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

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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.

DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.

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Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:49 Integration planning starts early

07:55 The positive business outcomes of early integration

15:22 Balancing strategy with practicality in early integration planning

21:50 Proactive integration planning

23:58 Managing integration planning milestones

25:11 Kickoff meeting structure

33:07 Adapting integration approaches to cultural differences

30:29 Key factors considered during diligence

44:31 Building a strong partnership between deal and integration teams

46:50 Key traits to look for in an integration partner

49:36 Aligning the deal and integration teams

52:18 Best practices for synchronizing the deal team and integration team

58:52 The power of buyer-led M&A -  When you get to the point 

1:04:23 Creating a seamless people experience in buyer-led M&A

1:06:43 Craziest thing in M&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

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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 credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Streamline your acquisitions, from sourcing to integration, for smarter, more strategic deal-making that drives growth and value. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

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Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

07:37 Evolving from seller-led to buyer-led M&A strategies

10:43 Capital allocation and acquisition strategy in a public company

13:08 Defining and measuring company culture through core values

15:56 Culture as a driver of value in M&A integration

19:50 Assessing and transforming culture in M&A pre-LOI

21:45 Leveraging culture as a competitive advantage post-LOI

22:52 Building a playbook for culture and leadership integration

25:25 Fostering personal and professional growth plans for employees

33:23 Measuring success through culture and leadership metrics

37:30 Using culture to build trust and drive post-acquisition success

40:31 Correlating culture metrics with financial performance

42:14 Proactive culture development for new team members

43:53 Identifying strong leadership

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

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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.

DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.

******************* Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:13 How to find and close proprietary deals for business growth

10:28 Building relationships and effective outreach strategies

23:14 Structuring deals with financial levers for sustainable growth

28:34 Mastering integration and building M&A expertise through experience

35:01 Strategic exit points and the value of partnering for growth

45:20 How to perform diligence on private equity buyers as a seller

48:23 Craziest thing in M&A

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

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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's BI Reporting tool.  DealRoom's BI Reporting tool revolutionizes M&A reporting with real-time, interactive data management. Utilize Looker BI to customize, automate, and export detailed M&A lifecycle reports, enhancing strategic decision-making. For more details, check out the DealRoom BI Reporting page.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:09 Simplifying business growth and private equity for everyone

11:48 The framework for building a resilient and profitable business empire

19:11 The strategic role of software in scaling M&A operations

24:11 Building a scalable business through smart acquisitions

30:00 The power of buy and build for exponential business growth

39:23 Strategically structuring growth and valuation for maximum exit potential

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

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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 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.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

06:29 The role evolution from tech lead to CEO

10:21 Lessons in Discipline and Growth

16:27 The case for buyer-led M&A - We were buyer-led

20:30 Leveraging customer insights to identify strategic opportunities

25:27 Balancing control and growth with private equity sponsorship

31:30 Building M&A strategies and handling private equity transitions

32:31 The right way to integrate acquired businesses

40:22 Ensuring smooth M&A integration through detailed planning

43:48 Integration and risk planning post-LOI

46:07 Best practices for handling overlapping products in M&A

49:53 First M&A deal with Vista

54:14 Evaluating deal timing and product-market fit early

55:32 Staying close to core competencies in M&A

58:55 Expanding internationally with organic growth and M&A

1:00:43 Building relationships in early M&A conversations

1:02:14 Craziest thing in M&A

Avinash Patel, Partner at PJT Partners (NYSE: PJT)

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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

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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 credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

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.

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

08:37 Why investment bankers face a reputation challenge

13:29 The role of investment bankers

17:21 Building influence and shaping strategy through relationship investment

21:36 Tailor advice and introductions for big-company impact

23:31 Example of companies turning strategic advice into growth

30:08 Working with public vs. private companies

32:21 Role play: Scaling through organic growth and strategic acquisitions

44:19 Leveraging investment bankers to identify strategic carve-out opportunities

48:29 Building selective PE relationships for carve-out deals

50:54 Evaluating the right private equity partner - willing to answer

55:47 The importance of buyer-led M&A integration planning

1:06:29 Finding the right advisory partnership

1:08:18 Craziest thing in M&A

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,  conducting peer comparisons, assessing counterparty credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

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.

