M&A Science

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 planning – Ensuring a smooth transition post-close

_________________________________ This episode in sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more. _________________________________

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background

[00:03:00] Building Market Maps & Identifying Opportunities

[00:11:00] Developing Relationships in Buyer-Led M&A

[00:19:00] Expanding into Adjacent Markets

[00:24:00] Prioritization of Acquisition Targets

[00:31:00] Evaluating Cultural Fit & Integration Risks

[00:38:00] Building Trust & Transparency with Business Owners

[00:42:45] The Due Diligence Process

[00:50:00] Managing Bid-Ask Spread & Valuation Challenges

[00:55:00] Integration Planning for M&A Success

[01:01:00] The Role of Technology in M&A

[01:06:00] Surprising Moments in M&A

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

Trailer Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:17 Entering the M&A World

00:05:26 M&A as a Team Sport

00:07:18 Transition from Law Firm to In-House Counsel

00:10:35 Differences Between Large and Small M&A Deals

00:15:42 M&A Deal Strategy and Business Risk

00:25:10 Legal Due Diligence Process

00:30:22 Cross-Border M&A Complexities

00:35:40 Technology and AI in M&A

00:40:15 Managing External Legal Counsel

00:45:00 Negotiation Strategies in M&A

00:50:30 People and Cultural Considerations in Deals

00:55:10 M&A Deal Execution and Closing Challenges

01:00:20 The Future of M&A and Legal Innovation

01:05:45 Craziest M&A Stories and Lessons Learned

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 summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:31 Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples 05:22 Venture capital vs. private equity mindsets 07:48 Who is lending on software deals 09:13 Convincing someone to sell their company 12:41 How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers 15:46 How to approach your first acquisition 18:54 How to pitch a deal to Founders 22:15 Navigating deals with difficult CEOs 27:46 Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side 31:36 Networking to find carve-out deals 35:28 Structuring optimal deals for carve-outs and founder-owned businesses 41:46 When to take on investments and build a platform 45:25 Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A 50:21 Surprises and lessons learned in M&A 55:09 How M&A strategies have evolved 58:25 Craziest thing in M&A

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

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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.

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Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:17 The power of an engineering background

• 03:48 Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success

• 06:51 Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies

• 08:39 Building and managing an M&A pipeline

• 10:32 Handling opportunistic deals outside corporate strategy

• 12:35 Balancing synergies and opportunistic deals

• 14:54 Deciding how much to integrate a company

• 17:59 Evaluating deals that don't fit the M&A thesis

• 23:06 Planning integration based on partnerships and synergies

• 25:02 Becoming a buyer-led M&A organization

• 27:05 Working with the sell-side during M&A processes

• 30:46 Maintaining control during M&A execution

• 32:40 Balancing the M&A process management with bankers

• 34:48 Handling proprietary deals without an advisor

• 38:34 Scenario: Balancing opportunism with communication in competitive processes

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 development teams in a volatile market

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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

• 06:03 Current state of the M&A market

• 07:45 Distinguishing the current M&A downturn

• 08:51 Factors driving global M&A

• 10:14 M&A blindspots to lookout for

• 12:38 How Fed rate cuts will affect M&A

• 13:38 Financing M&A deals in a changing market

• 15:22 Investor sentiment and the future of IPOs

• 16:17 Impact of market volatility on corporate M&A

• 17:12 Cross-border M&A: Lessons from Asia Pacific and Europe M&A Activity

• 20:19 How to prepare for the heightened regulatory scrutiny

• 21:43 Strategies for mitigating regulatory risks

• 22:24 M&A insights from earnings calls

• 23:53 Increased investment banking recruiting

• 24:48 Practical takeaways for corporate M&A teams

• 25:40 The future of M&A: Trends to watch in 2025

• 28:13 Emerging sectors for 2025

• 29:55 Craziest thing in M&A

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

• The role of culture in deal success and integration

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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:

4:13 Overview of Experience in Corporate Development 7:17 Foundational Skills for M&A Success 17:39 Efficiency and Prioritization in Due Diligence 22:00 The Role of Culture in Integration 23:22 Green Flags in the Deal 27:12 Red Flags in the Deal 33:18 Predicting Actual Value 37:46 Key Players in Your Letter of Intent 41:01 Relationships in Corporate Development 44:46 Supporting Your Team While Holding Them Accountable 49:01 Dealing with Bid-Ask Spreads 54:35 Building External Relationships 1:08:22 Future of Corporate Development

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