M&A Science

Viral Patel, CEO of Blackstone Private Equity Strategies, dives into the future of private equity, discussing innovations like perpetual fund structures. He emphasizes the importance of aligning investor and management interests and highlights thematic investments in electrification and AI infrastructure. Patel discusses the critical evaluation of management teams and the shift towards buyer-led M&A processes. He also shares insights on how individual investors are becoming central to private capital, pointing to the growing landscape of alternative investments.

Rob Kindler, a seasoned partner at Paul, Weiss and former head of global M&A at Morgan Stanley, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of M&A. He discusses why legal advisors have become the first call in deal-making, the impact of corporate development teams on sourcing, and how negotiation strategies have shifted. Rob emphasizes the crucial role of regulatory strategies in deal success and offers real-world examples of complex transactions, blending his extensive experience from law and banking to illuminate current M&A practices.

Scott Clawson, CEO of Culligan International, has transformed the company into a $3.3 billion global leader through strategic M&A, completing over 300 acquisitions. He shares insights on building a decentralized M&A engine, emphasizing the importance of cultural alignment and seller trust in long-term success. Scott discusses the critical role of private equity partnerships in unlocking growth and details effective integration strategies to avoid bottlenecks. His personal anecdotes and actionable advice provide a fascinating blueprint for successful high-volume M&A.

Marc Bell, CEO of Marc Bell Capital, has a wealth of experience, having taken 17 companies public and revitalized struggling businesses. In this conversation, he shares valuable insights on navigating high-stakes M&A deals. Topics include the crucial due diligence process, the trade-offs between debt and equity, and how to select the right private equity partner. Marc emphasizes the importance of fostering a people-first company culture and imparts lessons learned from his own setbacks, proving that optimism and character truly shine in tough times.

Marc Bell, CEO of Marc Bell Capital and a self-proclaimed "deal junkie," shares his remarkable journey from revitalizing Penthouse into a $500M powerhouse to backing national security tech. He reveals how to identify distressed assets and the critical importance of choosing the right operators over just solid business models. Marc emphasizes innovative deal structuring and creative capital strategies, highlighting the vital role of cash flow and supply chain management in ensuring long-term success in mergers and acquisitions.

Ola Sars, the Founder and CEO of Soundtrack Technologies, shares his 20-year journey in disrupting the music industry, starting with co-founding Beats Music. He discusses his buyer-led M&A strategy to consolidate the background music market, transforming legacy customers into scalable revenue streams. Sars highlights lessons learned from major players like Apple and Spotify on scaling businesses and innovating within the digital music landscape. He also delves into effective seller engagement tactics and the balance needed in the unpredictable world of M&A.

Join John Romeo, CEO of the Oliver Wyman Forum and M&A expert with over 30 years in consulting, as he dives into the art of mergers and acquisitions. He reveals the nuances of building a bespoke M&A pipeline and emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment in professional services. Learn how to prioritize deal sourcing and integration while fostering long-term relationships. With insights on retention strategies and the human elements that drive success, John shares how to navigate this intricate landscape for maximum value creation.

In this insightful conversation, Stew Campbell, a Partner at The Chernin Group, specializes in guiding consumer brands to scale. He shares practical advice on managing a competitive investor process and the importance of aligning capital strategy with long-term wealth goals. The discussion also delves into growth equity versus private equity, and how to evaluate term sheets and potential investors. Stew emphasizes creating value beyond just capital and navigating the complexities of founder-investor relationships, making it a crucial listen for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Stew Campbell, Partner at The Chernin Group, specializes in scaling consumer-facing companies. He dives into how growth equity goes beyond just capital, helping founders maintain their culture while scaling. The discussion covers building effective boards, the importance of collaboration, and aligning investor dynamics. Stew provides insights on when to consider a minority recap and differentiates growth equity from private equity and venture capital. Founders will learn to navigate investor relationships and develop a strategic 'North Star' for growth.

Rob Brown, CEO of Lincoln International, leads a global investment banking firm specializing in M&A advisory. He shares insights on scaling through acquisitions, emphasizing the critical role of culture in successful growth. Rob discusses integration tactics starting from Day 1 and how to navigate cultural differences in U.S. vs. European deals. He also highlights the shift towards buyer-led strategies and reveals how AI is reshaping the M&A landscape, driving efficiency and insights across operations.