Amid the excitement of getting back to a semblance of business as usual, you’re probably asking yourself a lot of questions—as in, what is the new normal and where do I go from here? This podcast is the next episode in a new series for CFOs, controllers—really, anyone in finance—asking big questions, like: how do we emerge from a crisis stronger than before? Each week, we’ll focus on a different area that may need your focus in this period of recovery. 

This week, host Heather Horn sits down with John Potter, PwC’s US Deals Sector Leader, to discuss deal making in today’s environment.

Topics include:

0:42 - Overview: Times of uncertainty can present the best opportunity to make a deal. We kick off by looking at the current M&A environment and the impact of the market into what’s going on with this active landscape.

10:40 - Different types of investments: 

• 10:40 - Divestitures 
• 13:27 -  Special-purpose acquisition companies
• 14:00 - Distressed companies

17:08 - Risks and opportunities: You can’t eliminate uncertainty in an M&A transaction, but you can minimize it. John and Heather discuss the importance of considering the potential upside and downside.

20:25 - Finance’s role in M&A. How can the finance team lean into the deal model to help make—or not make—a deal? Heather and John discuss.

26:30 - Deal team FAQs. John shares answers to common questions companies ask, including how to adapt to doing a deal virtually.

John Potter is a PwC’s US Deals Sector Leader. He focuses on M&A and is known as an innovative and strategic leader in the field. He advises corporate and private equity clients through acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, bringing clarity and focus to the inherent uncertainty of M&A.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 25 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].