M&A Science

In this insightful discussion, Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel, shares valuable strategies for breaking into mergers and acquisitions, particularly for those from diverse backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of intentional networking and active listening in building strong professional connections. Todd also discusses key leadership traits he seeks when hiring and why learning from one’s career journey is crucial. With practical advice on team dynamics and career growth, he offers listeners a roadmap to success in the M&A landscape.

Todd Manley, VP of Corporate Development Integration at Intel, shares his unconventional journey from IT consultant to M&A expert. He emphasizes the importance of networking and curiosity over traditional qualifications. Todd discusses critical leadership traits for integration roles and the value of empathy in M&A processes. He reflects on career milestones, including Cisco's acquisition of WebEx, and highlights how teamwork drives success. This engaging conversation is packed with practical advice for aspiring M&A professionals.

Mathew Person, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at QuickBase, shares his extensive experience in buyer-led mergers and acquisitions. He explains how to proactively structure acquisitions and align internal stakeholders for success. Discussions include the importance of creating a 'box of preference' for deal criteria and assessing cultural fit. Mathew emphasizes strategic sourcing and the need for effective integration, revealing insights on managing stakeholder engagement and optimizing M&A processes.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Hughes, the Head of Corporate Development at Atlassian, shares her journey in M&A from Google to Atlassian. She delves into the art of sourcing deals and building long-term relationships with founders. Sarah reveals Atlassian's three strategic pillars for acquisitions and the push-pull alignment between corporate development and product teams. The conversation highlights the crucial role of cultural diligence and integration planning, emphasizing how empathy and transparency foster successful post-acquisition outcomes.

Dan Pollock, Vice President of Corporate Development at SAM Companies, shares his journey in building a robust M&A function. He discusses the balance of disciplined diligence with relationship-first sourcing and how culture and seller alignment are just as crucial as price. Dan highlights the importance of integrating small firms while preserving their legacy and using innovative strategies like earnouts. This conversation provides tactical insights for those looking to refine their corporate development playbook and scale M&A effectively.

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.