a financial plan, and how to transaction showstoppers beforehand.

00.00 / 05.00 / help from the outside council

05.00 / due diligence and letters of intent, bankers

10.00 / 15.000 timeline and risks, showstoppers

15.00 / 20.00 renegotiating terms

20.00 / 25.00 renegotiation purchase price

25.00 / 30.00 financial leverage

30.00 / 35.00 integration process

35.00 / 40.00 cultural and transparency

40.00 / 47.00 outgoing owners and engagement, CEOS sabotaging transaction

The Importance of Communication, Due Diligence and Post-Closing Integration Jun 05, 2018

In this episode, Kison interviews Armando Biondi, Co-founder and COO for AdEspresso. Biondi shares his personal experience on the AdEspresso and Hootsuite merger. They discuss selling, communication during the integration process, and negotiating.

How to Set Clear M&A Objectives: M&A Advice from a Former Marine May 31, 2018

In this episode, Kison interviews Ken Marlin, author of The Marine Corps Way to Win on Wall Street. Marlin has a very diverse background going from corporate development to CEO of a company to running an investment bank. They discuss advising buyers, business strategies, and setting clear business objectives.

Buy Side and Sell Side M&A Strategies May 23, 2018

In this episode, Kison interviews International Strategy and Business Optimization Specialist Abhik Jain. Together they talk through the differences between M&A, PE and investment banking, proprietary and auction deals, and Jain’s personal advice on handling negotiations and transactions both from the sell side and the buy side.

Wargaming for M&A Integration Leaders Feb 16, 2018

This special episode of M&A Science is an audiobook written by Nitin Kumar, a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, on the strategy of wargaming. In an era of disruption and uncertainty, developing and executing successful M&A transactions require new strategic approaches. Business wargaming is one such approach, significantly increasing overall M&A effectiveness by providing valuable foresight, stress-testing strategy and maximizing the potential for successful integration.

Authored by: Nitin Kumar

Narrated by: Conor Mahood Produced by: Kison Patel

Balancing Legal and Business Concerns in M&A Transactions Dec 11, 2017

“Are you doing things that could be perceived negatively that would create a higher bar for that next acquisition? Those things can come back and haunt you”

Scott Hile is an M&A professional with two decades of experience. He also teaches Entrepreneurial Law and Global Business Transactions in Clemson University’s MBA Program.

0:00 - 5:05 Prioritizing investment and legal concerns during due diligence

5:00 - 8:40 Focusing on value drivers

8:40 - 10:50 Presenting risks to sellers

11:55 - 15:35 Legal team battles

15:35 - 17:00 Planning for integration during due diligence

17:00 - 19:05 Accounting for integration costs

19:05 - 25:25 International transaction challenges

25:25 - 32:41 Validating for cultural fit

32:41 - 38:30 Score-carding synergies

38:40-end The importance of patience

How Empathy Makes Mergers and Acquisitions Successful Sep 15, 2017

“This is the first time I’ve been acquired by a company that felt like it had a soul.” That’s what John Derusso was told after leading an integration. John is the Director of Corporate Development Integration with Cisco Systems and has been for the past four years.

0:00-0:10 John’s background with Cisco and supply chain

0:13-2:12 Successful acquisitions

2:12-6:42 Retaining people

6:42-9:36 Big picture view of integration

9:36-13:30 Excitement and adrenaline in integration (step-by-step process)

13:30-20:21 Planning considerations, diligence, and key indicators of success

24:22-30:20 Taking care of customers

30:20-42:19 Complexity, decision-making, and communication

42:19-46:37 Degree of integration (depth and speed)

46:37-52:25 Difficult aspects of integration

52:25-End Lifetime lessons learned and key traits

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

How You Survive an Unprofitable Business Sep 15, 2017

Sean Peace has a captivating story to tell about selling and exiting an unprofitable business in a unique niche: a fintech startup dealing with entertainment in the Southeast. In 2013, he founded Royalty Exchange, an auction marketplace selling music royalty streams as memorabilia to the highest bidding fans. After two years and $100K in revenue, the company landed $2 million in venture capital financing to accelerate their growth – or so they thought.

