Russ Hartz, VP of Corporate Development at Ansys, and Carey Pugh, Director of Corporate Integrations at Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) The fastest way to sabotage an M&A deal is to let the deal team and integration team work in silos. Too often, companies nail the transaction only to fumble on execution because the people closing the deal and those delivering the value aren’t aligned. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Russ Hartz, VP of Corporate Development at Ansys, and Carey Pugh, Director of ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 cult...
Dec 23, 2024•56 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast 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 seamles...
Dec 16, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Dec 09, 2024•49 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast 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 • Balanc...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Avinash Patel , Partner at PJT Partners (NYSE: PJT) 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. 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 transaction...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Nov 11, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Cor...
Nov 04, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 28, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 h...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Thi...
Oct 14, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 07, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Sep 30, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Gregg Albert , Managing Partner - Corporate Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions at Accenture (NYSE: ACN) Companies are facing immense pressure to stay agile, seize new opportunities, and maintain a competitive advantage in today's rapidly evolving business environment. One key strategy to achieve this is portfolio rebalancing, a critical initiative that helps businesses optimize their asset mix and drive sustainable growth. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Gregg Albert, Managing Direc...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Anson Lau , Deputy General Counsel at LONGi Solar (SHA:601012) In M&A, it’s not just about the deal—it’s about who’s at the table. In-house and external counsel both play key roles in a deal, bringing unique expertise and advantages. Knowing how to strategically utilize both can help you manage risks, secure favorable terms, and ensure smooth post-deal integration. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Anson Lau, Deputy General Counsel at LONGi Solar, shares how to play to the strengths of...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kevin Lynch , CEO and Board Member at Optiv Beyond the boardroom battles and billion-dollar deals, mergers and acquisitions present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for CEOs. From strategic planning to post-merger integration, it takes essential skills and qualities for CEOs to excel in this high-stakes arena. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kevin Lynch, CEO and Board Member at Optiv, shares his invaluable insights on the role of a CEO and what it takes to lead a company ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sanjay Poonen, CEO & President of Cohesity M&A isn't just about signing a deal and popping the champagne. Every CEO knows the entire process is a minefield of cultural clashes, integration headaches, and occasional unexpected challenges that could blow up your strategy. But while M&A can be a high-stakes game, it’s also one that can be mastered with the right playbook. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we’re diving into key strategies CEOs should consider to ensure M&A success, featuri...
Sep 02, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jerome Combes-Knoke, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Dotmatics (Insight Partners) Strategic focus is a prerequisite to strong corporate performance. Yet, without proactive efforts to maintain focus, companies can “drift” and become weighed down by misaligned business units. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jerome Combes-Knoke, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Dotmatics (a portfolio company of Insight Partners), shares his br...
Aug 26, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Court Carruthers, President and CEO at TricorBraun Cultural integration is the often overlooked key to long-term M&A success. It's about creating a shared identity, values, and purpose that unites employees from different backgrounds. When done right, it can transform a merger from a transactional event into a strategic partnership. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Court Carruthers, President and CEO at TricorBraun, shares his insights on how to successfully integrate two cultures and...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thomas Le, Vice President, Corporate Development at Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) The M&A landscape is constantly evolving, making it difficult to predict future trends and identify new opportunities. How can companies maintain a competitive advantage? In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Thomas Le, Vice President of Corporate Development at Ziff Davis, Inc., shares his VC-backed strategies for unlocking new M&A strategies. Things you will learn in this episode: • Strategic networking for...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Karen Williams, Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress Achieving exponential growth through M&A requires more than signing agreements. It’s about balancing cultures, systems, and people. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Karen Williams, Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress, provides a roadmap for a balanced M&A integration. Things you will also learn from this episode: • Side effects of a forceful integration • Information crucial to Integration planning • M...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 309•Transcript available on Metacast Successful M&A is more than just closing deals. To drive growth and achieve strategic goals, companies must have a deep understanding of the process and a clear strategy. Strategic acquisitions are key to unlocking growth, innovation, and market expansion. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Fred Heller, VP of Nuance, Corporate Development and Integration at Microsoft, shares his experience on how to transform a company through strategic acquisitions. Things you will also learn from this...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tom Hearn, VP, Architecture at Insight In the world of M&A, understanding and managing technical debt is crucial for seamless technology integration. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we’ll explore the concept of technical debt, its impact on IT infrastructure, and strategies for better integration with Tom Hearn, VP, Architecture at Insight. Things you will learn in this episode: • Technology Integration • AI and machine learning • ERP migration • Synergy assumptions • Working with In...
Jul 22, 2024•53 min•Ep 307•Transcript available on Metacast Pablo von Siebenthal, Global Head of M&A at Swissport The global landscape offers exciting growth opportunities that make business expansion a strategic move. M&A can be a powerful tool for this, but global deals often come with cultural complexities and regulatory intricacies that require a strategic approach. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Pablo von Siebenthal, Global Head of M&A at Swissport, talks about how to handle global M&A. Things you will also learn from this episode: • Ch...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Wolfgang Schenk, VP of M&A at Belden Opportunistic M&A can lead to bad acquisitions that don’t align with the company’s overall strategic goals. This creates a disjointed portfolio and integration challenges that could cause massive value leaks. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Wolfgang Schenk, VP of M&A at Belden, discusses the art of executing programmatic M&A to increase chances of M&A success. Things you will learn in this episode: • Benefits of programmatic M&A • Required team fo...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Tobias Gwisdalla, Head of Group M&A at GEA Group ( G 1A:FRA) Transformative M&A is becoming increasingly critical in today's business landscape, especially for industries facing significant regulatory and market pressures. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will discuss how to execute transformative M&A to change business models, featuring Tobias Gwisdalla, Head of Group M&A at GEA Group. Things you will learn in this episode: • Transformative M&A • Employee unions • Biggest challeng...
Jul 01, 2024•49 min•Ep 304•Transcript available on Metacast M&A processes can vary from country to country, making cross-border deals extremely challenging. Understanding the cultural differences is crucial for a smooth transaction. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we focus on how to do M&A deals in Germany, featuring Frank Tepper-Sawicki , Partner, Corporate M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital at Dentons. Things you will learn: • How dealmaking is different in Germany • Structuring Deals in Germany • Letter of Intent in Germany • Priorit...
Jun 24, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm, and there seems to be no way of stopping it. Every industry in the world has adopted AI, and M&A is no different. The integration of AI is revolutionizing how deals are sourced, evaluated, and executed. In short, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for M&A professionals. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we discuss how to make AI practical in M&A featuring two AI specialists: Michael Bachman, Head of Research, Architecture, and AI ...
Jun 17, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi The technology industry is currently experiencing significant growth, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence. This trend has not only attracted significant investments but has also intensified the competition among tech companies striving to lead the market. This has made the tech space a prime area for M&A. Boomi is one of those companies who have recently made a significant move via acquisitions. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, we will ...
Jun 10, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
