Tim Hall - Managing Partner and Founder, Brenton Point Capital

Tim brings 29 years of private equity experience to this conversation about what actually works in buy-and-build strategies. After launching Brenton Point in 2024 following a 20-year run at CI Capital Partners, where he completed 200+ acquisitions across 12 platforms, Tim breaks down the independent sponsor model and why integration—not just aggregation—is the real value driver. He walks through building platforms from scratch, the executive-first strategy for fragmented markets, and how standardized integration playbooks turn acquired companies into cohesive, high-performing businesses.

Things You'll Learn

• Why independent sponsors can outperform traditional PE funds through concentrated investments, longer hold periods, and direct alignment with management teams earning 15% equity upside versus the typical 10%

• The difference between roll-ups and consolidation and why integration excellence separates winning platforms from aggregated disasters

• How to build platforms from scratch

____________________

The Buyer-Led M&A™ Summit is back.
The virtual event built for dealmakers who want to eliminate chaos and take control from sourcing through integration.

📅 October 30, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET
💻 Free & Virtual

Learn from leaders who’ve built scalable, repeatable strategies that keep deals on track - Register now.

____________________
Today’s episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Grata!

Grata is the leading private market dealmaking platform. With its best-in-class AI workflows and investment-grade data, Grata helps investors, advisors, and strategic acquirers effortlessly discover, research, and connect with potential targets — all in one sleek, user-friendly interface.

Visit grata.com to learn more.

 __________________

Episode Chapters

[00:02:00] The GE Capital Training Ground – How Tim's early experience with expert networks shaped his approach to surrounding deals with industry advisors who invest alongside him

[00:04:30] Starting companies with zero revenue by hiring CEOs first, then building deal pipelines in fragmented industries like funeral services

[00:06:00] Why deal-by-deal capital raising enables longer hold periods, eliminates fund-driven decisions, and captures more value creation in the back half

[00:11:30] Finding and Aligning Operators – Sourcing executives through recruiting firms willing to co-invest, and structuring 15% management equity pools for maximum alignment

[00:22:00] Using buy-side search firms to validate thesis and create deal flow before platform acquisition, touching 2,000+ companies to close 200 deals

[00:27:00] Why acquiring is easy but integrating is hard, and how culture assessment, facility tours, and team retention determine success

[00:49:00] Hub, Spoke, and Route Strategy – Three acquisition types for platform building: regional hubs with management depth, spoke deals for synergies, and route buys for pure customer acquisition

[00:52:00] The 150-Point Integration Playbook 

[00:58:30] One-Page Strategic Plans – Keeping teams aligned on priorities from monthly goals to five-year vision with a single dense but powerful reference document

[01:04:00] The Herd Mentality Warning – How quickly industries go from undiscovered to overcrowded, and why being the 30th platform in a space means you're already too late

Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

Xavier Gury, Founding Partner at Wind

Xavier Gury, founding partner at Wind venture capital firm, brings a unique triple perspective to M&A: serial entrepreneur, acquisition target, and now investor. In this episode, Xavier unpacks the critical lessons from his three successful exits, including one transformative deal with Publicis, where he structured a performance-based earnout that prioritized terms over upfront valuation.

The conversation reveals why 90% of the deal value came through earnout performance, how to align teams during integration, and the strategic mistakes buyers make when acquiring founder-led companies. M&A professionals will learn practical frameworks for structuring deals that actually work post-close.

Things You'll Learn

• Why deal terms matter more than valuation – and how Xavier structured an earnout where only 10% was paid upfront
• The "yin yang" principle for balanced M&A deals that create value for both buyer and seller
• How to incentivize key employees during earnout periods to ensure alignment and execution success

_____________

Today’s episode of the M&A Science Podcast is brought to you by Grata!

Grata is the leading private market dealmaking platform. With its best-in-class AI workflows and investment-grade data, Grata helps investors, advisors, and strategic acquirers effortlessly discover, research, and connect with potential targets — all in one sleek, user-friendly interface.

Visit grata.com to learn more.

___________________

M&A Doesn't Have to Be So Painful 💔🥀 
Get Optimized with DealRoom

DealRoom helps corporate development teams take control—streamlining diligence, syncing integration, and eliminating the back-and-forth.

👉 Learn how you can run a repeatable, buyer-led process  

_____________

Episode Chapters

[00:02:00] Xavier's unconventional path from teaching AltaVista to founding startups

[00:08:30] How a 10-person company acquired a 100-person competitor during market consolidation

[00:14:00] Timing the Publicis Exit – Why selling to the "worst" digital player created the biggest value creation opportunity

[00:18:00] How market timing generated 5x vs 12x EBITDA multiples from different buyer types

[00:21:30] Breaking down the deal where upfront payment was only 10% of total value

[00:26:00] The equity strategy that made earnout management effortless

[00:31:00] The Yin Yang M&A Principle – Why balanced deals create 1+1=3 value instead of destroying it

[00:38:00] How VCs navigate the schizophrenic nature of investment lifecycle

[00:43:00] Terms vs Valuation Deep Dive

[00:47:00] The $50 Billion Mistake 


Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

Ryan Gable, Managing Partner, BW Forsyth Partners

Ryan discusses how his team uses a hybrid private equity model backed by Barry-Wehmiller to execute people-first, long-term acquisitions. With over 55 deals and zero exits, Forsyth has developed a sourcing and integration playbook that challenges traditional PE norms, focusing instead on trust, cultural alignment, and multi-decade value creation.

