Blending the Art and the Science of M&A
By Jack Prouty, President of the M&A Leadership Council

There is a very important reason the M&A Leadership Council program titles begin with “The Art of…” When it comes to M&A, having structures, processes, tools, etc. (the science of M&A) are very important, but understanding the art of planning and executing in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures is paramount. In this context, let me share with you a best practice in effective due diligence

The Road So Far
By Jim Jeffries, Chairman of the M&A Leadership Council

As summer comes to an end and we begin wrapping up 2019, I have been reflecting on how far things have come since the inaugural “Art of M&A℠” training event in of June 2010.

PE Firms Knee-Deep In Orthopedic Space
Submitted by Claire Rychlewski in Chicago and Deborah Balshem in Fort Lauderdale 
from Mergermarket, an Acuris company, a partner of the M&A Leadership Council 

Make no bones about it, the orthopedic space is seen by private equity firms as ripe for consolidation, industry sources say.

Get ready, get set…Go!

This phrase conjures up images of a foot race, with “get ready” prominently reflected as a critical step in the process. It also invokes visions of a marked starting point and runners racing against time.

Setting the Standard in M&A Training
By Jim Jeffries, Chairman of the M&A Leadership Council

For ten years, the M&A Leadership Council has collaborated with best-in-class professional services firms and M&A practitioners in creating material to benefit M&A professionals in every role, throughout every stage of the deal. The product of our efforts is a robust curriculum that sets the standard in M&A training. 

The person on the phone was insistent. “We’ve done several M&A integration efforts over the years, and they just haven’t produced the results we expected. What we need are the tools and templates for everyone to follow – can you help?” My response? “Of, course, but not like that!”

What’s the best metaphor to describe what your most recent due diligence process felt like? Herding cats? Spinning too many plates? Train wreck? We can relate. In spite of all the due diligence experience most acquirers have, there is still a surprising lack of effectiveness when it comes to running a diligence process.

Most diligence efforts break down in one or more of the following areas:

"Down 11% on 1H18 but up 17% on 2H18 by value"
Submitted by Acuris, a partner of the M&A Leadership Council 

Mergermarket, an Acuris company, has released its Global M&A roundup for the first half of 2019 (1H19), including its financial advisors league tables. Take a look at the report HERE and don’t forget to review the charts breaking down the activity by sector, value, year-to-year analysis, etc. 

The Heart of the Deal
By Jim Jeffries, Chairman of the M&A Leadership Council

People. People. People. When you consider mergers, acquisitions, divestments or any other major business transaction, your first thought should be People. Make no mistake, people still matter in M&A and can make or break deal outcomes.

Prevent M&A Value Disintegration with Solid Integration
By Wes Beadle, Director of Program Management for NSTXL and Certified M&A Specialist

How do we get the most out of M&A deals and really create shareholder value? This is something that eludes most companies after they close a deal.