Performing Cultural Due Diligence to Better Understand the Target Company

Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands Every company must have a strong capital allocation strategy to maximize its potential. Without it, the company may end up missing opportunities and spending money on things that won't help it grow or become more profitable.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands, shares his experience on successful and unsuccessful capital allocation strategies.  Things you will learn in this episode: • Strategy vs IRR • Venture capital vs recapitalization strategy • Minority vs majority recapitalization • Evaluating exit strategy This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 11:27 Focusing on organic growth 16:37 Post-merger integration execution 25:01 Strategy vs IRR 26:59 Handling projections 28:07 Integration with Mars 36:20 Role of an operating partner 42:07 Big company vs Small company in M&A 43:39 Venture capital vs recapitalization strategy 48:44 Cashing out from an owner’s perspective 50:42 Minority vs majority recapitalization 54:03 Impact of valuations and interest rates on investment decisions 59:07 Timing on investments 1:01:25 Evaluating exit strategy 1:03:46 Advice for practitioners 1:05:41 Craziest thing in M&A  

Gerry Williams, Partner at DLA Piper US LLP and a member of their management committee. Private equity firms are established for the sole purpose of generating substantial financial returns for its investors. And one of the most effective ways of maximizing investment returns is the roll up strategy. This involves buying small-sized businesses in a highly fragmented industry and combining them into a larger platform. The goal is to improve efficiency and be sold later for a higher price.   In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, we will discuss roll up strategy in private equity with Gerry Williams, Partner at DLA Piper US LLP. Things you will learn this episode: • Industries susceptible to roll up strategy • Challenges of executing roll up strategy • Negotiating the LOI in roll up strategy • Typical deal structure in roll up strategy • Employing Earnouts in roll up strategy This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 04:06 Industries susceptible to roll up strategy 06:22 The trend of roll up strategy in private equity 10:42 Complexities of Roll up strategy 15:52 Challenges of executing roll up strategy 20:32 How to mitigate risks 24:19 Managing multiple roll up businesses 26:49 Negotiating the LOI in roll up strategy 33:00 Breakup fees on private deals 35:57 Typical deal structure in roll up strategy 43:24 Employing Earnouts in roll up strategy 48:07 Unique negotiations during LOI 49:31 Do’s and Don’ts of executing roll up strategy 52:57 Craziest thing in M&A  

Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings In a world where change is the only constant, businesses are continually seeking innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve. One such method that has gained prominence is the corporate diversification strategy, a multifaceted approach that can lead to new growth avenues and enhanced resilience.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings, discusses corporate diversification through M&A. Things you will learn: • Corporate diversification strategy • Drivers of corporate diversification • People involved in corporate diversification • Projecting revenue synergies • Closing deals with competition This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here. ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 02:55 Corporate diversification strategy 03:32 Drivers of corporate diversification 05:22 People involved in corporate diversification 08:00 Communicating the diversification strategy - The number one step 08:51 Customer overlaps on deals 11:17 Capital Allocation 13:41 Proprietary deal vs Bank Deal 15:22 Deal Sourcing 17:57 Closing deals with competition 19:22 Cultural integration 22:03 Handling resistance 23:21 Measuring Success 24:31 Projecting revenue synergies 26:09 Earnouts 30:31 Letter on intent exclusivity 32:10 Combining diligence with integration using DealRoom 36:42 Using DealRoom with Sellers 40:02 Advice for practitioners doing corporate diversification 40:30 AI in M&A 46:34 Craziest thing in M&A      

Andrey Galiuk, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations Before doing M&A, it is crucial for acquirers to target the right business, in the right market. Otherwise, it could potentially be a costly mistake that would waste the company’s time and money.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrey Galiuk, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, shares his expertise on how to perform strategic due diligence in M&A.  Things you will learn: • What is strategic due diligence • How to perform strategic due diligence in M&A • Entering the right market • Finding the right target company • Biggest challenge when performing strategic diligence This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here. ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 11:17 What is strategic due diligence 16:25 How to perform strategic due diligence in M&A 25:00 Entering the right market 38:05 Finding the right target company 41:25 When to perform strategic due diligence 42:38 Proactive vs. Reactive deal sourcing 44:33 Importance of culture 47:05 When to start integration planning 49:11 Red flags during strategic diligence 50:33 Assessing incoming people 51:20 Biggest challenge when performing strategic diligence  

