M&A Advisor Podcast

Institutional investors often misread the Latin American market as a monolith of volatility, leaving significant value on the table. In this episode, Alexandre Pierantoni (Kroll) and Ricardo Lacerda (BR Partners) break down the structural shift from currency risk to regulatory uncertainty in Brazil and the wider region.  Discover how local entrepreneurship and private capital are driving a record 1,400 announced transactions despite fiscal headwinds. Learn the "local advisor differential" essential for cross-border deal execution and strategic diversification. Turn regional complexity into a competitive advantage and secure long-term returns. Watch now and sharpen your global edge at MAAdvisor.com.  #MAAdvisor #LatinAmericaMA #CrossBorderDeals Show Notes Ricardo Lacerda’s 40-year perspective on Latin American banking Cross-border M&A efforts and the role of investment boutiques Momentum in Brazil: 1,400 announced transactions and sector growth Why long-term strategies outperform "in and out" multinational tactics The evolution from state-owned monopolies to private entrepreneurship Why 80% of Brazilian deals are now driven by local players Private capital’s dominance in the infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors Shifting risks: Moving from currency volatility to legal uncertainty Geopolitical context: Latin America as a prime diversification opportunity The diversification of investment pools from Europe, the US, and China The "local advisor differential" for successful regional dealmaking  Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium transaction news. https://maadvisor.com   Connect with our global community of dealmaking professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-m&a-adviso r  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

The era of "cheap debt" that fueled a decade of dealmaking is officially over, leaving many portfolio companies with legacy capital structures that are no longer sustainable. In this episode, Roger Aguinaldo sits down with Dave Miller, Head of U.S. Restructuring at Elliott Management, to discuss the $70 billion firm's multi-strategy approach to distressed investing. Learn why "higher for longer" interest rates are triggering a fundamental shift from "amend and extend" tactics to true balance sheet restructuring. Discover how to identify value in distressed scenarios and stabilize your portfolio in a normalized rate environment. Watch now and sharpen your edge at MAAdvisor.com.  #MAAdvisor #Restructuring #DistressedDebt #CapitalStructure Show Notes Overview of Elliott Management’s $70B multi-strategy platform From 2008 to 2025: The evolution of the restructuring cycle The fundamental shift: Why rate normalization changes everything Corporate credit outlook: Managing the upcoming 2026 maturity wall The synergy between distressed investing and traditional private equity Beyond "Amend and Extend": The limits of liquidity management in 2025 Risk assessment in a non-zero interest rate environment Strategic advice for CFOs navigating distressed capital structures Outlook for 2026: The return of disciplined credit cycles 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

A dealmaker’s most valuable asset is not their technology, but the depth of their strategic network. In this episode with Jonathan Adelson, industry veteran David Deutsch shares a masterclass on the "old school" principles of relationship building, mentorship, and career longevity. From starting at Lehman Brothers to founding a premier boutique firm, Deutsch breaks down how to manage a 30,000-contact CRM and why "playing in traffic" is the secret to attracting high-value opportunities. Founders and ambitious investment bankers will discover the "bet on yourself" mindset required to move from employee to MD and secure lasting influence in the market. Watch now to sharpen your edge at MAAdvisor.com.  #MAAdvisor #NetworkingStrategy #InvestmentBanking Show Notes [00:01:00] The importance of relationship building and mentorship in M&A. [00:02:00] David Deutsch’s 40-year career journey through illustrious Wall Street firms. [00:03:00] Learning "where the bond comes from" via corporate finance transition. [00:05:00] Mentorship lessons from the "Greed and Glory" era of Wall Street. [00:07:00] Why effective business development must begin 10 years before the meeting. [00:08:00] Transitioning from two physical Rolodexes to a 30,000-name digital CRM. Entrepreneurial strategy: Why Managing Directors should always bet on themselves. Training the next generation through 68 interns and strategic mentorship. Playing in traffic: How to attract accidental M&A opportunities and growth.  Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium 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 

