M&A Science

Dr. Tianyi Jiang, CEO of AvePoint, shares his journey from Wall Street to tech entrepreneurship, revealing how a pivotal moment inspired his shift to founding a data management solutions company. He emphasizes the critical balance of investor relations and capital raising for sustainable growth, stressing that fostering strong relationships is key. Jiang discusses the importance of strategic acquisitions post-IPO, effective capital allocation, and the need for cultural alignment in M&A, all while managing investor expectations for long-term success.

Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta, shares his expertise in M&A execution. He highlights the often-overlooked challenges of integration and cultural alignment post-acquisition. Thacker discusses sourcing unbounded deals and driving accountability throughout the integration process. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with CEOs and the need for early integration planning. Listeners gain insights into avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a consistent people experience during transitions.

Todd Henrich, SVP Head of Corporate Development at Booking Holdings, shares his extensive experience in strategic M&A during an era marked by volatility and regulatory scrutiny. He discusses the ripple effects of regulatory overreach and the importance of understanding market dynamics. Todd emphasizes that M&A should be viewed as a tool rather than a strategy, outlining how to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and identify key targets. He also shares insights on leveraging AI responsibly amidst the risks of over-hyped promises, ensuring informed decision-making in acquisitions.

Charles Webb, Lead Antitrust Counsel at FedEx, brings a wealth of expertise in navigating the intricate world of regulatory compliance in M&A. He discusses various compliance risks, particularly focusing on the evolving antitrust framework and the importance of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Webb emphasizes avoiding 'gun-jumping' and engaging proactively with regulators. The conversation highlights the significance of consistent narratives and careful data management, providing essential insights for successfully maneuvering through compliance challenges during mergers.

Henry Ward, CEO and Co-founder of Carta, shares his wealth of knowledge on M&A strategies, emphasizing their critical role in today's competitive landscape. He explores how businesses can refine their approaches to align with long-term goals. Topics include building actionable cases for acquisitions, valuing high-growth companies, and the differences between bounded and unbounded deals. Ward also discusses the importance of relationship-building and psychological barriers in closing successful mergers, offering valuable insights for aspiring M&A professionals.

Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations and Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF)   Too often in M&A, diligence and integration operate in separate lanes. Diligence focuses on uncovering risks, while integration is left scrambling to make everything fit once the ink is dry. It’s a classic case of working in silos, and it’s leaving value on the table. But there's a way to break down those barriers from the start.   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Matt Arsenault, VP of Corporate Development & Strategic Alliances at Jamf, and Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations, show us how to transform these silos into synergy by aligning diligence and integration from day one.   In this episode, you’ll learn:  • Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy • Synchronizing diligence and integration planning • The importance of integration-led diligence • Building and refining the integration thesis • Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan   ******************* This episode is sponsored by Grata. Grata is the leading platform for private market dealmaking. With innovative AI and diligence-grade data, Grata makes it easy to find and evaluate targets from the outside looking in. Win more with Grata.   This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically for M&A professionals. DealRoom AI automates the analysis and extraction of key information from due diligence documents, empowering teams to save up to 80% of their time on document analysis and focus on what really matters—closing the deal.  Ready to streamline your M&A process? Visit dealroom.net today.   ******************* Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 04:46 Implementing a proactive buyer-led M&A strategy 06:21 Synchronizing diligence and integration planning 09:12 The importance of integration-led diligence 10:25 Early integration planning pre-LOI 13:05 Building and refining the integration thesis 15:58 Balancing due diligence and integration 19:10 Building confidence in early integration planning 21:53 Collaborating with sellers to shape a seamless integration plan 24:48 Measuring success from diligence to integration 27:44 Balancing aggressive integration goals with realistic expectations 29:59 Balancing AI hype with core business strategy in M&A pipelines 32:04 Best practices for evaluating intangible factors in an acquisition 33:52 Craziest thing in M&A

Jann Lau, a Senior Director of Corporate Development at PayPal, dives into the art of validating the deal thesis in M&A. He emphasizes that a strong thesis isn't just about strategic rationale—rigorous validation of assumptions is essential. Listeners learn the risks of hasty deals and the importance of aligning M&A efforts with long-term corporate goals. Jann also discusses how to present theses to executives, navigate integration challenges, and the critical role of due diligence in avoiding pitfalls.

Gregg Albert, Managing Director of Corporate Strategy M&A at Accenture, shares his expertise on portfolio rebalancing as a vital strategy for companies navigating today's dynamic market. He discusses the impact of activist investors, emphasizing the need for effective portfolio management to enhance shareholder value. Gregg also delves into the complexities of M&A integration and divestitures, outlining the emotional and strategic challenges leaders face. Additionally, he highlights the importance of adaptability and preparation as companies respond to evolving market demands.

Anson Lau, Deputy General Counsel at LONGi Solar, dives into the dynamic roles of in-house and external counsel during M&A transactions. He discusses how to balance legal expertise from both sides to minimize risks and achieve favorable outcomes. Anson highlights the mindset differences between in-house and external teams and the importance of strategic collaboration. He offers insights on selecting the right external counsel for M&A deals and the necessity of understanding the unique strengths each role brings to the table.

Kevin Lynch, CEO and Board Member at Optiv, shares his expertise on leading M&A initiatives. He discusses balancing market share with capability in decisions, the importance of a strategic integration thesis, and effective communication during acquisitions. Lynch highlights the CEO's isolation and the necessity of clear expectations to drive growth. Additionally, he delves into how company culture impacts M&A success and the vital role emotions play in decision-making, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities of the M&A landscape.