Mergers and Acquisitions: How to Maximise Success

How can M&A Generate Value?

Acknowledging key trends in the M&A and Private Equity markets, in this first section we will discuss the key paths to growth available to firms.  Important questions such as, what are key modes of growth for firms, how to choose the right path to growth, why (not) choose M&A, and what are potential payoff differences between growth paths are central to this section. 

Strategic Value Creation and Integration: Maximising success post-acquisition

This session explores how to unlock the potential of acquisitions through effective implementation strategies. Participants will examine various integration approaches, understanding their unique advantages and disadvantages. Practice-based learning will include how to leverage collaboration tools to ensure smooth and effective implementation.

As well as learning from WBS faculty, participants will also hear from an M&A Advisor who will share their experience of advising organisations through M&A transactions.

Participants will have the opportunity to build their professional network through a WBS hosted evening dinner in London.

Learning from Private Equity: Rethinking Traditional M&A

How do firms optimise and organise for value creation throughout the M&A cycle?  With the increasing influence of private equity and the emergence of new types of conglomerates, traditional forms of value creation are re-considered by corporates. Key takeaways from this session include understanding how corporates and PE differ and how acquirers can organise internally to optimise chances of value creation across the firm’s investment portfolio.

Private Equity: Modus Operandi and Value Creation

This session explores the strategies, governance and incentives which underpin the value generation techniques of Private Equity (PE) with their buy — improve — sell model. Participants will analyse value creation techniques and develop an understanding of when and where they are most effective.

To consolidate the days learning, participants will be invited to join an evening guest lecture with a Private Equity specialist. This event will include Drinks and Canapes, offering the opportunity for participants to deepen their new networks.

Understanding the M&A Cycle: Generating Value and Avoiding Pitfalls

During the final day, participants will interface with case studies and industry guest speakers to learn more about the common mistakes made in the M&A cycle. This will include addressing common challenges such as cultural differences, overvaluation, and integration hurdles. Participants will perform dive deep into the post-merger integration phase, focusing on strategies to ensure smooth transitions and sustainable growth. Consolidating the learning across the 3 days, participants will develop action plans to maximise M&A success in their own organisations.

Learning from Private Equity: What Can Strategic Buyers Take Away?

In this session, participants will explore and compare the strategies, governance, and incentives between public companies and private equity (PE) firms. We will closely examine the effective governance structures and incentive mechanisms that are central to the PE approach, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these elements contribute to value creation and operational efficiency. This analysis will equip you with the knowledge to apply these techniques in various business contexts, enhancing your strategic decision-making capabilities.