How Finance Modelers and Professionals Align Stakeholders and Support M&A Success with Morten

Sep 3, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Morten Lykke Pedersen, a seasoned financial expert and Partner at Deloitte, where he leads the financial modeling division within the Strategy, Risk, and Transaction Advisory group. Morten discusses his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic financial modeling, and how financial models can empower businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions. He also shares insights on the importance of collaboration during the modeling process, tips for ensuring client engagement, and the role of financial models in presenting a company’s equity story.

Morten Lykke Pedersen, CFA, CFM, is a financial expert with over a decade of experience. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing strategic insights that empower businesses to optimize their strategies through forecasting and risk assessment. Morten's career spans notable roles, including his tenure at PwC, where he managed valuation and modeling services. At Deloitte, Morten is dedicated to guiding businesses through complex transactions and strategic initiatives, helping them navigate industry dynamics and execute transformative transactions successfully. He holds a CFA charter and certifications in financial modeling, and his educational journey includes advanced degrees from Aarhus University, Saint Mary’s University, and the CFA Institute.

Expect to Learn

The critical role of collaboration in transaction modeling
How to build financial models that communicate a company’s story and manage risk
The importance of scenario analysis in M&A transactions
Why financial models should reflect business realities, not just numbers
How formal training programs, like the Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM), can elevate modeling skills and team capabilities

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

“Financial modeling is about understanding the business, not just crunching numbers.” - Morten Lykke Pedersen
“A financial model should only do what it’s supposed to do, keep it simple and fit for purpose.” - Morten Lykke Pedersen
“It’s not about the formulas; it’s about making sure the people who own the numbers understand what’s going on in the model.” - Morten Lykke Pedersen

Follow Morten:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortenlykkepedersen/?originalSubdomain=dk

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com  

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: 

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true 

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 