Ryan breaks down how to build relationships that convert to proprietary deal flow, structure rollover equity with flexibility, and align seller incentives for lasting outcomes.

Things you will learn:

• How to source proprietary deals by building trust with founders and prioritizing cultural fit

• Why Forsyth avoids traditional PE norms like over-leveraging and fixed exit timelines

• How they structure flexible equity rollovers and provide liquidity without needing to sell

Episode Chapters:

• [00:02:00] From Investment Banking to Building Forsyth with Barry-Wehmiller

• [00:07:00] Why Barry-Wehmiller Created a New Investment Arm Instead of Scaling Internally

• [00:10:00] The Hybrid Equity Model: Strategic Backing + PE Agility

• [00:14:30] Rollover Equity and How Forsyth Structures Flexible Liquidity

• [00:23:30] From Auction Fatigue to Sourcing Proprietary Deals

• [00:26:00] How Forsyth Builds Trust With Sellers (And Wins Deals Off-Market)

• [00:31:00] Why Founders Should Think About Selling Before They’re Ready to Retire

• [00:41:00] Structuring Earnouts that Sellers Actually Want to Hit

• [00:49:00] The “Less is More” Approach to Post-Close Integration

• [00:56:00] The Future of M&A: Return Expectations, Capital Saturation, and Deal Discipline
  
  

Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A

Ola Sars, Founder, CEO & Chairman of Soundtrack Your Brand

In this episode of M&A Science, Ola Sars shares the story of his 20-year journey disrupting the music industry—first by co-founding Beats Music (later acquired by Apple), and now as the visionary behind Soundtrack Your Brand. Ola dives into the bold thesis that’s guided his career, why he’s pursuing a buyer-led M&A approach to consolidate a fragmented background music market, and how he’s turning legacy customer bases into scalable SaaS revenue.

Things you will learn:

• How to turn a  product thesis into a long-term growth engine

• How Ola evaluates roll-up targets based on CAC and subscription quality

• What it takes to digitize a legacy industry with B2B SaaS

• Lessons from Beats Music, Apple, and Spotify on scaling and selling

______________________
This episode is sponsored by DealRoom! Turn your chaos into control.

Tired of chasing updates across spreadsheets and email threads? Discover how DealRoom helps corporate development teams bring order to M&A.
👉 Learn how you can run a repeatable, buyer-led process  

___________

Join Kison at the DealMakers Forum in New York City!
This event connects the most active players in M&A and corporate finance. Meet top M&A executives, investors, and deal advisors and discover how senior leaders structure and close high-value deals.

Register Today!
________________________

Episode Chapters

[00:01:00] Introduction & Background 

[00:03:30] Early Thesis in Music Digitization

[00:04:30] Building and Selling Pacemaker and Let’s Mix

[00:06:00] Founding Beats Music & Apple Acquisition

[00:14:00] Lessons from Integration

[00:18:30] Starting Soundtrack with Spotify

[00:25:00] Licensing Challenges & Global Scale 

[00:28:30] Organic vs Inorganic Growth 

[00:30:00] The Soundtrack M&A Playbook

[00:33:00] Convincing Sellers to Join the Platform

[00:36:00] How Licensing Negotiations Built M&A Muscle

[00:46:00] Looking Ahead 

Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

Rob Brown, CEO of Lincoln International

Explore how one of the world’s top M&A advisory firms scales through acquisition. Rob shares his leadership journey, reveals how Lincoln actively manages culture during growth, and explains why integration starts from Day 1. Rob and Kison also dive into cross-border M&A, the rise of buyer-led strategies, and how AI is transforming the deal process.

💡What You’ll Learn

• Why culture is the cornerstone of successful M&A growth

• How Lincoln approaches acquisitions differently in Europe vs. the U.S.

• How to assess cultural fit beyond leadership alignment

• How AI is driving efficiency and insight across Lincoln’s global platform

__________
Turn Your Chaos into Control:
Tired of chasing updates across spreadsheets and email threads? Discover how DealRoom helps corporate development teams bring order to M&A.

👉 Learn how you can run a repeatable, buyer-led process.

Episode Chapters

• [02:30] Rob’s journey from employee #7 to CEO of a global firm

• [05:00] How Lincoln defines and manages culture across global offices

• [07:00] Organic vs. inorganic growth and why culture drives both

• [10:30] Strategic approach to geographic expansion

• [12:00] Case study: Acquiring TCG to scale European tech advisory

• [16:00] Navigating cultural differences in U.S. vs. European deals

• [20:00] Lincoln’s capital structure as a private partnership

• [24:00] How to rigorously evaluate cultural fit in M&A

• [28:30] Day 1 integration tactics and why speed matters

• [31:00] The evolution of buyer-led M&A and Lincoln’s perspective

• [35:00] How sellers can prepare for a successful exit

• [47:30] How Lincoln uses AI (Link) to scale knowledge and efficiency

• [51:30] What’s next: AI-enabled prediction of buyer behavior

• [53:00] Craziest M&A story Rob’s experienced

Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

Paul Miller, CEO of Questex

Paul Miller joins us to share his extensive experience in M&A, having led more than 90 acquisitions throughout his career. Paul reveals how Questex uses a proactive, buyer-led approach focused on culture, strategic alignment, and integration discipline.

