M&A Advisor Podcast

M&A Advisor

The M&A Advisor Podcast aims to shine a light on the many outstanding Thought Leaders and members of The M&A Advisor, empowers young entrepreneurs and M&A professionals to stay informed about industry trends, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, investment banking, and finance strategies, and provides valuable insights and actionable ideas to inspire them. Official Website https://www.maadvisor.com/ Join our Newsletter https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribe/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor/ M&A TV https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor/

  1. Sec. Wilbur Ross on Risks and Returns and the “Three Buckets” of Success

    18H AGO

    Sec. Wilbur Ross on Risks and Returns and the “Three Buckets” of Success

    Many investors find themselves caught between aggressive capital strategies and the slow friction of regulatory oversight. In this episode, Wilbur Ross—legendary restructuring expert and former US Secretary of Commerce—shares masterclass lessons from his memoir, Risks and Returns. Discover how to navigate the "speed gap" between private sector execution and government bureaucracy, and why mastering the "three buckets" of operations, finance, and policy is no longer optional for the modern dealmaker. Learn how to identify hidden value in distressed assets and build a resilient strategy for a high-interest-rate environment. Watch now and sharpen your edge at MAAdvisor.com. #MAAdvisor #DistressedInvesting #Restructuring #WilburRoss Why Risks and Returns is the essential field guide for today’s dealmaker The 1970s vs. 2025: Comparing high-rate environments and restructuring cycles The Speed Gap: Why private sector decisiveness clashes with government friction The "Three Buckets" Framework: Integrating Operations, Finance, and Policy Lessons from Rothschild: Developing the instinct for bankruptcy and turnarounds Why operational improvement is the only sustainable path to PE returns The geopolitical lens: How global trade shifts impact middle-market M&A Announcement: Exclusive pre-signed memoirs at the 2026 Distressed Investing Summit M&A Alerts: Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium transaction news. https://maadvisor.com LinkedIn: Connect with our global community of dealmaking professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor Facebook: Follow the latest trends and stories from the industry’s influential figures. https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor Show NotesYouTube: Watch masterclass strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor

    18 min
  2. Dealmaking DNA: A Conversation with a Lifelong Entrepreneur

    2D AGO

    Dealmaking DNA: A Conversation with a Lifelong Entrepreneur

    Is your leadership philosophy built on a "Signal" or just market noise? 📡 While many focus strictly on the exit, lifelong entrepreneur George Zimmer reveals why the most enduring deals are driven by operational passion and employee-centric scaling. In this briefing, we deconstruct his transition from a $2.5B public market cap to the agile, online model of Generation Tux. 👉 Stay ahead of the next cycle. Subscribe to M&A Alerts for your definitive daily source of premium transaction news: https://maadvisor.com Executive Summary: Roger Aguinaldo sits down with George Zimmer at the New York Athletic Club to discuss the "Secret Sauce" of a resounding retail success and the hard lessons of being fired from the company he founded. Zimmer provides a technical roadmap for navigating disagreements with the board, the realities of taking a company private, and why he has no interest in returning to the public markets. Technical Index (Shownotes): 0:00 – The M&A Advisor: Connecting the World's Dealmaking Elite 01:45 – Entrepreneurial Roots: From Traveling Salesman to Retail Icon 04:10 – The "Secret Sauce": Prioritizing Employees Over Money Managers ⚙️ 07:30 – The 2013 Pivot: Board Disagreements and the $2.5B Market Cap Realities 10:15 – The Buyout Trap: When Going Private Threatens the Board of Directors 13:40 – Disruptive Trends: How AI is Revolutionizing Modern "Clienteling" Systems 16:20 – Strategic Partnerships: The Revenue-Share Model with David’s Bridal & Disney 19:05 – Legacy & Leadership: Why Career is Only One-Third of Life’s Success Connect With Our Global Community:  🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor  🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor  🔹 YouTube: Subscribe for Masterclass Strategies: https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor #MandA #GeorgeZimmer #Dealmaking #Entrepreneurship #MAAdvisor

