Mergercast by Strategy&

In this episode, Earl Simpkins, a Partner at Strategy& based in Dallas, discusses where we are in the current wave of utilities industry M&A. Topics include the impact of natural gas pricing, environmental issues and the strengthening economy, whether a particular acquisition strategy has emerged from these factors, and how increased regulatory speed has played a role in driving combinations and post-merger integration.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2013.

In this episode, John Jullens, a Partner at Strategy& based in Shanghai, discusses the challenges faced by foreign companies looking to merge or acquire assets in China. He offers 8 best practices that include focusing on your own capabilities gaps when seeking Chinese partners, conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, clarifying decision rights up front, and finding ways to earn the trust of your Chinese partners.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2013.

In this episode, J Neely, a Partner at Strategy&, discusses the challenge of pre-close merger integration when one side is being uncooperative. He addresses a number of topics including the drivers behind uncooperative behavior, the types of deals in which this might occur, how big a threat lack of cooperation can be to a successful integration, and the steps management should take to address this issue before it becomes a major problem.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2013.

In this episode, Gary Ahlquist, a Senior Partner at Strategy&, discusses the surge in health provider M&A he sees ahead. Gary speaks with host Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner and head of the firm's mergers and restructuring group, about the timing and scope of the expected boom, the macro trends behind this surge, industry-specific factors pushing institutions to do deals, and the importance of capabilities as a driver of these transactions.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2013.

In this episode, John Corrigan, a Partner at Strategy&, discusses the coming consolidation in the oil industry he sees on the horizon, prompted by recent deals such as Energy Transfer's $5.3 billion acquisition of Sunoco. He addresses a number of topics including the extent to which weakness in natural gas prices will drive industry mergers, over what time frame we'll see the rush to buy oil assets, and some ideas on likely targets in this consolidation.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2012.

In this second episode in a two-part series, Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner and leader of Strategy&'s mergers and restructuring group, continues his interview with J. Neely, a Partner at the firm, about new Strategy& research finding that transactions designed to enhance or leverage companies' core capabilities outperformed other deals. They explore some specific cases where capabilities took center stage, looking at companies including Danaher Corp., Li & Fung Ltd. and Walgreen Co.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2012.

In this first episode in a two-part series, Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner and leader of Strategy&'s mergers and restructuring group, interviews J. Neely, a Partner at the firm, about new Strategy& research finding that transactions designed to enhance or leverage companies' core capabilities outperformed other deals. The premium was on average 12 percentage points in terms of shareholder return. These findings are also the focus of a recent strategy+business magazine article.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2012.

In this episode, J. Neely, a Partner at Strategy&, examines the renewed interest in spinoffs seen in 2011, when a number of major companies announced plans to slim down their organizations. He explores a number of topics including whether the spinoff trend will continue into 2012, strategies behind major 2011 spinoffs including Kraft and Sara Lee, other spinoff transactions of note such as Fortune Brands and McGraw Hill, and whether this spinoff trend suggests a move away from mergers and toward corporate shrinkage and pure-play competitors.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2011.

In this episode, J. Neely, a Partner at Strategy&, explores the private equity industry in light of Carlyle Group's recent IPO announcement. He discusses a number of topics including whether the Carlyle announcement is indicative of any kind of fundamental change in the private equity industry, major challenges faced by private equity firms today, and what may be in store as a next act for private equity. His discussion is based in part on the recent strategy+business article "The next winning move in private equity," which he co-authored with Strategy& Senior Partner Ken Favaro.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2011.

In this final episode of our 3-part series, J. Neely, a Partner at Strategy&, builds on the concept that coherence is the new scale in M&A by exploring transactions where this was achieved. He analyzes four specific consumer products deals driven by the concept of coherence, including well-known transactions such as Wrigley/Mars, to understand how each was successful and what lessons they might provide for the future.

Note: This podcast was originally published by Booz & Company in 2010.