The conversation dives into the importance of early relationship-building with potential targets, auditing post-close success, and developing internal M&A capability—even when the team has no prior deal experience. Paul also shares candid advice on international deals, when to walk away, and how to avoid the common trap of "deal fever."

💡Things you will learn:

• Why cultural fit and people issues often make or break a deal

• How to proactively source and warm up acquisition targets

• What to include in your M&A integration playbook and audit process

• When and why to walk away from a deal—even post-LOI

Turn Your Chaos into Control:
Tired of chasing updates across spreadsheets and email threads? Discover how DealRoom helps corporate development teams bring order to M&A.

👉 Learn how you can run a repeatable, buyer-led process.

💡 Episode Chapters

Intro and Guest Background – 00:00:00
Biggest Lessons Learned from 90+ Acquisitions – 00:03:00
Proactive Buyer Outreach and Building Relationships Early – 00:04:00
Assessing Culture and People Fit in Target Companies – 00:13:00
How to Approach Founder-Led vs. Institutional Sellers – 00:10:30
Retaining or Replacing the CEO Post-Close – 00:17:00
Customer Diligence and Walking Away Post-LOI – 00:19:30
Developing a Structured, Data-Driven Deal Process – 00:25:00
Integration Playbook and Post-Close Audits – 00:31:00
Empowering the Full Exec Team to Source Deals – 00:37:30
The Importance of Learning by Doing in M&A – 00:32:30
Hardest Deal: Cultural Surprises in a China Acquisition – 00:42:00

Questions, comments, concerns?
Follow Kison Patel for behind-the-scenes insights on modern M&A.

 Michael Belluomini, Senior Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, Carson Group

Kison sits down with Michael Belluomini to unpack how Carson Group scaled its M&A strategy—shifting from internal partner investments to sourcing proprietary external deals at volume. Michael shares tactical insights into managing concurrent transactions, building a sourcing engine, and executing with precision. 

Things You’ll Learn:

• The differences between Buyer-Led and Seller-Led M&A—and when to use each
  
  

• How Carson Group built a scalable sourcing engine across multiple deal channels
  
  

• Strategies for managing 3–5 concurrent deals without burning out internal teams
  
  

• Why culture fit and trust are non-negotiables in M&A success

Episode Chapters

[00:01:00] Michael’s background in M&A and move to Carson Group

[00:05:30] Building equity partnerships with independent advisors

[00:07:00] Carson’s first external acquisition and shift to full ownership deals

[00:08:30] Sourcing strategies: banker-led vs. proprietary sourcing

[00:10:30] Key differences between internal and external M&A transactions

[00:12:00] The case for buyer-led M&A: process control and long-term outcomes

[00:17:30] How Carson builds proprietary pipeline using data, outreach, and coaching

[00:20:00] Structuring outreach and qualifying prospective sellers

[00:22:30] Building trust in the process and winning deals beyond valuation

[00:31:00] Integration strategy and Carson’s one-stage close model

[00:35:00] Managing 14 deals in one year with a lean team and specialized roles

[00:37:00] Why Carson adopted DealRoom to streamline pipeline and diligence

[00:41:00] How to reduce seller fatigue and coach through diligence

[00:44:00] Culture fit as a non-negotiable deal criterion

[00:50:00] The craziest thing Michael’s seen in a deal

[00:52:00] What sellers do after exiting—and why finding your “next” matters

Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO, Barry-Wehmiller
Kyle Chapman, President, Barry-Wehmiller

In this episode of M&A Science, Kison Patel sits down with Bob Chapman and his son Kyle Chapman to explore how Barry-Wehmiller built a $3.6B global business through 140+ acquisitions—by putting people first. Bob, known for pioneering the "Truly Human Leadership" philosophy, and Kyle, who co-founded BW Forsyth Partners, share how culture, transparency, and stewardship shape every deal they do.

They dive deep into how Barry-Wehmiller evolved from a broken family business into a global leader in capital equipment and engineering services—and why their approach to M&A prioritizes care for people over financial engineering. From pre-close transparency to post-close adoption, this episode is a masterclass in using M&A as a force for good.

