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M&A Science

M&A Science, hosted by Kison Patel (Founder & CEO of DealRoom), is your go-to podcast for mastering the art of mergers and acquisitions. Each week, Kison and his expert guests from leading brands like Xerox, FastLap, and Cisco dig deep into real-world M&A strategies, offering actionable insights to optimize your M&A practice. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to the field, M&A Science provides practical advice on key topics like sourcing, due diligence, integration, divestitures, and more. With over 300 episodes, this podcast is the premier thought leadership resource designed to streamline your deal-making process. Start listening today and visit mascience.com/podcast to access over 300 episodes. Brought to you by DealRoom, the leading M&A optimization platform used by the best M&A teams around the world
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Now displaying: 2025
Feb 10, 2025

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

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This episode in sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.
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Episode Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background

[00:03:00] Building Market Maps & Identifying Opportunities

[00:11:00] Developing Relationships in Buyer-Led M&A

[00:19:00] Expanding into Adjacent Markets

[00:24:00] Prioritization of Acquisition Targets

[00:31:00] Evaluating Cultural Fit & Integration Risks

[00:38:00] Building Trust & Transparency with Business Owners

[00:42:45] The Due Diligence Process

[00:50:00] Managing Bid-Ask Spread & Valuation Challenges

[00:55:00] Integration Planning for M&A Success

[01:01:00] The Role of Technology in M&A

[01:06:00] Surprising Moments in M&A

Feb 3, 2025

 John Orbe, Senior Associate General Counsel – M&A at Emerson

Large-scale deals come with layers of complexity—from regulatory challenges and cross-border negotiations to structuring transactions that align with long-term business strategy. Having the right legal approach can make or break a deal.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John Orbe joins us to break down what it takes to execute high-stakes transactions. He shares insights on the differences between large and small deals, how legal teams can be a strategic partner in M&A, and why cross-border transactions require more than just legal know-how.

 

Things you will learn:

  • Big vs. small deals – Unique challenges and hidden complexities

  •  When to involve legal in M&A – Structuring LOIs the right way

  •  Cross-border deal challenges – Cultural, regulatory, and legal considerations

  •  How technology is reshaping M&A – AI, automation, and data room efficiencies

  •  Avoiding post-closing disputes – Drafting airtight agreements

Trailer Timestamps: 

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:17 Entering the M&A World

00:05:26 M&A as a Team Sport

00:07:18 Transition from Law Firm to In-House Counsel

00:10:35 Differences Between Large and Small M&A Deals

00:15:42 M&A Deal Strategy and Business Risk

00:25:10 Legal Due Diligence Process

00:30:22 Cross-Border M&A Complexities

00:35:40 Technology and AI in M&A

00:40:15 Managing External Legal Counsel

00:45:00 Negotiation Strategies in M&A

00:50:30 People and Cultural Considerations in Deals

00:55:10 M&A Deal Execution and Closing Challenges

01:00:20 The Future of M&A and Legal Innovation

01:05:45 Craziest M&A Stories and Lessons Learned

 

Jan 27, 2025

Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT

Every deal tells a story of risk, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of value. With M&A evolving into a core function across industries, simply following old playbooks is no longer enough. You need insight, discipline, and a strategy tailored to today’s fast-moving, multi-dimensional landscape.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, joins us to unpack the intricacies of software valuation, integration challenges, and structuring carve-outs that unlock hidden value. 

Things you will learn:

  • Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples

  • How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers

  • Navigating deals with difficult CEOs

  • Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side

  • Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A


This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.


Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
02:31 Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples
05:22 Venture capital vs. private equity mindsets
07:48 Who is lending on software deals
09:13 Convincing someone to sell their company
12:41 How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers
15:46 How to approach your first acquisition
18:54 How to pitch a deal to Founders
22:15 Navigating deals with difficult CEOs
27:46 Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side
31:36 Networking to find carve-out deals
35:28 Structuring optimal deals for carve-outs and founder-owned businesses
41:46 When to take on investments and build a platform
45:25 Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A
50:21 Surprises and lessons learned in M&A
55:09 How M&A strategies have evolved
58:25 Craziest thing in M&A

Jan 20, 2025

Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT

M&A is a minefield of uncertainties, let alone the tech space. Missteps in integration, cultural clashes, and unforeseen risks can quickly derail even the most promising deals. That’s why understanding what could go wrong is critical.

Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, shares lessons from the trenches to help you anticipate challenges and mitigate risks. Learn how to navigate integration, manage carve-outs, and turn M&A uncertainty into opportunity with actionable insights from a seasoned expert.

Things you will learn:

  • Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success

  • Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies

  • Handling opportunistic deals outside core strategy

  • Evaluating deals that don’t fit the M&A thesis

  • Maintaining control during M&A execution

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This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

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Episode Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Intro

  • 03:17 The power of an engineering background

  • 03:48 Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success

  • 06:51 Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies

  • 08:39 Building and managing an M&A pipeline

  • 10:32 Handling opportunistic deals outside corporate strategy

  • 12:35 Balancing synergies and opportunistic deals

  • 14:54 Deciding how much to integrate a company

  • 17:59 Evaluating deals that don’t fit the M&A thesis

  • 23:06 Planning integration based on partnerships and synergies

  • 25:02 Becoming a buyer-led M&A organization

  • 27:05 Working with the sell-side during M&A processes

  • 30:46 Maintaining control during M&A execution

  • 32:40 Balancing the M&A process management with bankers

  • 34:48 Handling proprietary deals without an advisor

  • 38:34 Scenario: Balancing opportunism with communication in competitive processes

Jan 13, 2025

Joe Mantone, U.S. Financial Institutions News Desk Manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence (NYSE: SPGI)

 

The M&A market isn’t what it used to be. Deal volumes are rising, but they remain a shadow of the record highs of 2021. Add to this the challenges of regulatory hurdles, high interest rates, and uneven global recovery. Corporate development leaders are left asking: where do we go from here?

 

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Mantone of S&P Global Market Intelligence unpacks the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the M&A cycle. You’ll learn the latest insights to stay ahead in a volatile market and prepare for the opportunities 2025 promises to bring.

 

Things you will learn:

  • The state of M&A, recovering from the 2022 downturn

  • How regulatory challenges are reshaping deal strategies

  • What corporate leaders need to know about private equity and credit trends

  • The rise of AI and sector-specific opportunities for 2025

  • Actionable advice for corporate development teams in a volatile market

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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.

DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.

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Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 Intro

  • 06:03 Current state of the M&A market

  • 07:45 Distinguishing the current M&A downturn

  • 08:51 Factors driving global M&A

  • 10:14 M&A blindspots to lookout for

  • 12:38 How Fed rate cuts will affect M&A

  • 13:38 Financing M&A deals in a changing market

  • 15:22 Investor sentiment and the future of IPOs

  • 16:17 Impact of market volatility on corporate M&A

  • 17:12 Cross-border M&A: Lessons from Asia Pacific and Europe M&A Activity

  • 20:19 How to prepare for the heightened regulatory scrutiny

  • 21:43 Strategies for mitigating regulatory risks

  • 22:24 M&A insights from earnings calls

  • 23:53 Increased investment banking recruiting

  • 24:48 Practical takeaways for corporate M&A teams

  • 25:40 The future of M&A: Trends to watch in 2025

  • 28:13 Emerging sectors for 2025

  • 29:55 Craziest thing in M&A

 

Jan 6, 2025

Andrew Kelley III  -  VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9 ( NYSE: FIVN)

Achieving success in M&A requires more than identifying opportunities—it demands a thoughtful approach to relationship-building, thorough due diligence, and strategic alignment. Without these key elements, even well-intentioned deals risk falling short of their potential.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Kelley, VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of corporate development. From building strong relationships to prioritizing due diligence and leveraging emerging technology, Andrew provides actionable insights for driving successful deals. Learn how to overcome common pitfalls, foster alignment, and build a strategic M&A framework.

Things You Will Learn:

  • Strategies for building relationships and sourcing deals effectively

  • How to prioritize and execute efficient due diligence

  • Identifying and overcoming bid-ask spread challenges

  • The role of culture in deal success and integration

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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.

DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.

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Episode Timestamps:

4:13 Overview of Experience in Corporate Development
7:17 Foundational Skills for M&A Success
17:39 Efficiency and Prioritization in Due Diligence
22:00 The Role of Culture in Integration 
23:22 Green Flags in the Deal
27:12 Red Flags in the Deal
33:18 Predicting Actual Value
37:46 Key Players in Your Letter of Intent
41:01 Relationships in Corporate Development
44:46 Supporting Your Team While Holding Them Accountable
49:01 Dealing with Bid-Ask Spreads
54:35 Building External Relationships
1:08:22 Future of Corporate Development

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