This Is M&A Podcast

Steven Monterroso
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dealmaking without the B.S. Designed for the decision-makers navigating complex, high-stakes transactions, This is M&A is your front-row seat to the real world of mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic moves.  Whether you're a CEO, founder, corporate development leader, or senior executive, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. FEB 5

    Founder-Owned Exits and Buyer Psychology with Nick Cipiti | This Is M&A

    Founder-owned exits are rarely clean breaks. In this episode, Nick Cipiti of CriticalPoint reveals the psychology behind partial exits and how buyers can structure deals where the founder wants to stay involved. Nick is a Managing Director at CriticalPoint with over a decade of experience in middle-market M&A. He specializes in founder-led transactions, carve-outs, and private equity deals where structure and alignment matter as much as valuation. With personal stories and tactical insight, Nick breaks down: • Why seller motivation isn’t always what it seems • How sponsors behave under dry powder pressure • The structures that align incentives without eroding trust Want to become our next guest? Sign up or subscribe 👉 https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/ Learn more about Nick: Website: criticalpoint.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nick-cipiti-7b099b9/ Email: ncipiti@criticalpoint.com Connect with your host, Steven Monterroso: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This Is M&A Podcast on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/ 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Spotify. #thisismapodcast #mna #founders #privateequity #liquidityevent

    38 min

  2. JAN 21

    Cross-Border Deals, Red Flags, and What Sellers Get Wrong with Feng Han | This Is M&A

    Cross-border deals are tough and only a few teams get them right. Feng Han has executed 100+ transactions in over 13 countries across healthcare, life sciences, and MedTech. In this episode, he reveals the red flags sellers miss, why strategic fit matters more than you think, and how international acquirers are behaving in 2026. With decades of experience at Henry Schein, Fosun, and Pagoda Capital, Feng now leads Laurel Hollow Capital as Managing Partner. Founders and dealmakers will walk away with practical tools for avoiding value erosion in international M&A. 📌 Learn more about Feng:   Website: laurelhollowcapital.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/feng-han-55b1901 Email: feng.han@laurelhollowcapital.com 🎙 Connect with your host, Steven Monterroso: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ 📢 Follow This Is M&A Podcast: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/

    33 min

  3. JAN 7

    Busting the Biggest Myths About Selling Your Business with Hitesh Nathani | This Is M&A

    Selling your company is not as straightforward as it seems. In this episode of This Is M&A, Hitesh Nathani, Managing Director at CriticalPoint, reveals the myths that quietly destroy value, and what every founder, operator, and acquirer needs to understand before and after the LOI. With 19+ years of experience across valuation, private capital, and operating strategy, Hitesh exposes what really happens when private equity gets involved and why most companies fail to realize the value they expect. Founders, operators, and investors will walk away with a clearer view of what it takes to sell well, avoid post-close chaos, and command attention from serious buyers. Want to become our next guest? Sign up or subscribe for weekly updates 👉 https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/ Connect with Hitesh Nathani: Website: criticalpoint.com Email: hnathani@criticalpoint.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hiteshnathani/   Connect with your host, Steven Monterroso: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This Is M&A Podcast on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:45 Myth 1: “I’ll talk to bankers when I’m ready to retire” 07:02 Myth 2: “Selling my business is straightforward” 13:33 Myth 3: “I don’t need a banker—PE firms are calling me” 23:24 Hidden risks of engaging buyers directly 27:01 Myth 4: “The highest price is always the best deal” 34:44 Seller priorities beyond price (legacy, culture, outcomes) 35:00 Myth 5: “I don’t need a QOE report” 44:00 Hitesh’s Why: Why I left EY for founder-focused work 46:00 Conclusion And Contact Information

    48 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    From Zero to $1B in 18 Months with Alan Gessel | This Is M&A

    Can you scale from zero to $1.2B in under 2 years? Alan Gessel has... five times! In this episode, the CEO of Graystone Corporate breaks down how he built operations, raised capital, and managed risk while scaling at extreme speed. Alan Gessel is a serial founder, investor, and the current CEO of Graystone Corporate. His resume spans C-suite roles at global firms like Aramark and Sodexo, and his leadership has taken teams from five to 4,500 employees. With over 30 years across buy-side, sell-side, and capital raises, Alan blends operator instinct with strategic depth. Want to become our next guest? Sign up or subscribe for weekly updates 👉 https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/ Learn more about Alan Gessel: Email: alan@graystonecorporate.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alangessel/ Website: https://www.graystonecorporate.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/graystonecorporate/  Connect with your host, Steven Monterroso: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This Is M&A on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:31 The First Move You Must Make To Grow Fast 05:34 Why Top Performers Are 400% More Productive 10:31 The Critical Difference Between Growth And Scaling 14:45 The "Beware Of Squirrels" Rule For Founders 24:09 Systems You Need Before You Hit The Gas 32:08 Bootstrapping Vs. Raising Capital: How To Choose 45:01 Conclusion And Contact Information