Things You’ll Learn

• Why cultural alignment is more important than revenue synergies in M&A
  
  

• How “Truly Human Leadership” became a core differentiator in their acquisition strategy
  
  

• How to build a scalable M&A machine rooted in values, not just valuation
  
  

• Tactical guidance on structuring buyer-led deals with long-term success in mind
  
  

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Episode Chapters

1. [00:00:00] Introduction to the mission behind M&A Science
   
   

2. [00:01:30] Barry-Wehmiller’s origin story and early business model
   
   

3. [00:07:00] Pivot to M&A as a growth strategy after financial struggles
   
   

4. [00:10:00] Use of EVA (Economic Value Added) in valuation of private company equity
   
   

5. [00:14:00] Building a strategic advantage through people-first culture
   
   

6. [00:21:00] Cultural assimilation during acquisitions and why legacy matters
   
   

7. [00:27:00] Tactical integration planning with transparency from day one
   
   

8. [00:30:00] The evolution from distressed to underperforming acquisitions
   
   

9. [00:36:00] Why Barry-Wehmiller doesn’t rely on cultural due diligence
   
   

10. [00:44:00] Advice for first-time acquirers—what to look for and avoid
    
    

11. [00:51:00] Kyle’s journey from private equity to leading Barry-Wehmiller
    
    

[00:54:00] The future vision for Barry-Wehmiller and global impact

 Ron “Omani” Carson, Founder and Chairman at Carson Group | Founder of Omya

We sit down with Ron “Omani” Carson, founder of Carson Group, for a wide-ranging conversation about transformation—both professional and personal. From launching a financial services firm out of a college dorm room to building a national platform with over $30 billion in assets under management, Omani shares the gritty beginnings, his early lessons in love affair marketing and systemization, and why his first M&A deal nearly broke him.

But the real story unfolds around age 50, when Omani underwent a profound mindset shift—from fear and scarcity to love and abundance. This new lens on leadership reshaped Carson Group’s culture, unlocked purpose-driven M&A, and set the stage for launching Omya, his newest venture focused on helping entrepreneurs align joy, legacy, and impact.

This episode is more than M&A—it’s a masterclass in reinvention, authentic leadership, and building businesses that matter.

Things you will learn:

• How to scale a firm through systemization and “love affair” client marketing
  
  

• What went wrong in Carson Group’s first M&A deal—and how they rebounded
  
  

• How trauma and personal evolution can drive professional reinvention
  
  

• What “conscious capitalism” looks like in a modern financial firm
  
  

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[00:01:00] Dorm room origins and cold-calling farmers in Nebraska

[00:07:00] Early success, burnout, and chasing money without fulfillment

[00:10:30] Love affair marketing, process systemization, and client growth

[00:18:00] Lessons from their first M&A deal: culture clash, team turnover, missed red flags

[00:23:30] Partner program and minority investments: a better M&A model

[00:27:00] Personal transformation at age 50 and the birth of “Omani”

[00:35:00] Embracing spirituality, mental wellness, and psychedelic therapy

[00:40:00] Impact investing, farming regeneration, and the trillion-dollar goal

[00:46:00] How Carson’s culture shifted—and made M&A better

[00:51:00] 7-day water fasts, health optimization, and living life with intention

[00:55:00] The craziest M&A moment: the painful first acquisition

Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Global Private Equity Practice, Bain & Company

In this episode of M&A Science, Hugh MacArthur joins us to discuss the evolution of private equity over the last three decades—from the early days of deal-making and bespoke financing to today’s hyper-competitive, tech-driven landscape.

Hugh shares how Bain’s private equity practice scaled from an entrepreneurial idea to one-third of the firm's global business and dives into what differentiates top-performing firms. We  explore sourcing strategies, value levers, post-acquisition success, and how PE firms are adapting to rising interest rates and new technologies like AI.

Things you will learn:

• How Bain & Company built and scaled its private equity practice from scratch
  
  

• The shift from margin improvement to growth-oriented value creation strategies
  
  

• How private equity firms are evolving sourcing and financing models
  
  

• The future of deal execution using AI and specialized data tools
  
  

  _______________

  What is the Buyer-Led M&A™ Virtual Summit

  This isn’t just another webinar—it’s an interactive experience designed to give you the tools and strategies to lead your M&A deals with confidence. This half-day event brings together corporate development leaders and M&A experts to explore Buyer-Led M&A™, showing how you can take control of every stage of the deal.
  
  Register Now: DealRoom.net/summit

  ________
  This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.  The World’s Most Intuitive Virtual Data Room With AI Contract Analysis No Per-Page Fees. No B.S. Just Smarter, Faster Deals.

  Get started with your free trial today!
  ________

  
  
  

Episode Chapters:

[00:01:30] – Hugh’s background and the founding of Bain’s PE practice

[00:03:00] – Evolution from buyouts to a broad private assets approach

[00:04:30] – Bain’s entrepreneurial origins in private equity

[00:07:00] – Commercial due diligence: Bain’s unique differentiator

[00:12:30] – Market valuation trends and EBITDA multiples over 30 years

[00:14:30] – Industry sector evolution: from industrials to tech and healthcare

[00:20:00] – The impact of software and growth on value creation

[00:22:30] – Changes in deal sourcing: proprietary to competitive

[00:24:30] – Rise of private credit and changes in deal structuring

[00:29:30] – Value creation strategies: growth vs. cost-cutting

[00:33:00] – Buy-and-build strategies and integration challenges

[00:55:00] – Role of AI and advanced analytics in deal execution

[01:00:00] – Growth of private markets and increased retail access

[01:04:00] – Common mistakes PE firms make during acquisitions

Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell

When a company is struggling financially, M&A can be a lifeline—but navigating distressed deals is a whole different game. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, breaks down how Chapter 11 bankruptcy, 363 sales, and creditor negotiations come into play when businesses are in distress.

