The Real Deal

By SS&C

What's The Real Deal about?

This podcast gives dealmakers perspectives on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) trends, the biggest deals and insight into the latest technology news and trends. Listen to learn about best practices from deal professionals and industry thought leaders.

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The Real Deal episodes:

03.13.2024
Deal or No Deal: 2024 Market Insights From 300 Corporate and PE Dealmakers
We’ve got an extra special episode for you. Join us as we discuss the results of the 2024 Global M&A; Dealmakers Sentiment Report. In association with Mergermarket, SS&C; Intralinks surveyed 300 global M&A; dealmakers from 225 corporations and 75 private...
03.06.2024
U.S. M&A & Private Equity: What Are the Key Themes for 2024?
In this episode, we explore the performance of add-ons, roll-up strategies, divestitures and take-privates over the past year. In a climate of high interest rates and bank retrenchment, private credit’s heightened role at the outset of last year in facilitating...
02.23.2024
Regulatory Scrutiny of AI Partnerships: Implications for Big Tech Players
Artificial intelligence has become a focus of regulators worldwide. In recent months, the European Commission, Federal Trade Commission and the Competition and Markets Authority have all opened inquiries into investments and partnerships made by Microsoft, Google and Amazon relating to...
02.21.2024
M&A Tales: Nadine Mirchandani, EY's Global Deputy Vice Chair
In this latest episode of M&A; Tales, our special guest is EY's Global Deputy Vice Chair for Strategy and Transactions Nadine Mirchandani. With over 20 years of experience, Nadine specializes in leading financial services, corporate and private equity transactions, serving...
02.16.2024
H1 2024 M&A Trends: A Data-Driven Forecast
In this episode, we delve into findings from the [Q1 2024 Deal Flow Predictor](https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024). Which region is anticipated to witness the most significant decline in deal flow? Will there be a further increase in early-stage restructuring activity? And will the...
02.08.2024
LATAM M&A Round-Up and What to Expect in 2024
In 2023, there was a decline in M&A; activity globally, but what was the picture in Latin America? Our guest, Thiago Barrozo, Mergermarket’s editor for LATAM America, looks back on dealmaking in the region, the role geopolitics is playing and...
02.02.2024
APAC M&A Review 2023: A Recap and Anticipating 2024
In this special episode, we’re joined by Mergermarket's Lisha Zhou and Ed Vinales, who discuss M&A; trends in the Asia Pacific region for 2024. They offer insights into the evolving dealmaking landscape and provide their perspectives on what lies ahead...
01.26.2024
Mergermarket’s 2023 M&A Recap & 2024 Predictions
According to Dealogic, total M&A; volume dropped to its lowest level in ten years globally in 2023 to about USD three trillion. In this episode, Mergermarket executive editor Lucinda Gutherie examines the factors that contributed to last year’s uncertainty, identifies...
01.19.2024
Banks Acquiring Restructuring-focused Advisory Firms
With fees on the decline due to reduced M&A; deal volume, investment banks, consultancies and financial sponsors are acquiring boutique advisory firms specializing in corporate restructuring and distressed dealmaking. Following J.S. Held’s acquisition of Phoenix Management and Mizuho America buying...
01.12.2024
Great Wall of Obstacles: Can Chinese Companies Go Public in the U.S. in 2024?
Amid geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles, Chinese companies face daunting challenges when going public in the U.S. Nevertheless, Shein, the fast-fashion retailer, remains undeterred in its pursuit of a long-rumored initial public offering. Similarly, Zeekr, the high-end electric car brand...
12.22.2023
What Is Driving a New Wave of Oil M&A in North America?
While their European counterparts are rebranding and shifting focus to become cleaner, greener energy companies, the oil majors in the U.S. are doubling down on fossil fuels with two megadeals by Exxon and Chevron in October. We look at what’s...
12.11.2023
Exploring the Impact of the U.K.’s National Security and Investment Act
The NSI regime, enacted in January 2022, grants the U.K. government authority to examine and intervene in various business transactions, including takeovers, to safeguard national security. This episode explores the law's ramifications, potential evolution and its impact on the acquisition...
12.06.2023
M&A Tales: Oriol Pinya, Co-Founder and CEO of Abac Capital
Large cap vs. SME dealmaking: what are the main differences between the two markets? In this special episode of M&A; Tales, we speak with Oriol Pinya, co-founder and CEO of Abac Capital, about his experiences doing both types of deals....
11.29.2023
Research Examines the Impact of Gender Diversity on M&A Deal Leaks
M&A; leaks, whether intentional or not, impact deals, reputations and valuations. Today, we delve into the findings of an annual M&A; leaks report by the M&A; Research Centre at Bayes Business School (MARC) conducted for SS&C; Intralinks. For the first...
11.20.2023
How M&A Is Powering Latin America’s Thriving Renewable Energy Market
The transition to sustainable energy sources is consistently in the headlines, especially with COP28 on the horizon. Currently, Latin America is ahead of many other regions when it comes to renewable energy. In this episode, we’re finding out about how...
11.10.2023
U.S. Corporate Divestitures: Unveiling the Hottest Sectors