George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota In the ever-evolving world of business, staying ahead isn't just about what a company does today, but how it prepares for tomorrow. This is where a venture capital arm comes into play. It is a specialized division within a larger company that focuses on investing in emerging startups and innovative projects.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, George Kellerman, VP, Head of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota, and Alexander Baum, Corporate Development Lead at Woven by Toyota, share their experience on how to stand up a venture capital arm.  Things you will learn: • How did Woven by Toyota got started • Successfully start a venture capital arm • Leadership in managing people • Biggest Lessons Learned • Dealing with cultural difference This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here. ****************** Episode Bookmarks *George Kellerman 00:00 Intro 06:15 From firefighter to M&A 09:49 How did Woven by Toyota got started 11:19 Project Kate 12:58 Pitching the shift in strategy 14:31 Woven Capital’s strategy 16:48 How to successfully start a venture capital arm 19:45 Leadership in managing people 22:03 Biggest lessons learned 26:00 A change in strategy 27:04 The Woven City Project 31:11 Dealing with cultural difference 35:40 Craziest thing in M&A *Alex Baum 39:34 Noticing cultural differences in Japan 42:11 Relocating to Tokyo 44:07 New York vs Japan culture 45:28 Work culture in Japan 48:32 Rubber stamp approval in Japan 49:51 Balancing American and Japanese culture 51:27 Maintaining alignment 52:09 Craziest thing in M&A  

Camilo Franco, Director, M&A Integration and Operations at Jamf There is an intimate tie between M&A strategy and corporate strategy. To be truly effective, acquisitions must directly support the overarching goal of the company. But beyond that, there needs to be a strategic alignment with everyone involved.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Camilo Franco, Director, M&A Integration and Operations at Jamf, shares their secrets on how to achieve strategic alignment from top to bottom.  Things you will learn: • How to achieve strategic alignment • Strategies for effectively communicating M&A plans • Tools used to maintain alignment • Connecting diligence and Integration • Advice for integration practitioners ****************** This episode is brought to you by the M&A Science Spring Summit 2024 happening on April 10th at 10AM ET. It's your chance to join leading M&A experts as they share innovative and the latest trends from their own deals. Save your spot here. ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 08:45 Definition of strategic alignment 10:31 How to achieve strategic alignment 12:51 Relaying M&A strategy against corporate strategy 13:54 Getting buy-in from team members 15:37 Overcoming anti-M&A culture 18:44 Strategies for effectively communicating M&A plans 21:21 Alignment with the integration team 23:51 Formulating the integration thesis 26:37 Role of steering committee 28:04 Communicating decisions with the broader organization 29:30 Managing integration without IMO 32:09 Ensuring company readiness for integration 34:11 Gauging M&A readiness 36:06 Side effects of burnout people 37:25 Defining the end of integration 39:30 Tools used to maintain alignment 43:32 Agile M&A 44:46 Connecting diligence and integration 48:13 Using integration templates 50:36 Advice for integration p  

Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group. Most of the biggest M&A failures of all time are caused by culture clashes. Both companies cannot simply co-exist with each other, and instead of creating more value, they destroyed both of their businesses. This is why cultural due diligence is crucial in M&A.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ken Bond, Head of Corporate Development at Cetera Financial Group, shares his expertise on how to perform cultural due diligence to better understand the target company. Things you will learn: • The person responsible for cultural due diligence • Executing cultural due diligence • Using Playbooks • Successful partnership between Corporate Development and Integration • Advice for practitioners ****************** This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at www.dealroom.net. ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 05:11 Person responsible for cultural due diligence 05:54 Importance of cultural due diligence 08:08 Executing cultural due diligence 10:29 Killing the deal due to cultural conflict 14:54 Using Playbooks 17:31 Cultural due diligence during early conversations 20:12 Understanding how the target company makes decisions 22:40 Things to look for during due diligence 25:09 Using questionnaires for cultural due diligence 27:08 Bilateral deal vs. Auction process 30:10 Hardest part of cultural due diligence 32:27 Successful partnership between Corporate Development and Integration 35:33 Subculture due diligence 37:07 Advice for practitioners 38:31 Craziest thing in M&A  