Mimi has worked on some of the biggest restructuring cases, including FTX and Silicon Valley Bank, and she’s here to explain how distressed M&A really works—without the legal jargon. Whether you’re an investor, a corporate executive, or just curious about how companies handle financial trouble, this episode is packed with insights.

Things you will learn:

• What is Chapter 11? – How bankruptcy protects businesses and gives them time to reorganize

•  The Power of a 363 Sale – Why buyers love these deals and how they can acquire assets “free and clear”

•  Negotiating with Creditors – What happens when companies can’t pay their debts, and the options they have

• Finding Deals in Bankruptcy – How investors and buyers can identify distressed M&A opportunities before they hit the auction stage

______________

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 DealRooms proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

Trailer Timestamps:

• [00:03:01] – What is Distressed M&A? Key Differences from Traditional M&A

• [00:05:32] – Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: How It Works and When to Use It

• [00:06:30] – 363 Asset Sales: Selling a Business in Bankruptcy

• [00:09:11] – Why Companies File for Bankruptcy: Common Triggers

• [00:10:36] – The Automatic Stay: Protecting Companies During Bankruptcy

• [00:14:00] – Alternatives to Bankruptcy: Negotiating with Creditors & Raising Capital

• [00:18:30] – How the Bankruptcy Sale Process Works: Auctions & Market Checks

• [00:20:41] – Credit Bidding & How Creditors Influence the Sale

• [00:24:02] – The 363 Auction Process: How Bidding Works

• [00:26:39] – Stalking Horse Bids: What They Are & How They Work

• [00:29:30] – How Sale Proceeds Are Distributed Among Creditors

• [00:33:00] – Case Study: Carrier & Ketafenol Bankruptcy Sale

• [00:39:35] – Finding Distressed M&A Opportunities: Buyer Strategies

• [00:42:00] – The Craziest Thing Mimi in Distressed M&A

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

*******************

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.

*******************

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

Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII)

M&A integration is notoriously challenging—cultural misalignment, disengaged leaders, and high turnover often derail even the best-laid plans. How do you overcome these obstacles and ensure a seamless integration that drives long-term success?

In this episode, Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries, shares his proven playbook for mastering M&A integration through leadership development and cultural alignment.

Things you will learn:

• Correlating culture metrics with financial performance 

• Investing in leadership development for a stronger frontline

• Proactive culture development for new team members

• Exploring AI to enhance customer service

• Identifying strong leadership during diligence

*******************

This episode is sponsored by S&P Global. S&P Global Market Intelligence has private companies covered. Whether you’re looking for your next investment or M&A target,  conducting peer comparisons, assessing counterparty credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Streamline your acquisitions, from sourcing to integration, for smarter, more strategic deal-making that drives growth and value. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

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Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

07:37 Evolving from seller-led to buyer-led M&A strategies

10:43 Capital allocation and acquisition strategy in a public company

13:08 Defining and measuring company culture through core values

15:56 Culture as a driver of value in M&A integration

19:50 Assessing and transforming culture in M&A pre-LOI

21:45 Leveraging culture as a competitive advantage post-LOI

22:52 Building a playbook for culture and leadership integration

25:25 Fostering personal and professional growth plans for employees

33:23 Measuring success through culture and leadership metrics

37:30 Using culture to build trust and drive post-acquisition success

40:31 Correlating culture metrics with financial performance

42:14 Proactive culture development for new team members

43:53 Identifying strong leadership

Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group

Many M&A deals fail to deliver their promised value due to gaps in deal sourcing, diligence, and integration. Without a clear strategy and the right tools, even the best opportunities can turn into liabilities. 

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, hear all the expert insights from Adam Coffey, Founding Partner at The Chairman Group, on how to source the right targets, structure deals for sustainability, and integrate acquisitions seamlessly. Get your blueprint for building an empire through strategic M&A.

Things you will learn:

• How to find and close proprietary deals for business growth

• Building relationships and effective outreach strategies

• Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth

• Mastering integration and building M&A expertise through experience

• Strategic exit points and the value of partnering for growth

*******************

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.

*******************

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:13 How to find and close proprietary deals for business growth

10:28 Building relationships and effective outreach strategies

23:14 Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth

28:34 Mastering integration and building M&A expertise through experience

35:01 Strategic exit points and the value of partnering for growth

45:20 How to perform diligence on private equity buyers as a seller

48:23 Craziest thing in M&A

Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group

Scaling a business from good to great often feels like an uphill battle. Organic growth alone can be painfully slow, leaving you far from achieving your dream of building an empire. But how do you supercharge growth without losing control or falling into costly traps? Building an empire takes more than just passion—it requires a clear, strategic playbook.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group, shares his proven framework for transforming businesses into empires, from meticulous buyer-led diligence to flawless integration strategies. 