    33 min
  3. Culture, Comfort and Chemistry in M&A Deals

    FEB 13

    Culture, Comfort and Chemistry in M&A Deals

    In the high-stakes world of AI and technology M&A, most deals fail not because of financial engineering, but because of a lack of cultural alignment. In this episode, Puneet Arora (EY-Parthenon) and Satish Raman (Fractal) discuss the "three Cs"—culture, comfort, and chemistry—that dictate the success of hyper-growth integrations. Learn how to navigate the shift from historical data to predictive AI and why maintaining transparency is the ultimate tool for preserving deal value. Master the human side of the transaction and ensure your next deal delivers its promised synergy. Watch now and sharpen your edge at MAAdvisor.com.   #MAAdvisor #MandACulture #AITransactions #DealMaking  Show Notes  Introduction to Fractal: 25 years of evolving from analytics to AI  Beyond the numbers: Defining culture, comfort, and chemistry in M&A  Why cultural friction is the #1 killer of post-merger synergies  The "Pre-LOI" phase: Assessing leadership alignment early  Moving from descriptive to predictive: The impact of AI on due diligence  How AI identifies hidden revenue leakage and growth opportunities  Comfort in the "War Room": Building trust between founders and PE  The transparency mandate: Preventing value leakage through communication  Managing talent retention in tech-heavy transactions  Strategy for 2026: Why culture will remain the competitive differentiator  M&A Alerts: Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium transaction news. https://maadvisor.com   LinkedIn: Connect with our global community of dealmaking professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor   Facebook: Follow the latest trends and stories from the industry’s influential figures. https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor   YouTube: Watch masterclass strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor

    22 min
  4. Business Restructuring: Looking into a Crystal Ball or Down a Rabbit Hole

    FEB 12

    Business Restructuring: Looking into a Crystal Ball or Down a Rabbit Hole

    Is a standard balance sheet fix enough to save a failing entity, or are you just delaying the inevitable "Chapter 22"? 📊 In this briefing, we explore why many modern restructurings fail to address the underlying business model and how "Band-Aid" deals from the pandemic era are finally coming due. 👉 Stay ahead of the next cycle. Subscribe to M&A Alerts for your definitive daily source of premium transaction news: https://maadvisor.com Executive Summary: Roger Aguinaldo sits down with Drew, a veteran Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), and Susan of Foley & Lardner to deconstruct the "Brave New World" of distress. From the impact of tariff fluctuations on manufacturing to the residual debt in real estate, this conversation provides a technical roadmap for utilizing Chapter 11 as a strategic tool rather than a final resort. Technical Index (Shownotes): 0:00 – The M&A Advisor: Thought Leadership for the Dealmaking Elite 02:15 – The CRO Approach: Why "Walking the Plant" Beats Financial Modeling  04:50 – Consumer Confidence & Macro Stress: The 50/50 Recession Reality 07:30 – The "Chapter 22" Trap: Why Fixing Debt Doesn't Fix the Business 10:15 – Dividend Recaps & Private Equity: A Recipe for Future Distress? 13:40 – Chapter 11 as a Tool: A Case Study in 100% Creditor Recovery 16:55 – Alternative Structures: ABCs and Liability Management for the Middle Market 19:20 – The "DOGE" Effect: Preparing Government Contractors for Restructuring 21:45 – Final Outlook: Staying Decisive in an Uncertain Market Connect With Our Global Community:  🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor  🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor  🔹 YouTube: Subscribe for Masterclass Strategies: https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor #MandA #Restructuring #Chapter11 #PrivateEquity #BusinessStrategy #MAAdvisor

    24 min
  5. The Pioneer of Pre-Packs: Jay Goffman on Inventing Restructuring Strategy and Accelerating Deal Flow

    FEB 11

    The Pioneer of Pre-Packs: Jay Goffman on Inventing Restructuring Strategy and Accelerating Deal Flow

