Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, and his son Kyle Chapman, President of Barry-Wehmiller Group, share insights on building a $3.6 billion business through human-centric leadership. They emphasize the paramount importance of cultural alignment over revenue in M&A strategies. The duo discusses how their company transformed by prioritizing people and relationships, offering tactical guidance on structuring successful acquisitions. Their innovative approach combines transparency and stewardship, making M&A a force for good.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Revelation on People-Centered Leadership
Bob Chapman had a revelation in 1997 that transformed leadership to prioritizing people as precious individuals.
This led to creating a culture based on stewardship rather than management, fundamentally changing the company's approach.
insights INSIGHT
Universal Desire to Matter
The desire to matter is universal across cultures and geographies.
People want to know they matter more than any government or organizational protection can provide.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Transparency Drives Integration Success
Be transparent with acquired companies about intentions, facts, and culture changes from day one.
Set clear expectations and integrate cultural initiatives alongside financial and commercial plans.
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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
Only two weeks left to register! 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
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Episode Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction to the mission behind M&A Science
[00:01:30] Barry-Wehmiller’s origin story and early business model
[00:07:00] Pivot to M&A as a growth strategy after financial struggles
[00:10:00] Use of EVA (Economic Value Added) in valuation of private company equity
[00:14:00] Building a strategic advantage through people-first culture
[00:21:00] Cultural assimilation during acquisitions and why legacy matters
[00:27:00] Tactical integration planning with transparency from day one
[00:30:00] The evolution from distressed to underperforming acquisitions
[00:36:00] Why Barry-Wehmiller doesn’t rely on cultural due diligence
[00:44:00] Advice for first-time acquirers—what to look for and avoid
[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
M&A Science