Founders, PE operators, and advisors face a reality where deal multiples have reset and lenders have tightened selectivity. In this episode, Jonathan Kelemen of The Beekman Group shares strategies for lower middle market private equity and healthcare services acquisitions. With $1.2 billion in AUM, Kelemen reveals how professional investors filter deal flow and manage portfolio cost pressures. Master collaborative post-close playbooks and use earn outs to bridge valuation gaps for a successful exit. Watch now to sharpen your edge and visit MAAdvisor.com for more.  #MAAdvisor #LowerMiddleMarket #PEInvesting Show Notes [00:04:00] Managing $1.2B in services sectors  [00:05:00] $40M checks for roll-up strategies  [00:06:00] Distribution-focused fundraising environment  [00:08:00] Multiples returning to historical norms  [00:09:00] Prioritizing organic over inorganic growth  [00:10:00] Commercial vs. direct lending trade-offs  [00:11:00] Pushing buyers for premium assets  [00:12:00] Avoiding drag on "B assets"  [00:14:00] Selective deal flow filtering strategies  [00:16:00] Essential management rollover alignment  [00:17:00] Validating cash flow via QofE  [00:18:00] Mitigating portfolio health insurance costs  [00:20:00] Defining post-close growth playbooks  [00:21:00] Bridging gaps with earn out structures  Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium 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 master class strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor 

Most founders under $10M EBITDA assume no one is looking at their deals—and leave institutional money on the table. In this episode, Andrew Nussbaum reveals how Golden Circle Advisors brings private equity, strategics, private credit, and SBIC capital into sub-$5M EBITDA situations. Learn how to escape broker-level processes, access non-dilutive and minority equity options, and run a true end-to-end, white-glove sale. Discover how to turn an “overlooked” company into a competitive auction with multiple premium bids. Watch now and sharpen your lower middle market edge at MAAdvisor.com. Joe Mantone, U.S. Financial Institutions, News Desk Manager, Americas, S&P Global Market IntelligenceAndrew Nussbaum, Managing Director, Golden Circle Advisor #MAAdvisor #LowerMiddleMarketPE #FounderExits Show Notes [00:01:00] Serving lower middle market companies up to $10M EBITDA [00:03:00] Scaling institutional banking for underserved sub-$7M owners [00:04:00] $1M EBITDA millwork deal attracts Bain-backed buyer [00:06:00] Networking via national attorney and financial advisor road shows [00:07:00] Competing against business brokers with institutional-grade materials [00:08:00] Accessing non-dilutive capital and SBIC funds for founders [00:10:00] Value of a "white glove" end-to-end deal experience [00:11:00] Selling local sourdough companies to large global strategics [00:13:00] 10-day sprint to gather real-time buyer feedback  [00:14:00] Why macro trends invalidate two-year-old valuation comps  [00:15:00] Anonymous buyer discussions to protect owner privacy  [00:17:00] Land grab: Private equity and independent sponsor velocity [00:18:00] Why lower middle market M&A resists broader slowdowns [00:20:00] Rust Belt leadership: "Already PE-backed" mindset and quality  [00:21:00] Falling interest rates as a catalyst for owner sentiment  Subscribe to your definitive daily source for premium 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 master class strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor

