Inside the Strategy Room 258. Andy Mattes on the challenges of driving M&A as CEO
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Jul 4, 2025 Andy Mattes, CEO of Coherent and former leader at notable firms like Siemens and Diebold, shares his extensive insights on the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the essential skills CEOs must acquire, such as navigating competitive bidding and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders. Andy highlights the role of mid-cap companies in sustaining customer loyalty and delves into the emotional intelligence required for successful negotiations. His experience illustrates the challenges and learning curves CEOs face in the M&A landscape.
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Maintain Transparency with Board
- Never surprise your board with M&A activities to maintain trust and alignment.
- Regularly update your board with strategy and target reviews to prepare for opportunities.
Navigating Intense Bidding War
- Announced a deal and then faced 11 unsolicited topping bids in a heated bidding war.
- Managed multiple negotiations simultaneously with rigorous diligence and legal oversight.
Five Deal Failure Pitfalls
- Avoid excessive deal complexity and mixed archetypes to prevent failure.
- Address culture head-on post-merger to secure integration and value creation.