Strategic M&A Framework: IFS's Acquisition Playbook

Rachel Hindley, Vice President of Corporate Development, IFS

Rachel oversees transformative acquisitions for the global leader in industrial AI and enterprise software. In this episode, Rachel shares how IFS navigates the unique dynamics of having three major private equity backers—EQT, HG, and TA Associates—while executing strategic deals that enhance their portfolio. She breaks down IFS's four acquisition archetypes (product bolt-ons, customer migration, market entry, and new platforms), explains why integration and value creation must be separated, and reveals how the company is adapting its strategy for early-stage AI acquisitions. M&A professionals will learn how to build repeatable frameworks, maintain cultural continuity during integration, and balance stakeholder priorities in complex deal environments.

Things you will learn:

How to structure M&A around four distinct acquisition archetypes

Why separating systems integration from value creation

How to balance multiple PE stakeholder priorities

Rachel Hindley

Rachel Hindley is Vice President of Corporate Development at IFS, where she leads M&A strategy and execution for one of the world's fastest-growing enterprise software companies. With a background spanning PwC's transaction services, fund experience, and corporate development at Royal Mail before joining IFS, Rachel brings a well-rounded perspective to software M&A. She specializes in navigating complex stakeholder dynamics with three private equity backers, building repeatable acquisition frameworks, and orchestrating integrations that drive meaningful value creation across global markets.