RTX’s sale of its cybersecurity and intelligence business unit to private equity firm Blackstone in October 2023 for USD 1.3 billion signals a surge of forthcoming deals. In this episode, we discuss the strategy behind firms looking to divest, run...
11.01.2023
M&A in 2024: Where Will It Go?
In the face of numerous challenges, M&A; activity is showing positive signs for growth in the next six months. Where do the opportunities exist? In this episode, we look at the data and unpack key findings from the SS&C; Intralinks...
10.27.2023
How Are Dealmakers Using AI in M&A?
In this week’s episode, we’re looking at how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded with the proliferation of ChatGPT and other tools. We discuss how the technology is factoring into all aspects of dealmaking and explain how the...
10.20.2023
Understanding The Emerging E.U./U.K. Approach to Tech Deals
In this episode, we're looking at recent developments in regulatory approval for technology mergers in the U.K. and the E.U. We explore why the E.U. antitrust authorities blocked Booking Holdings' proposed EUR 1.63 billion purchase of Swedish peer ETraveli Group,...
10.13.2023
Mixed Messages: IPO Markets Open, But Cautiously
Companies are going public again, but is it all good news? In this week’s episode, we’re talking about IPOs. After booming in 2021, the IPO market went quiet due to macroeconomic pressures and uncertainty. With inflation easing, recent blockbuster debuts...
09.29.2023
European Consumer Market M&A: Where Are the Deals?
The European consumer space experienced a drop in M&A; deal count and flow in H1 2023. However, easing economic pressures and cautious optimism have influenced a recent uptick in transactions, including exemplified by Australia’s Orora acquiring French glass bottle maker...
09.15.2023
Latin America Cryptocurrency Market Landscape and M&A Opportunities
Crypto is enjoying incredible popularity in Latin America, and the region is subsequently awash with M&A; dealmaking opportunities. In this episode, we look at the fast pace of crypto adoption in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador, the impact of locally...
08.30.2023
What’s Next for the European IPO Market?
It’s an interesting time for equity markets. Despite a complex backdrop of inflation, geopolitical tensions and the conflict in Ukraine, equity markets are in a good spot. The appetite for stocks is being fueled by declining interest rates and optimism....
08.23.2023
BioPharma M&A Trends in APAC
In this episode, we’re examining M&A; trends across the APAC region within the BioPharma sector. Our guest, David Chen, a managing director at BFG Group, a China-based boutique investment banking firm, discusses current market sentiments, valuation challenges, recent high-profile cross-border...
08.10.2023
U.S. Equity Capital Market Update
U.S. ECM activity showed positive signs in the first half of 2023 after a two-year decline thanks to improving market conditions. This episode examines factors driving the uptick in recent activity, evaluates whether recent IPOs by Kenvue, Cava Group and...
08.02.2023
Why M&A Dealmakers Are ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ for H2
After a rocky start to 2023, growing confidence is beginning to take hold among dealmakers. In this special episode, we’re joined by Matthew Wells from SS&C; Intralinks, who provides an exclusive preview of upcoming global M&A; activity in APAC, EMEA,...
07.27.2023
What’s Behind the Boom in Mining M&A in North America?
The mining sector in North America is experiencing an extraordinary surge in M&A; activity, primarily fueled by the urgency to secure metals and minerals that are needed for the energy transition. Notably, the rising demand for lithium and nickel, essential...
07.21.2023
Chinese M&A: Perspectives From InterChina Partners
China’s economy is facing foreign and domestic obstacles to growth. How will the current economic and political climate impact inbound and outbound M&A;? Barry Chen, partner in charge and head of corporate finance at InterChina Partners, joins us to discuss...
07.17.2023
E.U./U.K. Regulatory View on Telco Consolidation
Mergers of mobile phone firms have always been a hot topic when it comes to obtaining antitrust approval, and the recent deal to combine the U.K. operations of Vodafone and CK Hutchison — which owns the 3 (Three) network —...
07.14.2023
Iberian M&A Is At a Transition Point Following a Rocky Period
Today we’re looking at M&A; dealmaking in the Iberian region following Mergermarket’s recent summit held in Madrid. Rupert Cocke, who is senior editor and head of Iberia Coverage at Mergermarket, fills us in on recent transactions and dealmaking trends in...
06.21.2023
North America M&A: What's In Store for H2 2023?
In this episode, we’re looking at M&A; deal activity in North America and exploring how the rest of 2023 could pan out. Our guest is James Ward, a business reporter for Mergermarket specializing in B2B tech and industrial sectors. Dealcast...
06.14.2023
M&A Boom in Australia's Mining Sector Expected to Continue
In this episode, we're heading to Australia to find out why the mining sector is booming after a volatile 2022. James Arbuthnott, a Sydney-based journalist who covers energy, mining and utilities, shares important insights. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket...
06.09.2023
Challenges European Dealmakers Are Facing with ESG Criteria in Private Equity Investments
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by abrdn’s Alistair Watson, head of strategy innovation for private equity, and Kanika Goela, investment manager. Together, we discuss the pressing challenges European dealmakers are facing in relation to sustainability and environmental, social and...