    Stop wasting years in Chapter 11 litigation! Learn directly from Jay Goffman, the inventor of the pre-pack, how to save distressed companies quickly and cost-effectively. In this episode with Derek Hunter, Jay reveals the mindset shift from "warrior" lawyer to creative business problem-solver. Don't let your firm be left behind—master this mindset and accelerate your deal-making craft today.  [0:02:00] Meet Jay Goffman, the pioneer and inventor of the pre-pack restructuring  [0:03:00] The unplanned journey: How a neurochemistry major stumbled into bankruptcy law  [0:05:00] The key to success: Hard work, a creative streak, and the value of mentors.  [0:06:00] Hiring for restructuring: Why a team-first, all-in mentality beats high grades alone.  [0:08:00] The pre-pack origin story: Solving a multinational, multi-tier bond problem.  [0:10:00] Thinking differently: The switch from multi-year litigation to a business transaction mindset.  [0:11:00] The Midnight Memo: Jay writes the first-ever proposal for a pre-packaged plan.  [0:14:00] The first pre-pack: Succeeding with Mex Telex despite objections and no examples.  [0:15:00] The difference: Comparing the "warrior" versus the "business deal" restructuring approach.  [0:16:00] Liability Management: It's not new, but it needs to truly fix the problem  [0:18:00] The Pre-Pack Mindset: A technique to fix any problem quickly and cost-effectively  [0:19:00] The evolution: Why it's possible for operational, international, and even mass tort cases.  [0:21:00] Global restructuring: Using US law firm retainers to leverage foreign cases.  [0:23:00] Parting Advice: Be passionate, find mentors, and show genuine care for clients.  Connect with the M&A Advisor community and stay on top of the latest trends and interviews:  M&A Advisor: https://maadvisor.com  M&A Alerts Newsletter: https://maadvisor.com/maalerts   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor

    24 min
  6. Borders & Barriers – How the Icon Aircraft Deal Survived Chapter 11

    FEB 10

    Borders & Barriers – How the Icon Aircraft Deal Survived Chapter 11

    Before facing a complete liquidation due to irreconcilable governance friction and an unsustainable capital structure, Icon Aircraft’s stakeholders were stuck in a multi-year deadlock; however, after the expert intervention of Thomas McCabe, Sam Newman, and Neil Gupta, they successfully navigated a complex Chapter 11 process to preserve the value of a revolutionary aerospace product.  Thomas McCabe (GlassRatner), Sam Newman (Sidley Austin), and Neil Gupta (SSG Capital)—break down the "Borders and Barriers" of the Icon Aircraft transaction. From navigating "shouting matches" in the boardroom to managing the complexities of a Chinese-invested US aerospace company, this episode is a masterclass in cross-border distressed M&A.     What You’ll Learn:  The challenge of "incompatible worldviews" in cross-border partnerships.  Why getting involved "too early" can be just as difficult as arriving too late.  Strategies for using Chapter 11 as a tool for value preservation in highly distressed debt.  The nuances of marketing a distressed asset to a global pool of Asian and European buyers.  Connect with the Experts:  Thomas McCabe: Senior Managing Director, GlassRatner Advisory & Capital.  Sam Newman: Restructuring Partner, Sidley Austin.  Neil Gupta: Managing Director, SSG Capital Advisors.  #MAAdvisor #Restructuring #CrossBorderMA  Main Takeaways:  Cultural Alignment Matters: Governance friction between US-based founders and international investors can create "differently functional" relationships that stall growth.  Restructuring as a Timeline: Successful exits often require years of "corporate counseling" before a formal bankruptcy or sale can occur.  The "Cool" Factor vs. Capital: Even revolutionary products (like the amphibious Icon A5) can fail without a sustainable capital structure and a unified board.  Timestamps:  [00:01:30] – Introduction to the Icon Aircraft project and the "cool" amphibious product  [00:03:55] – The "fire sale" sidebar and celebrating the deal closing on-site  [00:06:30] – Meet the Team: Expertise in tech, life sciences, and special situations  [00:08:30] – The Early Distress: The entry of the Chinese investment fund (PDSTI)  [00:10:00] – Boardroom Friction: Navigating "shouting matches" and incompatible worldviews  [00:11:15] – Hiring SSG: Transitioning to the April 2024 Chapter 11 filing  [00:12:45] – Global Marketing: Challenges in dealing with Asian and European buyers    M&A Alerts: Subscribe Here  LinkedIn: Follow Us  Facebook: Connect Here  YouTube: Watch More Masterclasses  Task 5: Social Media Reels

