by Ian Smith | Nov 24, 2019 | Acquisitions
The WSJ recently published a great summary of the worst deals in history titled, “How Bayer-Monsanto became One of the Worst Corporate Deals – in 12 Charts” (Aug 28, 2019). In April 2015, before the acquisition of Monsanto, Bayer was the most valuable German company...
by Ian Smith | Jul 29, 2019 | Acquisitions
The best part of a seminar or workshop is often the Q&A session at the end. As a presenter I love them. It’s a chance to add specific value to that one person who asked the question. So this blog post is dedicated to the Q&A session of an imaginary...
by Ian Smith | Jul 22, 2019 | Acquisitions
In a recent workshop I started my chat with a statement: “Buying another company is just like buying a house, as long as you remember you’re buying the family inside it as well! I wanted to sear that image in the minds of my audience. Acquisitions fail mainly for one...
by Ian Smith | Apr 23, 2019 | Acquisitions
Campbell Soup acquired Bolthouse for $1.55 billion in 2012 to enter the fresh food category and earlier this week announced it was divesting of the company for $510m to Butterfly Equity, an LA based PE group. PWC conducted a survey in 2013 of 106 executives at Fortune...
by Ian Smith | Mar 18, 2019 | Acquisitions, Exiting your business, Operational Tips
Buying Companies Most acquirers embarking on an acquisition are ill prepared to successfully buy another company and integrate it. Research consistently tells us we are weak at this common corporate tactic – buying other companies. Acquisitions are for...
by Ian Smith | Nov 20, 2017 | Acquisitions
Whether you’re buying or selling it always helps to have a little checklist by your side for those big meetings. Here is my top 20 tips: Checklist Always clarify the up to date position. e.g. when buying a company, talking to the owner – perhaps you could update...