M&A Science

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.

Sindre Talleraas Holen, Head of M&A at Visma, shares his expertise in global deal execution and valuation strategies. He discusses how Visma operates with extreme clarity on acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of local advisors over centralized consultants. Sindre reveals the significance of the Rule of 40 and 50 in valuation, and why they prefer an onboarding philosophy post-acquisition instead of integration. This insightful conversation uncovers the complexities of M&A in different geographies, focusing on building a scalable playbook.

Sindre Talleraas Holen, Head of M&A at Visma, transformed the company into a B2B SaaS powerhouse with over 350 acquisitions. He shares the unexpected success of a cold email that led to his pivotal role. The conversation delves into the importance of local presence and cultural nuances in M&A, highlighting Visma's buyer-led strategy. Sindre emphasizes internal alignment as key to deal success and discusses the complexities of valuing SaaS companies, especially across different markets. His insights promise a roadmap for effective global M&A.

Ron 'Omani' Carson, founder of the Carson Group and Omya, shares his inspiring journey from launching a financial firm in his college dorm to managing over $30 billion in assets. He reflects on his first challenging M&A deal and how it shaped his understanding of success and connection. Omani discusses his transformative mindset shift toward love and abundance, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in business. He also explores conscious capitalism and how merging personal joy with professional purpose can create a thriving workplace culture.

Andrew Bab, Partner & Co-Chair of the Healthcare Group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, shares his expertise in healthcare M&A. He discusses the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape impacting private equity, highlighting state-level regulations and the implications of reverse CFIUS. Bab also delves into the complexities of Contingent Value Rights in pharma deals and how new HSR rules are reshaping auction timelines. Political scrutiny and the need for buyer-led strategies in healthcare M&A are key themes, offering vital insights for industry professionals.

Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Global Private Equity Practice at Bain & Company, shares insights from his 30 years in private equity. He discusses the shift from traditional financing to tech-driven strategies in deal-making. Hugh highlights the evolving role of AI and data analytics in enhancing decision-making. The conversation also covers adapting to rising interest rates and the importance of sourcing and value creation. He emphasizes demographic trends that shape investment opportunities and the need for transparency between general and limited partners.

Ben Beller, a Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, specializes in bankruptcy and restructuring, with experience in high-profile cases like FTX and Silicon Valley Bank. In this discussion, he dives into the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcies, highlighting strategies for navigating these processes. He emphasizes the importance of liability management transactions and offers insights on acquiring distressed assets. Ben also sheds light on the emotional dynamics in bankruptcy court, making it essential for M&A professionals to stay vigilant.

Ashish Achlerkar, Founder and Chairman of NearU, discusses his journey from investment banking to building a thriving business in the skilled trades. He reveals how he leverages M&A to fuel entrepreneurial growth and addresses the unique opportunities in this fragmented industry. Ashish shares insights on crafting a strong investment thesis, the importance of cultural alignment with private equity partners, and strategies for enhancing customer experience through technology. His journey is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities.

Michael Hoy, Executive Vice Chairman of Great Day Improvements, shares his expertise on people-centric M&A strategies that focus on culture over cost-cutting. He discusses the vital role of trust and transparency in smooth integrations, and how aligning financials early can streamline transitions. Michael also emphasizes building strong relationships and a referral-based growth model, showcasing how a people-first philosophy can not only enhance company culture but also drive sustainable growth in the competitive realm of mergers and acquisitions.

Gwen Pope, Senior Managing Partner at Tiger Team M&A, specializes in serial acquisitions, while Tracie Smith leads GTM Solutions with deep expertise in M&A integration. They explore the intricacies of serial acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of a repeatable M&A framework and a clear 'North Star' strategy. Key highlights include the role of executive leadership alignment in deal execution, common integration pitfalls, and effective communication strategies to navigate post-acquisition challenges. Their insights are invaluable for optimizing M&A playbooks.