    46 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Maximizing SaaS Value In The Age of AI with Bob Cronin | This Is M&A

    There is a seismic shift in M&A, and most founders are not ready for it. AI is not just transforming products, it is rewriting valuation models, exit timing and competitive strategy. In this episode, Bob Cronin, Managing Director at Telegraph Hill Advisors, breaks down how AI is reshaping SaaS and software deals, why AI native companies are earning extreme multiples, and what CEOs need to do before the window closes. Connect with Bob Cronin: Website: telegraphhilladvisors.com Email: bob@telehilladvisors.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertncronin/ Connect with your host Steven Monterroso Follow Steven Monterroso: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This is M&A Podcast: sharevault.com/this-is-ma 00:00  Intro 03:41  How AI Is Disrupting Traditional SaaS Valuations 08:13  Why AI Companies Are Getting 25-150x ARR Multiples 17:25  When Should Founders Exit In This Accelerating Market? 31:00  Why Small AI-First Companies Are Outpacing Giants 40:32  The 12-15 Month Warning: Adapt Or Sell Now

    46 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    How to Build a Company Buyers Actually Want to Buy with Jordi Pujol | This Is M&A

    What makes a company attractive to buyers? It is not revenue alone. In this episode of This Is M&A, Jordi Pujol, CFA, Managing Director at Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, explains the financial and operational fundamentals that influence valuation, deal interest, and buyer confidence. Want to become our next guest? Sign up or subscribe to get updates 👉 https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/   Connect with Jordi: Website: objectiveibv.com Email: Jordi.Pujol@objectiveibv.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jpujol1/ Follow your host, Steven Monterroso: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This is M&A Podcast on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/

    42 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    The Tax Minefield in Business Sales with Christine Green | This Is M&A

    Taxes may not kill your deal outright, but they can quietly destroy its value. Christine “Chrissy” Green, Member and Tax Attorney at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, reveals how middle-market dealmakers can use tax strategy as a competitive edge. Chrissy works across buy-side and sell-side M&A in the middle market. She covers federal, state and international tax. She also led firm efforts on the Corporate Transparency Act. Want to become our next guest? Sign up or subscribe to get updates 👉 https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/   Learn more about Christine Green: Website:  steptoe-johnson.com Email:  Christine.Green@steptoe-johnson.com LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/christine-green-37b9b3138 Connect with your host, Steven Monterroso: LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This Is M&A Podcast on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/

    55 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Stop Quoting 2021 Multiples. Here’s Your Real Value with Ben Boissevain | This Is M&A

    If you wait for perfect timing, you will pay for it. In this market, time either adds zeros or kills deals. Ben Boissevain is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ascento Capital Invest. A boutique investment bank laser-focused on tech M&A. He specializes in sell-side mandates for high-growth companies in the $20M to $220M range. Regular on Bloomberg TV and Fox Business News. Subscribe and follow This Is M&A Podcast: www.sharevault.com/this-is-ma

    32 min

  9. 11/04/2025

    The Hidden Moats & Deal Killers in Food & Beverage M&A | Ross Colbert | This Is M&A

    Why are the biggest food brands selling off assets? They know something most founders don't. Ross Colbert joins This Is M&A to discuss the new food & beverage M&A landscape and why revenue multiples are outdated, while EBITDA discipline and distribution are the key drivers of real value. Ross Colbert is a Managing Director at Carter Morse & Goodrich with over three decades of experience in the global beverage industry. He has worked on over 100 transactions and brings battlefield insights from KPMG, Capstone Partners, and advising high-growth founders. Connect with Ross Colbert: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ross-colbert-664a5710/ Phone: (203)203-0057 Connect with Carter Morse & Goodrich: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/carter-morse-goodrich/ Website: cartermorse.com YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCCNhdbjdfly0X8PDE76UuFw Follow our host Steven Monterroso: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This is M&A Podcast on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/this-is-m-a/

    43 min

  10. 10/31/2025

    Why Buyers Won't Touch Your Business with Juan Ortega | This Is M&A

    Most founders think selling their business takes three months. The reality? Try 8 to 12 months. And that's if everything goes right.    Listen to the podcast:  https://sharevault.com/this-is-ma/ Connect with Juan Ortega: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanortega27/ Newsletter: https://nighteaglestrategies.com Follow Steven Monterroso: linkedin.com/in/determined2succeed/ Follow This Is M&A Podcast: linkedin.com/showcase/this-is-manda 2:42 - Emotional readiness for the 8-12 month grind 06:44 - Founder as quarterback with the right advisory team 10:28 - Beyond EBITDA: building a transferable asset story 14:16 - Post-sale reality: when the music stops 23:28 - Integration planning as biggest M&A risk 27:15 - The golden question: Why would somebody buy this business today?

    39 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dealmaking without the B.S. Designed for the decision-makers navigating complex, high-stakes transactions, This is M&A is your front-row seat to the real world of mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic moves.  Whether you're a CEO, founder, corporate development leader, or senior executive, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Monterroso
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    This Is M&A Podcast