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M&A Science

Kison Patelwww.mascience.com
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

Episodes

How to Bridge Valuation Gaps in M&A

John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates In M&A, it’s very common for buyers and sellers to disagree on the value of the business. If both parties cannot agree on the price, the deal could fall apart. However there are certain strategies and tools that both parties can use to compromise and be happy during closing. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates, shares best practices on how to bridge valuation gaps in M&A. Things you will learn in ...

Feb 14, 202455 minEp. 280

Transforming Existing Staff into M&A Experts

In the dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), creating an effective team is crucial for success. This process can be complex and demanding, but also immensely rewarding. After all, having an internal team means having the capability of acquiring companies in the future, rather than treating M&A as a one-time event. In this episode, Birgitta Elfversson, Non-Executive Director at Netlight , shares her experience in transforming existing staff into M&A experts. Things you will learn from ...

Feb 12, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 279

Negotiating Cross Border M&A

Jake Lin, Head of Corporate Development at Xendit Navigating cross border M&A is one of the most challenging tasks for deal makers. There are a lot of intricacies involved that are unique to each country, and must be handled delicately. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jake Lin, Head of Corporate Development at Xendit, shares his best practices when executing cross border M&A, particularly in South East Asia. Things you will learn: Biggest challenge in Cross Border M&A Language barrie...

Feb 07, 202434 minEp. 278

Achieving Business Growth Through Strategic M&A

Yoav Zeif, CEO at Stratasys In today’s competitive global market, organizations need to leverage every tool in their arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. One of the best ways to do this is strategic M&A. With the right approach, M&A can drive significant growth, unlock fresh opportunities, and expedite the achievement of strategic business goals. In this article, Yoav Zeif, CEO at Stratasys, shares his experience on achieving business growth through strategic M&A. Things you will learn in this ep...

Feb 05, 202446 minEp. 277

The Challenges of Sell-Side M&A

Russ Heddleston , Co-founder & former CEO, DocSend Every owner loves their business. This makes selling their company even harder than it already is. But aside from the emotional turmoil that founders go through every exit, there are also a lot of intricacies included in the process. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Russ Heddleston, Co-founder & former CEO of DocSend, discusses the challenges of sell-side M&A. Things you will also learn in this episode: Considerations in Potentially S...

Jan 31, 202456 minEp. 276

Pros and Cons for a Growth Company to Take PE Capital

Jason Mironov, Managing Director at TA Associates Partnering with PE firms is a great way to exponentially grow a business and reach new heights. However, there are considerations that must be taken into account, before taking PE capital. Fully understanding them will increase chances of success, in the attempt to unlock the full potential of the business. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Jason Mironov, Managing Director at TA Associates, discusses the pros and cons of taking PE capit...

Jan 29, 20241 hr 25 minEp. 275

Selling a Small Business Unit

Michael Frankel, Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital When times are good, big companies tend to ignore their smaller business units, as they operate smoothly on their own. It is only when the economy gets tough that these little businesses get more attention, and often seen as off-strategy or a distraction. That's when the company's leaders decide it's time to sell them, which is not ideal, as the business is no longer in their prime, making it harder to sell. In this episode of M...

Jan 24, 202453 minEp. 274

How to Create a Positive Exit Experience in M&A

Swapnil Shinde, CEO at Zeni Selling your business is never easy. Aside from the emotional stress that it provides, it can also be detrimental to the business if it's sold to the wrong company. Oftentimes, during the process, it can also serve as a massive distraction to the operations, harming the business in the process. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to create a positive exit experience in M&A with Swapnil Shinde, CEO at Zeni. Things you will learn: • Reasons f...

Jan 22, 202454 minEp. 273

Realizing Revenue Synergies in M&A

Chris Von Bogdandy , Global Lead M&A Solutions at Slalom Revenue synergies are why you’re doing the deal in the first place. But unlike cost synergies that happen instantly, revenue synergies are more difficult to achieve and often go unrealized. One of the biggest problems in M&A is that when a company pursues a deal, different departments have varying perspectives on what's essential. So how do you maintain the deal thesis as a central focus? In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Chris V...

Jan 15, 202451 minEp. 272

Focusing on ESG in M&A

Casey Nault , Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief ESG Officer at Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE: CDE ) ESG in M&A is very real. And while it is a fairly new term, it represents a range of critical issues and priorities that companies have long considered. In many ways, ESG has always been important and is essential for risk management and maintaining company value, even for for-profit organizations. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to focus on ESG in M&A, fe...

