

M&A Science
Kison Patel
M&A Science, hosted by Kison Patel (Founder & CEO of DealRoom), is your go-to podcast for mastering the art of mergers and acquisitions. Each week, Kison and his expert guests from leading brands like Xerox, FastLap, and Cisco dig deep into real-world M&A strategies, offering actionable insights to optimize your M&A practice.
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to the field, M&A Science provides practical advice on key topics like sourcing, due diligence, integration, divestitures, and more. With over 300 episodes, this podcast is the premier thought leadership resource designed to streamline your deal-making process.
Start listening today and visit mascience.com/podcast to access over 300 episodes. Brought to you by DealRoom, the leading M&A optimization platform used by the best M&A teams around the world
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to the field, M&A Science provides practical advice on key topics like sourcing, due diligence, integration, divestitures, and more. With over 300 episodes, this podcast is the premier thought leadership resource designed to streamline your deal-making process.
Start listening today and visit mascience.com/podcast to access over 300 episodes. Brought to you by DealRoom, the leading M&A optimization platform used by the best M&A teams around the world
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2022 • 48min
Building an Exit Path
Touraj Parang, President & COO of Serve Robotics Selling a business is a difficult task that requires a lot of planning and preparation. However, most entrepreneurs refuse to entertain the idea of a sale until it is too late. The best time to plan an exit is when times are good, not in a desperate situation. The longer the prep time, the higher chances of success. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Touraj Parang, President & COO of Serve Robotics, discusses how to build an exit strategy. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "academy20%" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Sep 15, 2022 • 50min
Developing an M&A Thesis
Siran Tanielyan, SVP, Corporate Development at Paramount (NYSE: PGRE) Every company wants to evolve and grow its business, and M&A is one of the fastest and most powerful ways to grow. If done correctly, M&A can transform an organization overnight but there must be a sound M&A thesis. Without an M&A thesis, acquirers might end up wasting time, money, and opportunities. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Siran Tanielyan, SVP, Corporate Development at Paramount, talks about developing an M&A thesis. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Sep 12, 2022 • 45min
Leadership Alignment and GTM Strategy for Successful Deals
Cole Breidenbach, VP, M&A Integration & Strategic Initiatives at Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA) Leadership alignment is one of the most underrated aspects of M&A. But without leadership alignment, there will be confusion regarding what the company will represent post-close and what needs to be integrated. The company will be left with an inconsistent narrative and messaging, which leads to retention issues. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Cole Breidenbach, VP, M&A Integration & Strategic Initiatives at Okta, discusses leadership alignment and creating a GTM strategy for successful deals. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 60 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

5 snips
Sep 8, 2022 • 42min
Growing Beyond M&A
Christina Ungaro, VP, Head of Corporate Development at Wind River Corporate development is more than just doing M&A. Sometimes, acquiring a company isn't the best way to achieve the organization's growth strategy. There are a variety of approaches to accelerating a business that require extra analysis and planning. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Christina Ungaro, VP, Head of Corporate Development at Wind River, talks about growing beyond M&A. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Sep 5, 2022 • 44min
How to Stand Up an IMO Function
Joshua Zatkin-Steres, Head of M&A Integration at Zuora NYSE: ZUO Integration is one of the most challenging and crucial parts of M&A. It requires a complete understanding of the parent company and the newly acquired business. If done right, it will allow acquirers to capture intended synergies and maximize the value of their transaction. It is why having a dedicated integration function can be extremely valuable to an organization. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joshua Zatkin-Steres, Head of M&A Integration at Zuora, talks about how to stand up an IMO function. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

17 snips
Sep 1, 2022 • 46min
Secrets to Building an M&A Function
Bani Bedi, SVP, Head of Corporate Development, Strategy and Monetization at Smartsheet M&A is one of the most powerful tools to transform your business instantly. If done right, your organization will reach new heights that otherwise would not have been possible. But before you can reap its benefits, you must build a good M&A function. In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Bani Bedi, SVP, Head of Corporate Development, Strategy, and Monetization at Smartsheet, shares the secrets to building an M&A function. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Aug 29, 2022 • 48min
Financial Diligence in M&A
Amr Abdelaziz, Senior Director, M&A Finance at Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX) Finance is arguably the most critical part of the due diligence process. Almost every transaction comes down to the numbers unless it's a pure IP deal. Conducting effective financial diligence in M&A is crucial to every acquisition's success. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amr Abdelaziz, Senior Director, M&A Finance at Equinix, talks about financial diligence in M&A. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Aug 25, 2022 • 34min
Developing Strategy with Business Leaders
Michael McDonald, Director, Strategy at Koch Engineered Solutions Strategy is a crucial part of an M&A. Without it, acquirers may end up purchasing companies that compromise their time and resources. A good strategy shapes how to approach a target company, the questions to ask during diligence, and how to integrate the newly acquired business. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Michael McDonald, Director, Strategy at Koch Engineered Solutions, talks about developing strategies with business leaders. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

8 snips
Aug 22, 2022 • 38min
How to Compete in a Competitive M&A Market
Tyler Rodewald, Vice President, M&A at EIS Holdings In M&A, most acquirers don't like a competitive process. Auctions can drive higher prices, shorten the diligence process, and increase uncertainty. However, competitive processes are almost inevitable as sellers are looking to maximize the value of their company. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Tyler Rodewald, VP, M&A at EIS Holdings, talks about how to compete in a competitive M&A process. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/

Aug 18, 2022 • 43min
Capturing Revenue Synergies
Joe Heel, Chief Revenue Officer at Zebra Technologies Revenue synergies are one of the most challenging metrics to achieve during integration, but are also the primary reason companies buy businesses. It's safe to say that many transactions fail to realize their intended value. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Heel, Chief Revenue Officer at Zebra Technologies, talks about capturing revenue synergies. Liked today's episode? Unlock over 50 courses taught by top-tier M&A practitioners by joining the M&A Science Academy. Use code "podcast" on the sign-up page for a 20% discount, available on either monthly or annual plans. https://www.mascience.com/academy Want to learn about upcoming interviews, events, and industry trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. https://www.mascience.com/newsletter-signup If you're a head of corporate development and looking to build up a world-class M&A team, reach out to me at kison@mascience.com. This episode is sponsored by FirmRoom, the fastest virtual data room used to get deals done. Leave the pay-per-page world behind by going to https://firmroom.com/