Baljit Singh, Former SVP, Global Head of Corporate Development at Nielsen Ventures Engaging in M&A activities just for the sake of doing them is one of the biggest reasons for failed deals. Without a well-defined purpose, these transactions can distract the business and waste massive amounts of resources.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Baljit Singh, Former SVP, Global Head of Corporate Development at Nielsen Ventures, discusses the importance of strategic alignment between M&A and corporate strategy. Things you will learn: • Corporate strategy vs M&A strategy • Getting the strategy right • Capital allocation • Measuring business unit’s success • Deal structure to preserve cash ****************** This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom.  FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to firmroom.com ****************** Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 05:10 Corporate strategy vs M&A strategy 09:25 Getting the strategy right 11:17 Best ways to pitch deals 13:09 Pillars of corporate strategy 15:50 Capital allocation 21:06 Measuring business unit’s success 24:52 Holding business units accountable 27:20 Why take a public company private 33:51 Steps to take a public company to private 38:11 Real life examples 48:29 Deal structure to preserve cash 54:45 Dealing with reluctant seller 59:30 Craziest thing in M&A  

Douglas Barnard, former Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Legal Advisor at CF Industries (NYSE: CF) Problems don’t usually surface at the early stages because it's the honeymoon phase. Both the buyer and the seller would like to see the deal happen, so they work together to build momentum. And often that means postponing dealing with some of the more difficult and contentious issues. However, these M&A challenges are inevitable and will arise as the deal progresses.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Douglas Barnard, former Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Legal Advisor at CF Industries, discusses effective strategies to overcome M&A challenges. Things you will learn: • Mindset to prepare for M&A • Overcoming M&A Challenges Between Signing and Closing • Mitigating Post-Merger Integration Risks • Biggest Challenges in M&A • Advice for First-time Acquirers ***************** This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom. FirmRoom provides 80% cost savings over VDRs that bill by page and delivers a far better user experience to boot. Sign up in under 2 minutes by going to  www.firmroom.com. ****************** Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 05:26 Mindset to prepare for M&A 10:26 Strategic Negotiation Tactics 13:03 Having a Foundation of Trust and Honesty 17:31 Assessing Buyer Transparency in Deal Negotiations 20:17 Mastering Valuation and Identifying Synergies 22:43 Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles in the M&A Process 24:40 Uncovering Surprises in Due Diligence 28:53 Utilizing a Private Investigator (PI) in a Deal 29:57 Navigating Complex Negotiation Stages 33:54 Zero-Sum Scenarios in M&A Auctions 35:51 Valuation and Auction Bidding Strategies 37:57 Overcoming M&A Challenges Between Signing and Closing 41:29 Mitigating Post-Merger Integration Risks 46:16 Biggest Challenges in M&A 50:24 Advice for First-time Acquirers 52:51 Craziest thing in M&A  

Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Partner at Milbank M&A valuation isn’t just about looking at the numbers. There are a lot of different factors that affect and contribute to the volatility of the M&A market.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Partner at Milbank, discusses how business cycles affect M&A valuation. Things you will learn: • What is a business cycle • What is a credit cycle • How business cycle impact M&A valuation • Common Mistake during M&A valuation • Importance of culture in M&A This episode is sponsored by the DealRoom Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at dealroom.net. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 11:00 What is a business cycle 12:41 What is a credit cycle 16:59 Cycle’s impact on energy sector 19:09 How business cycle impact M&A valuation 22:36 Industries most affected by the cycles 26:43 M&A valuation for first-timers 31:47 Importance of culture in M&A 34:23 When to pull of a deal 37:37 Example of failed deals 41:59 Example of good deals 45:43 Common Mistake during M&A valuation 46:43 M&A function maturity 48:02 Other early M&A considerations 49:15 Craziest thing in M&A