0:20 – 2:22 Background on SongVest leading up to Royalty Exchange business idea

2:23 – 3:49 Formation of Royalty Exchange and running it for the first 2 years

3:50 – 6:41 Attracting first $2M venture capital injection and how funds were invested

6:42 – 11:10 Pivot point to switch marketing strategy when proven ineffective

12:06 – 16:50 Deciding to exit and splitting sale of company to two buyers

16:51 – 19:13 Finding buyers without hiring an advisor & paying down debts

19:14 – 25:17 Discussing deal surprises and lessons learned

25:18 – 27:01 Sean answering would he start another company and raise from VCs again

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

How to Choose an M&A Advisor Sep 15, 2017

As former VP at Huron Capital, Mark Miller is very familiar with the start-to-finish private equity process. He’s responsible for transaction teams involved in all aspects of deal sourcing, execution, and portfolio management. Mark has a wealth of experience executing deals on the buy side – managing due diligence, negotiating legal documents, setting the ultimate capital structure, and lining up financial documentation.

0:00 – 2:18 Summary of Mark’s background

2:19 – 5:18 Worse thing that could happen during a deal

5:19 – 7:24 Steps to first start planning for an exit

7:25 – 11:14 Setting up strategic initiatives from Day 1

11:15 – 18:49 Selecting advisors for the deal

18:50 – 25:24 Sanity checking valuations

25:25 – 28:02 Where advisors differentiate themselves / customizing their process & outreach

28:03 – 32:45 The important of valuations and certainty to close

32:46 – 35:33 Buyer engagement and deal rooms

35:34 – 37:07 Post-closing transactual obligations

37:08 – 39:43 Biggest challenges of process

39:44 – 42:25 Unburdening management team

42:26 - 46:50 Most important lessons learned

46:51 - 51:43 Tackling deal hiccups, touch decisions, and sell vs. hold scenarios

51:44 – 52:56 Considerations for future process improvements

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

How Synergies Differ in M&A Sep 15, 2017

As a professional with 29 years’ experience in M&A corporate development, financial operations, and management, Paul Tennola, CFO of Paynet, is an expert when it comes to M&A. In addition to his experience with Paynet, Paul has worked with TransUnion, Wolters Kluwer, and SunGard. He has looked at over 1000 companies, successfully leading and closing more than 50 transactions. He believes M&A is a great way to augment growth.

0:00-1:10 Paul’s experience with Paynet, TransUnion, Wolters Kluwer, and SunGard

1:10-7:00 Bolt-on transactions versus platform transactions

7:00-10:30 Synergies: Financial/revenue and operational

10:30-14:05 Cultural fit and workarounds

14:05-18:00 Negotiation and strategies

18:00-21:40 Top factors during diligence

21:40-28:10 Deals that fall apart and surprises during diligence

28:10-33:14 Post-closing surprises and PMI

33:14-37:33 International transactions

37:33-40:05 Biggest lessons learned

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

Sell Side M&A Advice Sep 15, 2017

In 2005, Vamsi started his own company focused on data compliance for the pharmaceutical industry. His company provided technology to support clinical trials to the FDA. “I like to build companies, but I also like change. [After five years], I thought about selling the company and rolling it up into a publicly listed company.” He sold it in 2010 and moved to India to pursue new opportunities. While the sale was smooth, there were numerous post-sale challenges. “They basically ran down the company within 18 months.”

0:00 – 4:03 Vamsi’s background at Deloitte, Pfizer, Merrill Lynch

4:04 – 6:27 Acquiring Clinovo (how found and why chose over others)

6:28 – 9:24 Due diligence process as a buyer

9:25 – 11:24 Issues that came up during diligence process

11:25 – 13:39 Working with the investment banker

13:40 – 14:19 Interaction with seller prior to closing

14:20 – 19:19 Challenges with integration

19:20 – 21:55 Lessons learned and post-closing challenges

21:56 – 23:05 Lessons from the sell side

23:06 – 23:38 What’s on the horizon

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

Key Private Equity Criteria for Prosperous M&A Sep 15, 2017

Greg DellaFranco is currently a Senior Manager of Corporate Development at Deloitte Consulting. Prior to joining Deloitte, he served as Director of Corporate Development at KPMG. When combined with 16 years in corporate development, corporate strategy, new venture creation, and alliance roles at Accenture, Greg has valuable M&A insight to share.