Jan 08, 202449 minEp. 271

How Not to Bomb Your First M&A Deal

Brock Blake , Co-Founder and CEO at Lendio M&A is a never-ending web of complexities and challenges. While the potential for growth and transformation is promising, the chances of failure are extremely high. To increase chances of success, acquirers must learn how to be adaptable and work with the target company for alignment. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Brock Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of Lendio, shares their approach on how not to bomb your first M&A deal. You will learn: • How ...

Jan 01, 202445 minEp. 270

The Basics of M&A Integration Execution

Aaron Whiting , Chief of Staff at Crownpeak Value creation in any acquisition relies heavily on how well the M&A integration goes. By focusing on integration, buyers can increase their chances of success in obtaining and realizing their intended synergies. But how well can it go if the company’s integration lead is a first-timer? In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Learn the basics of M&A integration execution, with Aaron Whiting, Chief of Staff at Crownpeak. You will learn: How to coach...

Dec 25, 20231 hr 14 minEp. 269

ChatGPT Interview: AI's Impact on M&A

ChatGPT Voice , powered by OpenAI . This past year, AI has revolutionized the way we do things, and ChatGPT has been a big part of that. Created by OpenAI, ChatGPT can understand and use language like a human, making it extremely useful in a lot of different areas. And now, we can actually talk to it. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we are introducing our first-ever ChatGPT interview. We are going to learn its insights on AI’s impact on the world of M&A. You will learn more about: AI...

Dec 20, 202347 minEp. 268

Automation in M&A

Dr. Karl-Michael Popp , Senior Director, Corporate Development at SAP (FRA: SAP) In today's digital era, the pervasive influence of technology is felt in every facet of business, and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are no different. The arrival of innovation and automation will soon make their way to the industry, streamlining processes that could bolster productivity and facilitate smoother post-merger integration. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Karl Michael Popp, Senior Directo...

Dec 18, 202344 minEp. 267

Executing Smaller Deals and Negotiating Key Legal Provisions

Anthony Krueger , Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP M&A comes in varying sizes. However, there’s a common misconception that smaller deals are easier to execute than larger ones. The truth is, that smaller deals come with their own unique set of challenges that could possibly make them even harder to do. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Anthony Krueger, Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP, debunks this myth and discusses how to execute smaller deals and negotiate key legal provisi...

Dec 11, 202348 minEp. 266

The Intricacies of M&A from Start to Finish

Rajive Dhar , VP, Head of Corporate Development at NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) For first-time acquirers, M&A can be challenging, as it comes with strenuous processes with many complexities that can turn the dream into a nightmare. However, with proper guidance, acquirers can have a smooth transaction and an amicable negotiation. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast. We discuss the intricacies of M&A from start to finish with Rajive Dhar, VP, Head of Corporate Development at NetApp, to help us na...

Dec 04, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 265

M&A Surprises and Horror Stories

Jim Ackerman , recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex ; Steve Coghlan , Semi-recent Vice President of Corporate Development at Flex . Every deal is different, which means each and everyone will present unique challenges that teams have to overcome. Especially when dealing with smaller companies. There is no such thing as a perfect deal. However, with the right mindset and approach, deals can still close and bring value to both parties involved. In this episode of the M&A Science ...

Nov 27, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 264

How Positive Relationships Can Drive Success in M&A

Nicole Markowski , Manager and Corporate Development at Wipfli LLP More than the numbers, relationships can make or break a deal. Regardless of the deal rationale, strong, trusting connections between parties can lead to smoother negotiations, clearer communication, and a greater likelihood of mutual satisfaction in the end result. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Nicole Markowski, Manager and Corporate Development at Wipfli LLP, delves into the importance of cultivating positive rela...

Nov 20, 202352 minEp. 263

M&A from a CFO’s Perspective Session 2

Samuel Wilson , Chief Executive Officer at 8x8 (NASDAQ: EGHT) In the grand scheme of things, every M&A must make financial sense. Whether it’s cutting cost, increasing revenue, or achieving operational efficiencies, it all boils down to the numbers. After all, every company’s main goal is to grow and increase profit for its shareholders. It is why the Chief Financial Officers play an integral role in M&A. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective, f...

Nov 13, 202348 minEp. 262

M&A from a CFO’s Perspective Session 1

David Barnes , Chief Financial Officer at Trimble Inc . (NASDAQ:TRMB) Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of strategic ventures. Beyond their traditional financial responsibilities, these financial architects hold the key to unlocking the full potential of mergers and acquisitions. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we explore M&A from a CFO’s perspective with David Barnes, Chief Financial Officer at Trimble Inc. ___________________________________...