06.07.2023
M&A Tales: Alberto Onetti, chairman of Mind the Bridge
On the second installment of the M&A; Tales series, our special guest is Alberto Onetti, chairman of Mind the Bridge, a global open-innovation platform providing advisory services and products to corporates and local start-up ecosystems. Onetti candidly discusses the challenges...
05.26.2023
Why FDI Screening Is a Hot Topic In EU Member States
In this week’s episode, we delve into the subject of foreign direct investment (FDI) screening in Europe and explore the reasons behind its current prominence as a hot topic. Joining us for this insightful conversation are Jacob Parry, chief regulatory...
05.19.2023
U.S. Banking Failures: What Do They Mean for M&A?
In this week’s episode, we explore the impact of recent U.S. bank failures on mergers and acquisitions (M&A;) in the banking sector. Our guest, Calvin Trice, a financial services reporter for Mergermarket, provides valuable insights. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and...
05.12.2023
A.I. Regulation in Brazil
Today we're heading to São Paulo to find out about a new bill intended to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Brazil. Joining us is Max Gonzales, a Brazil-based correspondent for Mergermarket, who sheds light on the proposed...
05.05.2023
U.K.’s CMA Blocks Microsoft’s Takeover of Activision Blizzard
In this week’s episode, we're talking about a massive stumbling block for one of the biggest gaming M&A; deals ever. The U.K.'s Competition Markets Authority has blocked Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard, a massive impact on the fast-growing cloud gaming...
04.28.2023
DACH Corporate M&A Dealmakers Are (Somewhat) Bullish on H2
In this week’s episode, we’re examining key takeaways from the Mergermarket M&A; Forum Germany 2023 held in Frankfurt with DACH Correspondent Patrick Costello. Listen to learn about: • Impact of the Ukraine conflict on valuations, financing and exits • Why private deal flow isn’t...
04.21.2023
Global and Regional M&A Trends for Q2 2023
In this week’s special episode, we're joined by SS&C; Intralinks Co-Head Ken Bisconti, who provides an exclusive preview of global and regional M&A; activity featured in the newly published Q2 2023 Deal Flow Predictor. Download the Q2 2023 DFP...
04.17.2023
APAC: Changes to Chinese Listing Rules and Updates on Alibaba
In this week's episode, we're talking about new Chinese listing rules and what this means for Chinese companies looking to list overseas with [Perris Lee](https://tw.linkedin.com/in/perris-lee-794964b), Asia ECM Editorial, Insights director at ION Analytics. We also discuss what is happening with...
04.11.2023
Latin America's Women Entrepreneurs and the M&A Landscape
In this week’s episode, we’re heading to Mexico and looking at how female entrepreneurs are making a big impact in several sectors in LATAM and exploring their involvement in M&A.; We’re joined by Adriana Curiel, a Mexico correspondent for Mergermarket. Listen...
03.31.2023
Credit Suisse: What Happened and What’s Next?
Today we’re looking at the fallout from Credit Suisse’s demise and takeover by rival bank UBS and what it means for shareholders and bondholders. Joining us to provide insights are Mergermarket’s ECM Reporter Cristiano Dalla Bona and Senior ECM Editor...
03.24.2023
Glass Ceiling Shows First Cracks in Private Equity
In this week’s episode, we're looking at women in private equity and the importance of gender equality. Joining us are Myriam Mariotte, a Paris-based correspondent for Mergermarket, and Joanna Socha, a Mergermarket correspondent for Poland. Listen to learn about: • State of gender...
03.20.2023
2023 Will Be a Big Year for U.S. Healthcare M&A
Today we're looking at the biggest trends in U.S. Healthcare M&A; as discussed at the recently held J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. “We can expect this to be a big year for M&A; for Pharmaceutical and medical device companies,” says our guest...
03.10.2023
South Korea M&A: Full of Surprises and Dramatic Twists
In this week’s episode, we’re heading to South Korea to find out about two major M&A; deals — Osstem Implant’s acquisition by MBK Partners and Unison Capital Korea (UCK) and SM Entertainment’s multi-billion takeover of domestic peer HYBE — and...
03.07.2023
M&A Tales Episode 1: Dealmaking As Improvisational Art
This special episode is part of a new series called “M&A; Tales” where you’ll hear about the human side of M&A; dealmaking. In this first installment, Mergermarket’s Spanish Bureau Chief Robert Cocke speaks with Marc H. Morgenstern, author of the...
02.17.2023
Biggest M&A Trends in Latin America for 2023
In this episode, we’re discussing M&A; trends in Latin America with Ana Toral, a correspondent for Chile and Ecuador at Mergermarket. Ana tells us, “The rising cost of capital combined with recession fears, inflation woes and regional political uncertainty has led...
02.10.2023
Can IPOs Come Back in EMEA?
In this episode of Dealcast, we're looking at equity capital markets (ECM) activity in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2022 and what 2023 holds for initial public offerings (IPOs). Joining us to shed more light on the...
02.03.2023
2023 M&A: Are You Ready For What's Next?
In this special episode, we’re joined by two guests who discuss noteworthy findings from the 2023 SS&C; Intralinks Global Dealmakers Sentiment Report, a survey of 300 global corporate and private equity mergers and acquisitions (M&A;) dealmakers. First, we speak with...

