M&A Science

Thomas Le, Vice President of Corporate Development at Ziff Davis, Inc., shares valuable insights on M&A strategies influenced by venture capital. He discusses the importance of strategic networking and innovative outreach methods. Thomas highlights using the Mosaic Theory and integrating qualitative research to enhance deal-making. He emphasizes the role of AI in navigating market opportunities and making informed decisions. The conversation also covers the need for proactive sourcing and the impact of diverse backgrounds on M&A effectiveness.

Karen Williams, Vice President of Corporate Development at Progress, shares her expertise on navigating M&A integrations. She discusses the vital balance of cultures and systems, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to foster trust. Karen highlights the consequences of forceful integrations and the concept of vendor rationalization. Additionally, she offers insights into planning, measuring success, and overcoming challenges during integration, ensuring businesses thrive post-acquisition.

Fred Heller, VP of Corporate Development and Integration at Microsoft, dives into the world of strategic acquisitions, emphasizing their role in driving growth and innovation. He shares insights on navigating complex negotiations, saving costs on deals, and the significant impact of transformative acquisitions, particularly in AI. Heller also reflects on the importance of mentorship and visionary thinking during these high-stakes processes, revealing how small deals can lead to major technological advancements. A must-listen for those in M&A!

Tom Hearn, VP of Architecture at Insight discusses technology integration, AI, ERP migration, and synergy assumptions on the M&A Science podcast. Topics cover due diligence, managing costs, and ROI. Sponsored by DealRoom.

Pablo von Siebenthal, Global Head of M&A at Swissport, discusses challenges of global M&A, managing cultural differences, negotiation challenges in different regions, and coordination between workstreams. Insights on cultural nuances in Asia, Europe, and overcoming misunderstandings.

Wolfgang Schenk, VP of M&A at Belden, shares insights on programmatic M&A, team collaboration, achieving alignment, and the role of AI in M&A. The episode emphasizes benefits of structured processes, collaboration, and success metrics, as well as discussing challenges and transitioning strategies.

Tobias Gwisdalla, Head of Group M&A at GEA Group, discusses executing transformative M&A to change business models. Topics include challenges in transformative M&A, success metrics, transforming business models, and promoting change as a shareholder.

Frank Tepper-Sawicki, Partner at Dentons, shares insights on M&A in Germany. Topics include dealmaking differences, structuring deals, regulatory issues, and cultural nuances. Learn about transparency, prioritizations, and the risks involved in German M&A transactions.

Michael Bachman, Head of Research, Architecture, and AI, shares insights on practical AI applications in M&A. Topics include retrieval augmented generation, large language models, discriminative vs generative AI, fine-tuning, and agents. Learn how AI is revolutionizing deal sourcing and execution.

Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi, shares insights on deal sourcing in the tech space. Topics include strategy approach, acquiring capabilities, building relationships, negotiations in M&A, and making integration successful. AI's impact on M&A and Boomi's future are also discussed.