M&A Science

• Mastering Serial Acquisitions

  Gwen Pope, Senior Managing Partner  and Head of Platform Solutions Tiger Team M&A and Tracie Smith, Senior Partner  and Head of GTM Solutions at Tiger Team M&A Together, Gwen and Tracie dive into the complexities of serial acquisitions, discussing how large strategic acquirers can develop repeatable frameworks to streamline execution and maximize deal value. From building a North Star strategy to decision-making frameworks, they cover what it takes to successfully integrate multiple acquisitions while maintaining strategic alignment. Whether you're leading M&A for a large enterprise or looking to optimize your acquisition playbook, this episode is packed with insights on structuring M&A functions, avoiding common integration pitfalls, and ensuring leadership alignment. Things you will learn: How to structure an M&A function for repeatable success Why decision-making frameworks are crucial for integration The role of executive leadership alignment in deal execution This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom BI. Harness the power of real-time data to make data-driven decisions by building, visualizing, and sharing interactive M&A reports seamlessly. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more. Episode Chapters [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:02:00] – The backgrounds of Gwen Pope and Tracie Smith [00:05:30] – Common integration challenges for large serial acquirers [00:08:30] – The importance of a repeatable M&A model [00:14:00] – Why education is key for executive leadership teams [00:18:30] – Overcoming integration fatigue and long-tail execution [00:26:00] – Structuring an M&A function: centralized vs. decentralized models [00:36:00] – How to establish a decision-making framework [00:49:00] – Handling unexpected challenges and reducing reliance on leadership for decisions [00:56:00] – Why a decision log is essential for integration success [01:05:30] – Crazy M&A stories and key lessons learned

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• How to Execute Distressed M&A

  Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell When a company is struggling financially, M&A can be a lifeline—but navigating distressed deals is a whole different game. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Mimi Wu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, breaks down how Chapter 11 bankruptcy, 363 sales, and creditor negotiations come into play when businesses are in distress. Mimi has worked on some of the biggest restructuring cases, including FTX and Silicon Valley Bank, and she’s here to explain how distressed M&A really works—without the legal jargon. Whether you’re an investor, a corporate executive, or just curious about how companies handle financial trouble, this episode is packed with insights. Things you will learn: What is Chapter 11? – How bankruptcy protects businesses and gives them time to reorganize  The Power of a 363 Sale – Why buyers love these deals and how they can acquire assets “free and clear”  Negotiating with Creditors – What happens when companies can’t pay their debts, and the options they have Finding Deals in Bankruptcy – How investors and buyers can identify distressed M&A opportunities before they hit the auction stage ______________ 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 DealRooms proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more. Trailer Timestamps: [00:03:01] – What is Distressed M&A? Key Differences from Traditional M&A [00:05:32] – Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: How It Works and When to Use It [00:06:30] – 363 Asset Sales: Selling a Business in Bankruptcy [00:09:11] – Why Companies File for Bankruptcy: Common Triggers [00:10:36] – The Automatic Stay: Protecting Companies During Bankruptcy [00:14:00] – Alternatives to Bankruptcy: Negotiating with Creditors & Raising Capital [00:18:30] – How the Bankruptcy Sale Process Works: Auctions & Market Checks [00:20:41] – Credit Bidding & How Creditors Influence the Sale [00:24:02] – The 363 Auction Process: How Bidding Works [00:26:39] – Stalking Horse Bids: What They Are & How They Work [00:29:30] – How Sale Proceeds Are Distributed Among Creditors [00:33:00] – Case Study: Carrier & Ketafenol Bankruptcy Sale [00:39:35] – Finding Distressed M&A Opportunities: Buyer Strategies [00:42:00] – The Craziest Thing Mimi in Distressed M&A

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• How to Navigate Antitrust Complexities in M&A

  Kaj Rozga, Senior Antitrust Counsel at ABB Antitrust scrutiny in M&A is at an all-time high, and companies must be prepared to navigate evolving regulatory challenges. Kaj Rozga, Senior Antitrust Counsel at ABB, brings a unique perspective, having worked both inside the FTC and in private practice, advising on antitrust strategy, compliance, and M&A transactions. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Kaj breaks down the latest antitrust trends, regulatory risks, and strategic approaches to managing antitrust concerns in M&A. He shares how dealmakers can proactively assess risk, structure deals to mitigate scrutiny, and use antitrust as a negotiation tool. Thing’s you will learn: Antitrust in M&A – What business leaders need to know How regulators evaluate mergers – Key triggers for scrutiny Industry rollups & market consolidation – Why private equity is under the microscope  Navigating second requests & regulatory delays – How to prepare for costly reviews What not to do between sign and close _________________________________ This episode is  sponsored by Buyer-Led M&A™. Take control of your deals._________________________________ Episode Timestamps: 00:02:30 - Guest Introduction: Kaj Rozga’s Background & ABB Overview 00:07:00 - Antitrust Trends: Government Levers & Key Enforcement Themes 00:13:00 - Substantive Antitrust Challenges: Vertical Competition, Industry Roll-ups & Expanded Deal Horizon 00:21:00 - Government Positioning & Impact on Deals 00:30:00 - Mandatory Filings & Second Requests 00:38:00 - Best Practices for Document Control & Risk Mitigation in M&A 00:48:00 - Gun-Jumping & Pre-Closing Coordination: Managing Compliance Risks 00:54:00 - Structuring Deals to Avoid Antitrust Concerns 01:02:00 - Using Antitrust Considerations in Negotiation

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• How to Build a Roll-Up Machine

  John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners Creating a successful roll-up strategy requires a unique combination of industry expertise, strategic planning, and leadership. John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners, has mastered the art of acquiring and integrating businesses in the home services industry, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. With 19 acquisitions in less than three years, Leap Partners is rapidly expanding across the Southeast with a people-first approach. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John shares how to build a roll-up machine from scratch. He discusses selecting the right industry, pitching to investors, sourcing and executing deals, and the critical role of leadership and culture in scaling a business. John also explains how to foster strong relationships with business owners and private equity partners, along with key lessons learned from executing high-volume M&A. Things You’ll Learn: How to build a roll-up strategy from scratch Understand how to pitch to investors and raise capital without an initial deal in place Gain insights into sourcing and executing deals with a people-first approach Discover the importance of rapid integration and operational efficiency Hear how to build strong relationships with business owners and private equity partners _________________________________ This episode is  sponsored by DealRoom BI. Harness the power of real-time data to make data-driven decisions by building, visualizing, and sharing interactive M&A reports seamlessly. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more._________________________________ Episode Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction & The Importance of M&A Reporting Automation [00:02:00] Guest Introduction: John Cerasuolo's Background & Key Lessons from the Navy [00:07:00] The Role of Private Equity in Roll-ups [00:10:30] Building a Roll-up Machine: Step-by-Step Guide [00:13:45] Sourcing Deals & Choosing the Right Industry [00:21:20] Securing the Right Investment Partner & Negotiating Terms [00:30:30] First Deal & Launching Leap Partners [00:33:00] Building a Strong Pitch to Business Owners & Characteristics of Leadership [00:40:00] Integration Strategy & Operational Efficiency [00:45:00] Partnership with Business Owners & Culture Building Post-Close [00:48:30] Craziest Thing Seen in M&A & Final Thoughts  

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  50:25
• Corporate Development Strategy in High-Volume M&A

  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

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