Things you will learn:

• The framework for building a resilient and profitable business empire

• The strategic role of software in scaling M&A operations

• The power of buy and build for exponential business growth

• Building relationships and effective outreach strategies

• Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth

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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.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom's BI Reporting tool.  DealRoom's BI Reporting tool revolutionizes M&A reporting with real-time, interactive data management. Utilize Looker BI to customize, automate, and export detailed M&A lifecycle reports, enhancing strategic decision-making. For more details, check out the DealRoom BI Reporting page.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:09 Simplifying business growth and private equity for everyone

11:48 The framework for building a resilient and profitable business empire

19:11 The strategic role of software in scaling M&A operations

24:11 Building a scalable business through smart acquisitions

30:00 The power of buy and build for exponential business growth

39:23 Strategically structuring growth and valuation for maximum exit potential

Art Papas, CEO at Bullhorn

Growth through M&A is about strategy, timing, and bold leadership. The stakes are high, but the rewards are transformative for those who get it right. In this episode, Art Papas, CEO of Bullhorn, shares his journey from tech founder to M&A leader, and how he turned acquisitions into engines of growth. 

Things you will learn:

• The role evolution from tech lead to CEO

• The case for buyer-led M&A

• Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities

• Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship

• Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions

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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.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:29 The role evolution from tech lead to CEO

10:21 Lessons in Discipline and Growth

16:27 The case for buyer-led M&A - We were buyer-led

20:30 Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities

25:27 Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship

31:30 Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions

32:31 The right way to integrate acquired businesses

40:22 Ensuring smooth M&A integration through detailed planning

43:48 Integration and risk planning post-LOI

46:07 Best practices for handling overlapping products in M&A

49:53 First M&A deal with Vista

54:14 Evaluating deal timing and product-market fit early

55:32 Staying close to core competencies in M&A

58:55 Expanding internationally with organic growth and M&A

1:00:43 Building relationships in early M&A conversations

1:02:14 Craziest thing in M&A

Avinash Patel, Partner at PJT Partners (NYSE: PJT)

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Investment bankers aren't always seen as trusted advisors; some see them as deal-pushers, prioritizing fees over friendships. The skepticism is fair, but many miss the point of what they actually bring to the table. 

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In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Avinash Patel, Partner at PJT Partners, offers an insider’s view on what investment bankers really do in M&A, from guiding strategic vision to wielding influence in complex transactions.

Things you will learn:

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• Why investment bankers face a reputation challenge

• Building influence and shaping strategy through relationship investment

• Working with public vs. private companies as an investment banker

• Evaluating the right private equity partner

• Finding the right advisory partnership

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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global. S&P Global Market Intelligence has private companies covered. Whether you’re looking for your next investment or M&A target,  conducting peer comparisons, assessing counterparty credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:37 Why investment bankers face a reputation challenge

13:29 The role of investment bankers

17:21 Building influence and shaping strategy through relationship investment

21:36 Tailor advice and introductions for big-company impact

23:31 Example of companies turning strategic advice into growth

30:08 Working with public vs. private companies

32:21 Role play: Scaling through organic growth and strategic acquisitions

44:19 Leveraging investment bankers to identify strategic carve-out opportunities

48:29 Building selective PE relationships for carve-out deals

50:54 Evaluating the right private equity partner - willing to answer

55:47 The importance of buyer-led M&A integration planning

1:06:29 Finding the right advisory partnership

1:08:18 Craziest thing in M&A

Yogesh Gupta, President and CEO at Progress Software

In M&A, closing the deal is just the beginning. The true measure of success comes from effective execution post-close. Mastering this phase demands transparent leadership and strategic agility—qualities that can significantly influence whether an acquisition thrives or flounders.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Yogesh Gupta, President and CEO of Progress Software, explores how clear leadership and adaptable strategies are pivotal for M&A success. He shares insights into building a strong foundation and ensuring seamless integration, even before the deal is inked. 

Things you will learn:

• Crafting a clear and actionable M&A strategy

• Establishing leadership and building a foundation before pursuing M&A

• Strategic AI integration

• Ensuring fit and managing integration risk at the LOI stage

• Balancing objectivity and cultural fit in M&A decision-making

*Bonus Mini Interview: The Evolving Landscape of M&A Data with Jack Glazebrook, VP and Head of North America Sales and Account Management for Corporates at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Today, data is everything, and the M&A industry is no different. Professionals must learn to harness and utilize the power of technology and data to increase efficiency.

In this mini interview, Jack Glazebrook, VP and Head of North America Sales and Account Management for Corporates at S&P Global Market Intelligence, discusses the evolving landscape of M&A data and how it impacts M&A professionals.

Things you will learn:

• Embracing AI for Enhanced Efficiency

• Leveraging Alternative Data Sources

• Utilizing Capital IQ Pro

• Accessing Private Company Data

• Workflow Efficiency through Technology

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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global. S&P Global Market Intelligence has private companies covered. Whether you’re looking for your next investment or M&A target,  conducting peer comparisons, assessing counterparty credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:52 The reality of being a CEO in a publicly-traded company