What's The Real Deal about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Real Deal episodes:

Deal or No Deal: 2024 Market Insights From 300 Corporate and PE Dealmakers

U.S. M&A & Private Equity: What Are the Key Themes for 2024?

Regulatory Scrutiny of AI Partnerships: Implications for Big Tech Players

M&A Tales: Nadine Mirchandani, EY's Global Deputy Vice Chair

H1 2024 M&A Trends: A Data-Driven Forecast

LATAM M&A Round-Up and What to Expect in 2024

APAC M&A Review 2023: A Recap and Anticipating 2024

Mergermarket’s 2023 M&A Recap & 2024 Predictions

Banks Acquiring Restructuring-focused Advisory Firms

Great Wall of Obstacles: Can Chinese Companies Go Public in the U.S. in 2024?

What Is Driving a New Wave of Oil M&A in North America?

Exploring the Impact of the U.K.’s National Security and Investment Act

M&A Tales: Oriol Pinya, Co-Founder and CEO of Abac Capital

Research Examines the Impact of Gender Diversity on M&A Deal Leaks

How M&A Is Powering Latin America’s Thriving Renewable Energy Market

U.S. Corporate Divestitures: Unveiling the Hottest Sectors

M&A in 2024: Where Will It Go?

How Are Dealmakers Using AI in M&A?

Understanding The Emerging E.U./U.K. Approach to Tech Deals

Mixed Messages: IPO Markets Open, But Cautiously

European Consumer Market M&A: Where Are the Deals?

Latin America Cryptocurrency Market Landscape and M&A Opportunities

What’s Next for the European IPO Market?

BioPharma M&A Trends in APAC

U.S. Equity Capital Market Update

Why M&A Dealmakers Are ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ for H2

What’s Behind the Boom in Mining M&A in North America?

Chinese M&A: Perspectives From InterChina Partners

E.U./U.K. Regulatory View on Telco Consolidation

Iberian M&A Is At a Transition Point Following a Rocky Period

North America M&A: What's In Store for H2 2023?

M&A Boom in Australia's Mining Sector Expected to Continue

Challenges European Dealmakers Are Facing with ESG Criteria in Private Equity Investments

M&A Tales: Alberto Onetti, chairman of Mind the Bridge

Why FDI Screening Is a Hot Topic In EU Member States

U.S. Banking Failures: What Do They Mean for M&A?

A.I. Regulation in Brazil

U.K.’s CMA Blocks Microsoft’s Takeover of Activision Blizzard

DACH Corporate M&A Dealmakers Are (Somewhat) Bullish on H2

Global and Regional M&A Trends for Q2 2023

APAC: Changes to Chinese Listing Rules and Updates on Alibaba

Latin America's Women Entrepreneurs and the M&A Landscape

Credit Suisse: What Happened and What’s Next?

Glass Ceiling Shows First Cracks in Private Equity

2023 Will Be a Big Year for U.S. Healthcare M&A

South Korea M&A: Full of Surprises and Dramatic Twists

M&A Tales Episode 1: Dealmaking As Improvisational Art

Biggest M&A Trends in Latin America for 2023

Can IPOs Come Back in EMEA?

2023 M&A: Are You Ready For What's Next?

European Consumer Market M&A: Where Are the Deals?