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
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
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
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.
*******************
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
02:55 Corporate diversification strategy
03:32 Drivers of corporate diversification
05:22 People involved in corporate diversification
08:00 Communicating the diversification strategy - The number one step
08:51 Customer overlaps on deals
11:17 Capital Allocation
13:41 Proprietary deal vs Bank Deal
15:22 Deal Sourcing
17:57 Closing deals with competition
19:22 Cultural integration
22:03 Handling resistance
23:21 Measuring Success
24:31 Projecting revenue synergies
26:09 Earnouts
30:31 Letter on intent exclusivity
32:10 Combining diligence with integration using DealRoom
36:42 Using DealRoom with Sellers
40:02 Advice for practitioners doing corporate diversification
40:30 AI in M&A
46:34 Craziest thing in M&A
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
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
11:17 What is strategic due diligence
16:25 How to perform strategic due diligence in M&A
25:00 Entering the right market
38:05 Finding the right target company
41:25 When to perform strategic due diligence
42:38 Proactive vs. Reactive deal sourcing
44:33 Importance of culture
47:05 When to start integration planning
49:11 Red flags during strategic diligence
50:33 Assessing incoming people
51:20 Biggest challenge when performing strategic diligence
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
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
*George Kellerman
00:00 Intro
06:15 From firefighter to M&A
09:49 How did Woven by Toyota got started
11:19 Project Kate
12:58 Pitching the shift in strategy
14:31 Woven Capital’s strategy
16:48 How to successfully start a venture capital arm
19:45 Leadership in managing people
22:03 Biggest lessons learned
26:00 A change in strategy
27:04 The Woven City Project
31:11 Dealing with cultural difference
35:40 Craziest thing in M&A
*Alex Baum
39:34 Noticing cultural differences in Japan
42:11 Relocating to Tokyo
44:07 New York vs Japan culture
45:28 Work culture in Japan
48:32 Rubber stamp approval in Japan
49:51 Balancing American and Japanese culture
51:27 Maintaining alignment
52:09 Craziest thing in M&A
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
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
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
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