12:29 Crafting a clear and actionable M&A strategy

15:21 Conducting diligence and understanding the business in the first 90 days

18:22 Establishing leadership and building a foundation before pursuing M&A

24:05 How the strategy evolved

25:05 Strategic AI integration

28:27 Executing successful M&A deals

30:51 Ensuring fit and managing integration risk at the LOI stage

34:26 Balancing objectivity and cultural fit in M&A decision-making

38:42 Building trust through transparency in M&A relationships

40:25 Influencing a sale by building long-term relationships

43:10 Maintaining valuation discipline in acquisition negotiations

45:31 Managing transparent employee communication

51:12 Staying agile to overcome integration challenges in M&A

54:33 Craziest thing in M&A

55:58  Bonus Interview with Jack Blazebrook: The Evolving Landscape of M&A Data 

Dr. Tianyi Jiang, CEO at AvePoint

Raising capital is only half the battle. The real challenge is fostering strong relationships with investors while ensuring your business continues to grow. It’s easy to focus on securing funds, but investors look for more than just short-term returns. Without that clarity, it’s harder to build lasting trust and keep things moving forward.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Tianyi Jiang, CEO at AvePoint, explains how to navigate investor relations and capital raising for sustainable growth.

Things you will learn:

• Engineering discipline in M&A

• Lessons in driving growth through organic and inorganic strategies 

• Building a strong distribution network

• Balancing primary and secondary capital

• Capital advantages of going public

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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.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:53 Engineering discipline in M&A

07:08 Lessons in driving growth through organic and inorganic strategies

11:37 Building a strong distribution network

13:36 The importance of strategic capital raising for long-term growth

17:41 How to recapitalize and scale without losing control

20:30 Structuring a recap

22:11 Balancing primary and secondary capital

24:32 Maintaining control and avoiding founder dilution

28:42 Maximizing returns while retaining control

30:14 How going public challenges companies to maintain discipline and long-term focus

34:20 Capital advantages of going public

36:46 Structuring acquisitions and aligning acquirer and founder interests

40:20 Strategic capital allocation to drive growth

42:29 Key advice for growing, raising capital, and allocating resources

45:30 Craziest thing in M&A

Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta

The M&A process is notoriously tricky—everyone loves talking about getting the deal done, but few focus on the real work that comes after. Integration, valuation shifts, and cultural alignment often prove to be the biggest roadblocks to a successful acquisition. How do you avoid the common pitfalls that derail so many deals post-close?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta,  shares his expert strategies on executing successful M&A.

Things you will learn:

• Sourcing unbounded deals

• Driving accountability for successful integration

• Building consistency and early integration

• Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO

• How to maintain a consistent people experience

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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.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:38 Discovering unbounded deal opportunities

09:00 Sourcing unbounded deals 

13:21 Deal execution lessons: Adapting M&A strategy based on business growth

15:22 Driving accountability for successful integration

17:34 Building consistency and early integration

20:28 Working with the CEO

22:08 Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO

24:01 Cultural challenges of international deals

27:42 Creating a positive people experience in M&A

31:04 How to maintain a consistent people experience

35:22 Balancing cultural integration

37:30 Mapping international growth in venture markets

39:18 Key tips for transitioning from domestic to international M&A

41:20 Navigating valuations and stakeholder interests in deal negotiations

43:29 Aligning non-price factors in M&A - Come back to culture

44:17 Craziest Thing in M&A

Todd Henrich, SVP Head of Corporate Development at Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG)

Today's M&A market conditions are volatile, regulatory scrutiny is high, and the pressure to find value is greater than ever. The risks of entering a deal without a firm understanding of today’s market dynamics have never been more pronounced. How do you ensure your strategic acquisitions stay on course?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we explore the best practices for executing strategic M&A in today's market with Todd Henrich, SVP Head of Corporate Development at Booking Holdings.

Things you will learn:

• The ripple effects of regulatory overreach on M&A and investment

• Shaping strategy through M&A setbacks

• Using M&A as a tool, not a strategy

• How global regulatory collaboration is impacting M&A activity

• Key targets and red flags when building an investment thesis

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

05:02 The impact of changing regulations on M&A deals

08:01 The ripple effects of regulatory overreach on M&A and investment

11:40 Shaping strategy through M&A setbacks

12:49 Using M&A as a tool, not a strategy

15:59 How global regulatory collaboration is impacting M&A activity

18:13 Adapting to regulatory rules

19:21 Ensuring strategic alignment and long-term value in M&A

22:49 Sourcing deals

23:38 The Rocketmiles acquisition success story

26:48 Key targets and red flags when building an investment thesis

30:16 The AI hype

31:38 Managing the hidden costs of M&A

36:08 The importance of an integration team in M&A success

37:39 Balancing valuation and integration costs in M&A

39:19 Other reasons deals can go awry

43:39 Key lessons in M&A: Doing deals that matter

46:59 Handling surprises in M&A deals

53:21 The importance of buyer-led M&A processes for long-term success

55:09 Craziest Thing in M&A

Charles Webb, Lead Antitrust Counsel at FedEx (NYSE: FDX)

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, everyone loves to talk about synergies, growth, and market share. However, these enticing prospects can quickly dim if regulatory compliance risks are overlooked. While not the most glamorous aspect of M&A, compliance forms the bedrock that ensures deals are legally sound and smoothly executed.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Charles Webb, Lead Antitrust Counsel at FedEx, discusses how to manage regulatory compliance risks in M&A.