Nov 06, 202346 minEp. 261

The Big Shift from Corporate Development to Private Equity

Joe Metzger , Managing Director at 777 Partners Navigating a career shift can be a transformative experience, unlocking new opportunities and challenges. For Joe Metzger, Managing Director at 777 Partners, diving into the world of private equity was an exciting path to explore. It's a chance to grow expertise, collaborate with diverse entities, and embrace strategic growth. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe shares his amazing journey shifting from corporate development to private e...

Oct 30, 202340 minEp. 260

Integration Strategies in M&A Part 2

Chris Evans , Experienced M&A Leader | former Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd , Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | former Head of Integration for AWS . (NASDAQ: AMZN) Change management is one of the most crucial aspects of M&A. While integration involves multiple facets, from supply chains to customers, change management is solely focused on the employees. This can make or break a deal, as employee retention is one of the main ingre...

Oct 23, 202338 minEp. 259

Integration Strategies in M&A Part 1

Chris Evans , Experienced M&A Leader | former head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd , Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | former Head of Integration for AWS . (NASDAQ: AMZN) In the complex world of M&A, the difference between a successful deal and a failed one often hinges on integration. Proper integration, driven by a harmonious fusion of strategy and execution, ensures that the merging entities can effectively combine their strengths an...

Oct 16, 202352 minEp. 258

Executing M&A in Healthcare

Roy Schoenberg , President & Co-CEO at Amwell - American Well Corporation (NYSE:AMWL) The healthcare industry is a complex and rigid space where change is often rejected. Any evolution in this sector not only signifies business decisions but also influences the overall quality and accessibility of patient care. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Roy Schoenberg, President & Co-CEO at Amwell, delves into the intricacies of navigating M&A in the healthcare industry. _______________________...

Oct 09, 202346 minEp. 257

How to Balance Culture During an Integration

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

Oct 02, 202346 minEp. 256

Planning and Executing Your Exit as an Investor

Dr. Irit Yaniv , Founding Partner and CEO at Almeda Ventures (TLV: AMDA) While most investors have a passive role in their portfolio company, some investors are active in shaping and contributing to its success. For venture capitalists, one of the best scenarios is for the portfolio company to be acquired to maximize investment returns. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Irit Yaniv, Founding Partner and CEO at Almada Ventures, discusses what investors can do when planning and execut...

Sep 25, 202346 minEp. 255

How PE Should Support Portfolio Company Acquisitions

Barak Routhenstein , Vice President of Corporate Development at Profile Products The collaboration between a Private Equity (PE) firm and a portfolio company during an acquisition is a powerful partnership. Together, they create a synergistic environment where growth and value thrive. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will explore insights from Barak Routhenstein, Vice President Corporate Development at Profile Products, on how PE firms can provide invaluable support to portfolio co...

Sep 18, 202347 minEp. 254

The Art of M&A: Striking the Right Balance Between Integration and Autonomy

Glenn Sanford , CEO eXp World Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPI) For high-growth companies, M&A is almost inevitable. If done right, it could speed up growth and open new opportunities for the acquiring entity. However, it’s not without challenges, as it can also be destructive and destroy both companies involved. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Glenn Sanford, CEO eXp World Holdings, Inc., discusses the art of M&A, and striking the right balance between integration and autonomy. _________...

Sep 11, 202342 minEp. 253

Ensuring Alignment for Deal Success

Andrew Bilbao , current CFO of Noble Education Acquisition Corp. M&A is a massive undertaking that calls for collaboration among numerous individuals. Ensuring alignment with everyone involved is essential for the success of a deal. Yet, with a variety of opinions and personalities at play, achieving alignment can be quite a challenge. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Bilbao, CFO of Noble Education Acquisition Corp, shares valuable insights on how to guarantee alignment for dea...

Sep 04, 202350 minEp. 252

How a Public Equity Analyst Evolves to Executing M&A

Greg Stein, Vice President, M&A and Strategy at Xerox (NASDAQ: XRX) For public equity analysts, M&A is nothing new. One of their main jobs is to conduct financial analyses of companies and other potential investments. However, M&A execution is another story. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Greg Stein, Vice President of M&A and Ventures at Xerox, shares his experience as a public equity analyst and how his role evolved to executing M&A. ________________________________________________...

Aug 28, 202344 minEp. 251