0:48 – 1:43 Greg’s background in corporate development

1:44 – 4:08 Differences in perspective between corp dev and private equity

3:21 – 6:13 Value proposition of selling to a strategic buyer

5:26 – 7:17 Transacting with businesses looking to exit

6:30 – 8:58 Key preparation for due diligence process

8:11 – 11:01 Top issues that frequently arise

10:14 – 16:42 Effectively managing the process

15:55 – 19:23 Deal breakers that pop up during due diligence

18:36 – 24:13 Greg’s strategies for the integration process

23:26 – 28:04 Most challenging aspects of integration

27:17 – 34:15 Challenges and integrations gone wrong

33:28 – 37:37 Biggest lessons learned and the future of M&A

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

Why Decisive Communication is Vital for a Successful Integration Mar 23, 2017

Jeremie originally started his career at Goldman Sachs and spent time in investment banking focused on equities, equity sales, and trading. He has experience on both sides of M&A, as an acquirer and “acquiree,” and says the deals he has seen in the past 10 years – some successful, others not – have changed his perspective on M&A.

0:00 – 2:12 Jeremie’s background in SaaS and investment banking

2:13 – 5:52 The value of focusing on giving in M&A transactions

5:53 – 11:40 Importance of pre-diligence diligence

11:41 - 14:12 Example of a deal not closed

14:13 – 15:50 Allocating resources and labor pool decisions

15:51 – 19:14 Advantages of quick integration

19:15 – 25:29 Painful lessons

25:30 – 30:57 How to use advisors

30:58 – 36: 11 How to pick a banker

36:12 – 41:33 Differences and clashes in culture

41:34 – 46:27 Setting up a deal framework

46:28 – 51:05 Facilitating good communication

51:06 – 52:22 Importance of prioritization

52:23 – 54:54 Lessons learned

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

How Strong Relationships Lead to Successful M&A Feb 07, 2017

In this interview, we touch on a range of topics from how Scott handles hurdles to post-closing surprises, deal disasters to integration management, and ultimately, the keys to running a successful process.

00:00 - 00:40 Intro

00:40 - 04:25 Scott’s corporate development background

04:25 - 06:36 Small vs large transactions

06:36 - 12:25 Diligence lessons learned

12:25 - 17:55 Walking away from deals

17:55 - 19:53 Post closing surprises

19:53 - 25:08 Bad deals

25:08 - 32:08 Post merger integration

32:08 - 36:26 Key lessons learned

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)

DealRoom: Data Science and AI for M&A (www.dealroom.net)

The Importance of Conducting a Quality of Earnings in M&A Feb 01, 2017

Andrew Jordan is a Principal at Riveron Consulting where he provides transaction advisory services. He’s had his hand in mergers and acquisitions for the last 8 years and has incredible insight regarding quality of earnings (Q of E) and M&A deals.

Show Notes:

0:00 – 0:47 Summary of Andrew’s background

0:48 – 5:44 Advantages to sellers doing Quality of Earnings (Q of E) analysis

5:45 – 6:51 When to get buyers involved in process

6:52 – 9:51 Biggest challenge from financial accounting due diligence process

9:52 – 10:39 Particular strategies to overcome data challenges

10:40 – 19:19 Interesting and extreme expense item discoveries

19:20 – 25:38 Evaluating Q of E adjustments

25:39 – 26:30 How see diligence process evolving

26:31 – 27:27 Assuring proper controls, both in and outside of Q of E analysis

27:28 – 32:03 Key lessons learned

M&A Science by Kison Patel (kison@dealroom.net)