Things you will learn:

• Different types of regulatory compliance risks in M&A

• Applicability of antitrust framework to companies

• The evolution of antitrust laws

• The importance of avoiding Gun Jumping

• Increased aggressiveness of antitrust regulators

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:40 Different types of regulatory compliance risks in M&A

14:41 Applicability of antitrust framework to companies

20:47 Impact of HSR filing on the deal timeline

22:43 What does the HSR form look like?

24:56 How to land the narrative in a merger

28:25 The Origins of the Sherman Act

29:47 The Magna Carta of Free Enterprise

30:03 Fast forward 1914

30:36 Amendments and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act

31:33 The evolution of antitrust laws

33:47 Risks during the waiting period

39:33 The importance of avoiding Gun Jumping

42:22 Best practices for internal communication during a deal

44:01 Understanding deal review risk in advance

46:11 What happens if a deal is rejected?

50:11 Increased aggressiveness of antitrust regulators

51:41 Real consequences for gun jumping

53:05 Balancing integration planning with gun jumping risks

57:43 The key to preparing for regulatory compliance

58:52 Craziest Thing in M&A

Henry Ward, CEO and Co-founder at Carta

 M&A has become a critical tool for companies to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing market. But success in acquisitions now requires more than just speed—it demands a strategic approach that aligns with long-term goals and adapts to industry shifts.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Henry Ward, CEO and Co-founder of Carta, shares his insights on how businesses can refine their M&A strategies to thrive in an evolving corporate landscape.

Things you will learn:

• Building the case for actionability

• How to convince founders to sell

• Valuing high-growth companies

• Bounded vs. unbounded acquisitions

• Balancing disciplined acquisitions with opportunistic ventures

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:30 First failed acquisition story

09:13 Lessons learned during early deals

14:06 Building the case for actionability

16:31 Convincing founders to sell

26:06 Valuing high-growth companies

28:26 Bridging valuation gaps

31:48 Acquihires and product tuck-ins

35:39 Bounded vs. unbounded acquisitions

40:40 Lessons from unbounded M&A deals

44:22 Strategic capital allocation

46:33 Evaluating pipelines and allocating resources

48:10 How to make successful Corp Dev team and CEO relationships

50:25 Integration expectations from stakeholders

53:31 Thoughts on international expansion

56:02 Craziest thing in M&A

Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations and Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF)

Too often in M&A, diligence and integration operate in separate lanes. Diligence focuses on uncovering risks, while integration is left scrambling to make everything fit once the ink is dry. It’s a classic case of working in silos, and it’s leaving value on the table. But there's a way to break down those barriers from the start.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf, and Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations, show us how to transform these silos into synergy by aligning diligence and integration from day one.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy

• Synchronizing diligence and integration planning

• The importance of integration-led diligence

• Building and refining the integration thesis

• Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan

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This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:46 Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy

06:21 Synchronizing diligence and integration planning

09:12 The importance of integration-led diligence

10:25 Early integration planning pre-LOI

13:05 Building and refining the integration thesis

15:58 Balancing due diligence and integration

19:10 Building confidence in early integration planning

21:53 Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan

24:48 Measuring success from diligence to integration

27:44 Balancing aggressive integration goals with realistic expectations

29:59 Balancing AI hype with core business strategy in M&A pipelines

32:04 Best practices for evaluating intangible factors in an acquisition

33:52 Craziest thing in M&A

Jann Lau, Senior Director, Corporate Development at PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL)

A well-crafted deal thesis is the cornerstone of any successful M&A transaction. It outlines the strategic rationale and anticipated value creation from the acquisition. However, a strong thesis alone isn't enough. To ensure the deal delivers on its promise, it's crucial to rigorously validate its assumptions and projections.

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jann Lau, Senior Director of Corporate Development at PayPal, shares key strategies for validating the deal thesis and mitigating risks associated with M&A.

Things you will learn:

• The importance of validating the deal thesis

• The risks of rushing M&A deals without proper alignment

• How to effectively validate a deal thesis

• Who takes the blame in corporate development for a bad deal?

• Other ways to streamline the M&A process

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This episode is sponsored by Spearhead Corp Dev, a leading buy-side advisory firm. Spearhead combines traditional deal origination and advisory with advanced AI to help corporations and mid-market PE firms find and close more off-market deals with certainty. Their approach supercharges proprietary deal flow, providing a greater choice of opportunities. Elevate your deal sourcing by visiting spearheadcorpdev.com.

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal. 

Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:36 The Yahoo! acquisition

09:27 The importance of validating the deal thesis

13:42 The risks of rushing M&A deals without proper alignment

16:25 How to effectively validate a deal thesis

20:55 Example on how to effectively validate a deal thesis

26:29 Risks of not validating the deal thesis

29:42 Crafting a deal thesis 

33:31 Pitching the deal thesis

36:38 Integration as a deal driver

39:47 Who takes the blame in corporate development for a bad deal?

40:53 Key questions to nail down your deal thesis

42:09 Balancing gut instinct and stakeholder buy-in in M&A decisions

44:20 Lessons from deal surprises

46:13 When to walk away from a deal

48:16 Other ways to streamline the M&A process

50:34 Craziest thing in M&A