Sourcing
Strategy
Valuation
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Corporate Development Strategy in High-Volume M&A
From building a world-class acquisition strategy to navigating complex deal negotiations, Jeff shares hard-earned insights that every M&A leader can learn from. If you're looking to understand how to execute M&A at scale while maintaining a people-first approach, this episode is a must-listen.
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Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main

M&A at scale requires more than just financial analysis—it’s about building relationships, understanding cultural fit, and executing a seamless integration strategy. With over 60 deals under his belt, Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main, has a proven track record of leading high-volume, buyer-led M&A.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeff shares his expertise in strategic acquisitions, relationship-driven deal sourcing, and post-merger integration. He discusses the critical role of culture in M&A, how to prioritize acquisition targets, and why technology is essential for managing complex transactions.

Things you will learn:

  • Buyer-led M&A – The power of proactive deal sourcing
  • Building a strategic market map – Core vs. adjacent markets
  • How to assess culture in M&A – What makes a deal truly successful
  •  Negotiation tactics in valuation gaps – Closing deals with the right structure
  • Integration planning – Ensuring a smooth transition post-close

Jeff Giles

Jeff Giles is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Core & Main, leading the acquisition of distributors in water, wastewater, storm drainage, geosynthetics, natural gas, and fire protection products across the US and Canada. With nearly six years at Core & Main, he has spearheaded 33 acquisitions, including Eastern Supply. Previously, Jeff played a key role at Barry-Wehmiller, doubling its size to $3 billion in revenue through strategic acquisitions. He also has extensive private equity experience with firms like Bertram Capital.

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