Michael Savicki on Due Diligence During Mergers & Acquisitions [Podcast]

By Adam Turteltaub

Michael Savicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), best known as Amex GBT, knows the challenges and opportunities in merger’s and acquisitions. The company  recently completed the acquisition of CWT, a global business travel and meetings solutions provider.

In this podcast he shares their playbook for effective due diligence, born out of their experience and the heightened regulatory requirements that they face. Among the insight he provides:

• Integrate your efforts with the business unit’s and work cross-functionally
• Partner with finance and the commercial team
• Have a solution-oriented “yes and” mindset
• Be sure the due diligence process focuses on all the risks: legal, regulatory, operational and reputational

Perhaps most importantly: think beyond the transaction. Look to what the acquired entity will need post-acquisition. Embrace the technology that will help get you where you want to be, including AI, which can help spot emerging risks sooner, while freeing your team up to do more strategic work.