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00:00 Intro

08:37 Why investment bankers face a reputation challenge

13:29 The role of investment bankers

17:21 Building influence and shaping strategy through relationship investment

21:36 Tailor advice and introductions for big-company impact

23:31 Example of companies turning strategic advice into growth

30:08 Working with public vs. private companies

32:21 Role play: Scaling through organic growth and strategic acquisitions

44:19 Leveraging investment bankers to identify strategic carve-out opportunities

48:29 Building selective PE relationships for carve-out deals

50:54 Evaluating the right private equity partner - willing to answer

55:47 The importance of buyer-led M&A integration planning

1:06:29 Finding the right advisory partnership

1:08:18 Craziest thing in M&A

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 Data with Jack Glazebrook, VP and Head of North America Sales and Account Management for Corporates at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Today, data is everything, and the M&A industry is no different. Professionals must learn to harness and utilize the power of technology and data to increase efficiency.

In this mini interview, Jack Glazebrook, VP and Head of North America Sales and Account Management for Corporates at S&P Global Market Intelligence, discusses the evolving landscape of M&A data and how it impacts M&A professionals.

Things you will learn:

• Embracing AI for Enhanced Efficiency

• Leveraging Alternative Data Sources

• Utilizing Capital IQ Pro

• Accessing Private Company Data

• Workflow Efficiency through Technology

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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 credit risk, or monitoring your supply chain, S&P Capital IQ Pro's extensive private company data can give you the insights you need for a competitive edge. Uncover tangible insights on private companies by visiting spglobal.com/privatecompanydata

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.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:52 The reality of being a CEO in a publicly-traded company

12:29 Crafting a clear and actionable M&A strategy

15:21 Conducting diligence and understanding the business in the first 90 days

18:22 Establishing leadership and building a foundation before pursuing M&A

24:05 How the strategy evolved

25:05 Strategic AI integration

28:27 Executing successful M&A deals

30:51 Ensuring fit and managing integration risk at the LOI stage

34:26 Balancing objectivity and cultural fit in M&A decision-making

38:42 Building trust through transparency in M&A relationships

40:25 Influencing a sale by building long-term relationships

43:10 Maintaining valuation discipline in acquisition negotiations

45:31 Managing transparent employee communication

51:12 Staying agile to overcome integration challenges in M&A

54:33 Craziest thing in M&A

55:58  Bonus Interview with Jack Blazebrook: The Evolving Landscape of M&A Data 

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

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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 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.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

04:53 Engineering discipline in M&A

07:08 Lessons in driving growth through organic and inorganic strategies

11:37 Building a strong distribution network

13:36 The importance of strategic capital raising for long-term growth

17:41 How to recapitalize and scale without losing control

20:30 Structuring a recap

22:11 Balancing primary and secondary capital

24:32 Maintaining control and avoiding founder dilution

28:42 Maximizing returns while retaining control

30:14 How going public challenges companies to maintain discipline and long-term focus

34:20 Capital advantages of going public

36:46 Structuring acquisitions and aligning acquirer and founder interests

40:20 Strategic capital allocation to drive growth

42:29 Key advice for growing, raising capital, and allocating resources

45:30 Craziest thing in M&A

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

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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 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.

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Episode Bookmarks

00:00 Intro

07:38 Discovering unbounded deal opportunities

09:00 Sourcing unbounded deals 

13:21 Deal execution lessons: Adapting M&A strategy based on business growth

15:22 Driving accountability for successful integration

17:34 Building consistency and early integration

20:28 Working with the CEO

22:08 Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO

24:01 Cultural challenges of international deals

27:42 Creating a positive people experience in M&A

31:04 How to maintain a consistent people experience

35:22 Balancing cultural integration

37:30 Mapping international growth in venture markets

39:18 Key tips for transitioning from domestic to international M&A

41:20 Navigating valuations and stakeholder interests in deal negotiations

43:29 Aligning non-price factors in M&A - Come back to culture

44:17 Craziest Thing in M&A