The M&A Science Podcast

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. To help us navigate our first deal, Rajive Dhar, VP and Head of Corporate Development at NetApp, discusses the intricacies of M&A from start to finish.

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 interview, Jim Ackerman, recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex, and Steve Coghlan, Semi-recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex, discuss their experiences on M&A surprises and horror stories.

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

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 interview, we will explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective, featuring Samuel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at 8x8.

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 article, we will explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective with David Barnes, Chief Financial Officer at Trimble Inc.

Too often, corporate development practitioners want to change their scenery and end up switching to private equity. It’s a place where they can use their existing skills, and enjoy what they do, without certain restrictions present in a corporate setting. But what are the differences between the two industries? In this interview, Joe Metzger, Managing Director at 777 Partners, shares his amazing journey shifting from corporate development to private equity.

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 interview, Chris Evans, ex-Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon, and Scott Boyd, former Head of Integration for AWS, discuss integration strategies, particularly the nuisances of change management.

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 interview, we dive deep into the heart of integration strategies and underscore 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.

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

Integration is not just about combining processes and systems. It is also about bridging the cultures of the companies and creating a shared identity. However, integrating two organizations can be complex, especially when it comes to managing major cultural differences. In this episode, we explore key strategies for effectively balancing culture during an integration, featuring Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America, and CertainTeed.

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 interview, Dr. Irit Yaniv, Founding Partner and CEO at Almeda Ventures discusses what investors can do when planning and executing the exit.

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, we will explore insights from Barak Routhenstein, Vice President of 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.

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

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, 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.

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. Let’s explore how a public equity analyst evolves to executing M&A, featuring Greg Stein, Vice President of M&A and Ventures at Xerox, as he shares his experiences.

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 article, Clifford Felig, Partner at Meitar Law Offices, will discuss the challenges of cross-border deals, particularly in Israel, where he had most of his experiences.

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 exclusive interview, 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.

International deals are one of the most challenging transactions to execute. Aside from the complexities of M&A, there are additional hurdles that acquirers must overcome to successfully acquire companies overseas. In this interview, we will focus on how to do deals in Latin America and all the challenges that come along with it, featuring Juan Guillermo Castaneda, former Senior Advisor to SKG CEO.

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. This episode explores the path to successful equal mergers featuring Scott Crofton, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

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, Brian Matthews, CEO at ITEL, discusses his value chain ecosystem approach that can drive business stability and growth.

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 their businesses and maximize their potential. In this episode, we will explore the experiences of Joe 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.

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 has shown that not all acquisitions are the same and must be executed properly against their strategy. In this episode, we discuss how to execute product-based acquisitions featuring Andrew Morbitzer, VP/Head of Corporate Development at Typeform.

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

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is a long and tedious process filled with challenges and surprises that could harm the acquiring company or destroy the deal altogether. To ensure a successful transaction, it's crucial to identify and overcome these hurdles. In this episode, we'll discuss the most common M&A challenges and the best approach to overcome them, featuring Ritika Butani, Head of Corporate Development at Toast.

M&A is inherently risky, but the rewards of a successful deal can exponentially grow a company overnight. There are many things to consider before closing a transaction, and big companies are finding new deal structures to minimize risks when doing acquisitions. In this episode, Finn Haley, SVP of Corporate Development at Edwards Lifesciences, discusses the build-to-buy option structure they use in the healthcare industry.