    46 min
  7. Unique M&A Challenges and Opportunities in the Insurance Sector

    FEB 6

    Unique M&A Challenges and Opportunities in the Insurance Sector

    Most insurance agency owners fear that rising interest rates have killed their exit valuations—but the data suggests otherwise. In this episode, Jason Murgio and Steven Nigro reveal why the fee-based distribution market remains red-hot despite economic friction.   Learn how to navigate the shift from risk-bearing carriers to high-margin agencies and where private equity is still deploying aggressive capital. Discover how to turn your insurance agency into a premium target in a high-demand, low-supply environment. Watch now and sharpen your edge at MAAdvisor.com   #MAAdvisor #InsuranceMA #AgencyValuations  Show Notes  Resilience of the 2025 insurance fee-based distribution market  Why strategic and PE-backed groups remain aggressive buyers  Navigating valuations in a non-zero interest rate environment  The shift from balance-sheet risk to high-margin distribution  Identifying high-quality insurance assets in a selective market  Role of MGAs in modern insurance capital structures  Consolidation trends: Small agencies vs. national platforms  Talent and succession: The human capital side of M&A  How AI is redefining carrier underwriting and agency distribution  2026 Outlook: Why the deal pipeline remains robust    Subscribe for your daily source of transaction news. https://maadvisor.com   Connect with our global community of dealmaking professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor   Follow the latest trends and stories from the industry’s influential figures. https://www.facebook.com/maadvisor   Watch masterclass strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor

    21 min
  8. Deal Making 2026: Navigating Headwins, Harnessing AI, and Finding the Next Wave of Opportunity

    FEB 2

    Deal Making 2026: Navigating Headwins, Harnessing AI, and Finding the Next Wave of Opportunity

    Before entering 2025 with high expectations only to face a challenging first half and a sluggish deal volume, market participants struggled to find momentum in a complex economic landscape; however, after analyzing the recent surge in large-cap deals and integrating Gen AI into their due diligence processes, dealmakers are now equipped with the creative structures and technological speed needed to dominate the 2026 market.   EY leaders Adam Reilly and Brenda Ciampollilo break down the dichotomy of the current M&A market—where deal value is soaring while volume remains selective. From the rise of private credit to the transformative power of Generative AI in contract analysis, they provide a roadmap for navigating 2026’s sectoral shifts and supply chain realignments.     What You’ll Learn:  Why 2025 started with "evaporating" tailwinds and how the market pivoted in Q3.  The "Value vs. Volume" gap: Why large deals are returning while the middle market waits.  How transaction structures are becoming more creative with JVs, alliances, and private credit.  The reality of Gen AI in M&A: Using tech to read contracts faster without replacing human talent.  Connect with the Experts:  Adam Reilly: EY  Brenda Ciampollilo: EY  #MAAdvisor #Dealmaking2026 #GenAI #InvestmentBanking  Main Takeaways:  The Q3 Surge: While the first half of 2025 was challenging, a post-Labor Day surge saw deal values climb significantly, even as volume remained relatively flat.   Creative Capital: The massive rise in private credit, along with the use of joint ventures and alliances, is helping dealmakers overcome traditional financing hurdles.  AI as an Accelerator: Gen AI is not a replacement for talent but a tool to make professionals "better, faster, stronger," particularly in high-volume document and contract review.   Supply Chain Shifts: Changes in global trade policy and tariffs are expected to spur investment as companies look to diversify or re-shore their supply chains.   Timestamps:  [00:01:51] – Recapping 2025: From "bullish" expectations to a challenging first half.  [00:03:02] – The Post-Labor Day Surge: Analyzing the 46% increase in deal value.  [00:04:58] – Creative Transaction Structures: JVs, Alliances, and Private Credit.  [00:11:15] – The 2026 Outlook: Why LPs are pressuring Private Equity to move capital.  [00:13:21] – Sectoral Shifts: Tariffs, supply chains, and the future of industrial M&A.  [00:18:15] – Gen AI in the Deal Room: Speeding up contracts and due diligence.  [00:20:52] – The Human Element: Why AI makes us better but won't replace the expert.    M&A Alerts: Subscribe Here  LinkedIn: Follow Us  Facebook: Connect Here  YouTube: Watch More Masterclasses

    22 min

About

The M&A Advisor Podcast aims to shine a light on the many outstanding Thought Leaders and members of The M&A Advisor, empowers young entrepreneurs and M&A professionals to stay informed about industry trends, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, investment banking, and finance strategies, and provides valuable insights and actionable ideas to inspire them. Official Website https://www.maadvisor.com/ Join our Newsletter https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribe/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-advisor/ M&A TV https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor/