M&a Science

Michael Hoy, Executive Vice Chairman, Great Day Improvements In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael Hoy, Executive Vice Chairman of Great Day Improvements, joins Kison Patel to discuss how a people-first approach drives M&A success. With 4,500 employees and $1.5 billion in revenue, Great Day Improvements has grown through strategic acquisitions while maintaining a strong culture. Michael shares insights on harmonizing financials post-acquisition, leveraging growth synergies instead of cost-cutting, and building trust to ensure smooth integrations. Things you will learn: How to scale M&A by focusing on people instead of cost-cutting The importance of trust-building and transparency in integrations Why aligning financials and data early ensures a smoother transition How to foster a culture that drives sustainable growth ___________________________________________ Save your seat at the Buyer-Led M&A Masterclass to gain practical strategies to take control, reduce inefficie

Gwen Pope, Senior Managing Partner  and Head of Platform Solutions Tiger Team M&A and Tracie Smith, Senior Partner  and Head of GTM Solutions at Tiger Team M&A Together, Gwen and Tracie dive into the complexities of serial acquisitions, discussing how large strategic acquirers can develop repeatable frameworks to streamline execution and maximize deal value. From building a North Star strategy to decision-making frameworks, they cover what it takes to successfully integrate multiple acquisitions while maintaining strategic alignment. Whether you're leading M&A for a large enterprise or looking to optimize your acquisition playbook, this episode is packed with insights on structuring M&A functions, avoiding common integration pitfalls, and ensuring leadership alignment. Things you will learn: How to structure an M&A function for repeatable success Why decision-making frameworks are crucial for integration The role of executive leadership alignment in deal execution This episode is

Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell When a company is struggling financially, M&A can be a lifeline—but navigating distressed deals is a whole different game. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, breaks down how Chapter 11 bankruptcy, 363 sales, and creditor negotiations come into play when businesses are in distress. Mimi has worked on some of the biggest restructuring cases, including FTX and Silicon Valley Bank, and she’s here to explain how distressed M&A really works—without the legal jargon. Whether you’re an investor, a corporate executive, or just curious about how companies handle financial trouble, this episode is packed with insights. Things you will learn: What is Chapter 11? – How bankruptcy protects businesses and gives them time to reorganize  The Power of a 363 Sale – Why buyers love these deals and how they can acquire assets “free and clear”  Negotiating with Creditors – What happens when companies can’t pay their

Kaj Rozga, Senior Antitrust Counsel at ABB Antitrust scrutiny in M&A is at an all-time high, and companies must be prepared to navigate evolving regulatory challenges. Kaj Rozga, Senior Antitrust Counsel at ABB, brings a unique perspective, having worked both inside the FTC and in private practice, advising on antitrust strategy, compliance, and M&A transactions. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kaj breaks down the latest antitrust trends, regulatory risks, and strategic approaches to managing antitrust concerns in M&A. He shares how dealmakers can proactively assess risk, structure deals to mitigate scrutiny, and use antitrust as a negotiation tool. Thing’s you will learn: Antitrust in M&A – What business leaders need to know How regulators evaluate mergers – Key triggers for scrutiny Industry rollups & market consolidation – Why private equity is under the microscope  Navigating second requests & regulatory delays – How to prepare for costly reviews What not

John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners Creating a successful roll-up strategy requires a unique combination of industry expertise, strategic planning, and leadership. John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners, has mastered the art of acquiring and integrating businesses in the home services industry, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. With 19 acquisitions in less than three years, Leap Partners is rapidly expanding across the Southeast with a people-first approach. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John shares how to build a roll-up machine from scratch. He discusses selecting the right industry, pitching to investors, sourcing and executing deals, and the critical role of leadership and culture in scaling a business. John also explains how to foster strong relationships with business owners and private equity partners, along with key lessons learned from executing high-volume M&A. Things You’ll Learn: How to build a roll-up strategy from scratch Understand how to pitch to inves

Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main M&A at scale requires more than just financial analysis—it’s about building relationships, understanding cultural fit, and executing a seamless integration strategy. With over 60 deals under his belt, Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main, has a proven track record of leading high-volume, buyer-led M&A. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeff shares his expertise in strategic acquisitions, relationship-driven deal sourcing, and post-merger integration. He discusses the critical role of culture in M&A, how to prioritize acquisition targets, and why technology is essential for managing complex transactions. Things you will learn: Buyer-led M&A – The power of proactive deal sourcing Building a strategic market map – Core vs. adjacent markets How to assess culture in M&A – What makes a deal truly successful  Negotiation tactics in valuation gaps – Closing deals with the right structure Integration

 John Orbe, Senior Associate General Counsel – M&A at Emerson Large-scale deals come with layers of complexity—from regulatory challenges and cross-border negotiations to structuring transactions that align with long-term business strategy. Having the right legal approach can make or break a deal. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John Orbe joins us to break down what it takes to execute high-stakes transactions. He shares insights on the differences between large and small deals, how legal teams can be a strategic partner in M&A, and why cross-border transactions require more than just legal know-how.   Things you will learn: Big vs. small deals – Unique challenges and hidden complexities  When to involve legal in M&A – Structuring LOIs the right way  Cross-border deal challenges – Cultural, regulatory, and legal considerations  How technology is reshaping M&A – AI, automation, and data room efficiencies  Avoiding post-closing disputes – Drafting airtight agreements

Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT Every deal tells a story of risk, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of value. With M&A evolving into a core function across industries, simply following old playbooks is no longer enough. You need insight, discipline, and a strategy tailored to today’s fast-moving, multi-dimensional landscape. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, joins us to unpack the intricacies of software valuation, integration challenges, and structuring carve-outs that unlock hidden value.  Things you will learn: Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers Navigating deals with difficult CEOs Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick sum

Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT M&A is a minefield of uncertainties, let alone the tech space. Missteps in integration, cultural clashes, and unforeseen risks can quickly derail even the most promising deals. That’s why understanding what could go wrong is critical. Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, shares lessons from the trenches to help you anticipate challenges and mitigate risks. Learn how to navigate integration, manage carve-outs, and turn M&A uncertainty into opportunity with actionable insights from a seasoned expert. Things you will learn: Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies Handling opportunistic deals outside core strategy Evaluating deals that don’t fit the M&A thesis Maintaining control during M&A execution ******************* This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key in

Joe Mantone, U.S. Financial Institutions News Desk Manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence (NYSE: SPGI)   The M&A market isn’t what it used to be. Deal volumes are rising, but they remain a shadow of the record highs of 2021. Add to this the challenges of regulatory hurdles, high interest rates, and uneven global recovery. Corporate development leaders are left asking: where do we go from here?   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Mantone of S&P Global Market Intelligence unpacks the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the M&A cycle. You’ll learn the latest insights to stay ahead in a volatile market and prepare for the opportunities 2025 promises to bring.   Things you will learn: The state of M&A, recovering from the 2022 downturn How regulatory challenges are reshaping deal strategies What corporate leaders need to know about private equity and credit trends The rise of AI and sector-specific opportunities for 2025 Actionable advice for corporate

Andrew Kelley III  -  VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9 ( NYSE: FIVN) Achieving success in M&A requires more than identifying opportunities—it demands a thoughtful approach to relationship-building, thorough due diligence, and strategic alignment. Without these key elements, even well-intentioned deals risk falling short of their potential. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Kelley, VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of corporate development. From building strong relationships to prioritizing due diligence and leveraging emerging technology, Andrew provides actionable insights for driving successful deals. Learn how to overcome common pitfalls, foster alignment, and build a strategic M&A framework. Things You Will Learn: Strategies for building relationships and sourcing deals effectively How to prioritize and execute efficient due diligence Identifying and overcoming bid-ask spread challenges

Russ Hartz, VP of Corporate Development at Ansys, and Carey Pugh, Director of Corporate Integrations at Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) The fastest way to sabotage an M&A deal is to let the deal team and integration team work in silos. Too often, companies nail the transaction only to fumble on execution because the people closing the deal and those delivering the value aren’t aligned.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Russ Hartz, VP of Corporate Development at Ansys, and Carey Pugh, Director of Corporate Integrations at Ansys, unpack how keeping deal and integration teams synchronized can make or break an M&A deal's outcomes. Things you will learn:   The positive business outcomes of early integration Managing integration planning milestones Kickoff meeting structure Adapting integration approaches to cultural differences Building a strong partnership between deal and integration teams ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight a

Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII)   M&A integration is notoriously challenging—cultural misalignment, disengaged leaders, and high turnover often derail even the best-laid plans. How do you overcome these obstacles and ensure a seamless integration that drives long-term success? In this episode, Jason Lippert, CEO of LCI Industries, shares his proven playbook for mastering M&A integration through leadership development and cultural alignment. Things you will learn: Correlating culture metrics with financial performance  Investing in leadership development for a stronger frontline Proactive culture development for new team members Exploring AI to enhance customer service Identifying strong leadership during diligence ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global. S&P Global Market Intelligence has private companies covered. Whether you’re looking for your next investment or M&A target,  conducting peer comparisons, assessing counterparty credi

Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group   Many M&A deals fail to deliver their promised value due to gaps in deal sourcing, diligence, and integration. Without a clear strategy and the right tools, even the best opportunities can turn into liabilities.    In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, hear all the expert insights from Adam Coffey, Founding Partner at The Chairman Group, on how to source the right targets, structure deals for sustainability, and integrate acquisitions seamlessly. Get your blueprint for building an empire through strategic M&A. Things you will learn:   • How to find and close proprietary deals for business growth • Building relationships and effective outreach strategies • Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth • Mastering integration and building M&A expertise through experience • Strategic exit points and the value of partnering for growth ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. F

Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group Scaling a business from good to great often feels like an uphill battle. Organic growth alone can be painfully slow, leaving you far from achieving your dream of building an empire. But how do you supercharge growth without losing control or falling into costly traps? Building an empire takes more than just passion—it requires a clear, strategic playbook.   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Adam Coffey, Founding Partner of The Chairman Group, shares his proven framework for transforming businesses into empires, from meticulous buyer-led diligence to flawless integration strategies.    Things you will learn:   • The framework for building a resilient and profitable business empire • The strategic role of software in scaling M&A operations • The power of buy and build for exponential business growth • Building relationships and effective outreach strategies • Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth   ******************

Art Papas, CEO at Bullhorn   Growth through M&A is about strategy, timing, and bold leadership. The stakes are high, but the rewards are transformative for those who get it right. In this episode, Art Papas, CEO of Bullhorn, shares his journey from tech founder to M&A leader, and how he turned acquisitions into engines of growth.    Things you will learn:   • The role evolution from tech lead to CEO • The case for buyer-led M&A • Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities • Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship • Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions   ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.   This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI, the latest innovation from DealRoom designed specifically fo

Avinash Patel, Partner at PJT Partners (NYSE: PJT) ‍ Investment bankers aren't always seen as trusted advisors; some see them as deal-pushers, prioritizing fees over friendships. The skepticism is fair, but many miss the point of what they actually bring to the table.  ‍ In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Avinash Patel, Partner at PJT Partners, offers an insider’s view on what investment bankers really do in M&A, from guiding strategic vision to wielding influence in complex transactions.   Things you will learn: ‍ • Why investment bankers face a reputation challenge • Building influence and shaping strategy through relationship investment • Working with public vs. private companies as an investment banker • Evaluating the right private equity partner • Finding the right advisory partnership   ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global. S&P Global Market Intelligence has private companies covered. Whether you’re looking for your next investment or M&A target,  co

Yogesh Gupta, President and CEO at Progress Software   In M&A, closing the deal is just the beginning. The true measure of success comes from effective execution post-close. Mastering this phase demands transparent leadership and strategic agility—qualities that can significantly influence whether an acquisition thrives or flounders.   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Yogesh Gupta, President and CEO of Progress Software, explores how clear leadership and adaptable strategies are pivotal for M&A success. He shares insights into building a strong foundation and ensuring seamless integration, even before the deal is inked.    Things you will learn:   • Crafting a clear and actionable M&A strategy • Establishing leadership and building a foundation before pursuing M&A • Strategic AI integration • Ensuring fit and managing integration risk at the LOI stage • Balancing objectivity and cultural fit in M&A decision-making   *Bonus Mini Interview: The Evolving Landscape of M&A Da

Dr. Tianyi Jiang, CEO at AvePoint   Raising capital is only half the battle. The real challenge is fostering strong relationships with investors while ensuring your business continues to grow. It’s easy to focus on securing funds, but investors look for more than just short-term returns. Without that clarity, it’s harder to build lasting trust and keep things moving forward.   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Dr. Tianyi Jiang, CEO at AvePoint, explains how to navigate investor relations and capital raising for sustainable growth.   Things you will learn: • Engineering discipline in M&A • Lessons in driving growth through organic and inorganic strategies  • Building a strong distribution network • Balancing primary and secondary capital • Capital advantages of going public   ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and

Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta   The M&A process is notoriously tricky—everyone loves talking about getting the deal done, but few focus on the real work that comes after. Integration, valuation shifts, and cultural alignment often prove to be the biggest roadblocks to a successful acquisition. How do you avoid the common pitfalls that derail so many deals post-close?   In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta,  shares his expert strategies on executing successful M&A.   Things you will learn: • Sourcing unbounded deals • Driving accountability for successful integration • Building consistency and early integration • Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO • How to maintain a consistent people experience   ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