Before attempting to navigate the complexities of international dealmaking, many investors were deterred by shifting regulatory landscapes and political instability; however, after applying the cross-border frameworks shared by Euan Rellie and Shawn Whiteside, they can now identify hidden opportunities in emerging corridors like Southeast Asia and India while protecting deal value through proactive cultural integration. Euan Rellie (Co-Founder of BDA Partners) and Shawn Whiteside (Founder of OneZero Solutions) dive into the "macro to micro" realities of cross-border M&A. Despite political volatility, the US remains a premier destination for sophisticated foreign capital. They discuss the decline of Chinese deal flow in the West, the surge of aggressive Japanese and Indian bidders, and why the "EBITDA trap" destroys deal value when culture is ignored.  What You’ll Learn: Why the US lower-middle market is increasingly targeted by sophisticated Asian bidders. The shift from China to the Japan and India corridors. How to "carve up risk and responsibilities" before the deal to avoid post-close chaos. The danger of acquirers disrupting the "secret sauce" of a target company's culture. Connect with the Experts: Euan Rellie: Co-Founder, BDA Partners Shawn Whiteside: Founder, OneZero Solutions Main Takeaways: US Resilience: Despite "hair-raising" politics, foreign bidders are undeterred because the US remains the global bellwether for technology and service innovation. Global Corridor Shifts: While Chinese investment in the US and Europe faces high friction, Japanese and Indian bidders have the capital and flexibility to move faster than they did a decade ago. Culture Over Cash Flow: Acquirers often fail because they understand the financial statements but don't grasp the culture that built the success, leading to disruption instead of growth. Timestamps: [00:01:30] – The macro landscape: Political and regulatory shifts in a dynamic world. [00:03:00] – The "Tenacity" of the USA: Why foreign bidders still want exposure to American businesses.  [00:05:00] – The Role of China: Why Chinese bidders are pivoting to global expansion outside the US and Europe.  [00:05:30] – The Rise of Japan & India: A new era of aggressive, flexible international buyers.  [00:15:30] – Avoiding Post-Close Chaos: Dividing risk and responsibilities before the deal. M&A Alerts: Subscribe Here LinkedIn: Follow Us Facebook: Connect Here YouTube: Watch More Masterclasses 

Founder and family-owned business owners often struggle to navigate the complex "Silver Tsunami" transition without leaving millions on the table. In this episode, Dena Jallbert of Align explores why private equity is aggressively targeting the lower middle market with buy-and-build strategies.  Learn to fix messy financials and address restrictive assignment clauses before they kill your deal. Transform your "hair-filled" business into a premium asset that attracts institutional-grade multiples. Watch now to master transaction readiness and visit MAAdvisor.com for more. Dena Jallbert, Founder and CEO, Align Business Advisory Services - alignba.comRichard Lorenzen, CEO, Fifth Avenue Brands - fifthavenuebrands.com #MAAdvisor #LowerMiddleMarket #BuyAndBuild Show Notes [00:01:00] Focus on $2M–$20M EBITDA founder-owned businesses [00:02:00] Three factors driving PE firms down market [00:03:00] Silver Tsunami: Boomers owning 67% of small businesses [00:04:00] Buy-and-build strategies vs. single large-cap acquisitions [00:05:00] Red-hot demand for "essential" service-based trade businesses [00:06:00] Quality gap: Messy financials and succession hurdles [00:08:00] Strategic education to bridge unrealistic valuation gaps [00:10:00] Consolidation trends in home services and cyber security [00:12:00] Navigating supply chain and tariff risks in manufacturing [00:14:00] Transaction readiness: Fixing "proverbial hair" before exit [00:16:00] 2026 outlook: The "Year of the Bull" for dealmaking  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 master class strategies and exclusive interviews on our official channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/Maadvisor 

From tinkering with lawnmowers in a suburban garage to steering global financial giants through crisis and innovation—Eric Aboaf’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the power of data-driven transformation.In this episode of the M&A Advisor Podcast, Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor sits down with Eric Aboaf, CFO of S&P Global, for a riveting conversation that spans engineering roots, Wall Street resilience, and the future of financial intelligence. Discover how Eric’s passion for “fixing things” evolved from go-karts in a Westchester garage to steering billion-dollar institutions through crisis and transformation.What you'll hear in this episode:• How engineering shaped Eric’s approach to business strategy• Behind-the-scenes insights from Citigroup during the financial crisis• The evolving role of CFOs in the age of AI and data• S&P Global’s vision for growth, innovation, and M&A strategy• Advice for emerging leaders in finance and dealmakingSeasoned dealmaker or rising star? This episode is your front-row seat to bold insights, sharp wit, and game-changing inspiration from one of the most dynamic financial minds in M&A.Tune in now to hear how curiosity, grit, and data-driven leadership can shape a career—and an industry.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15th & 16th at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitandhttps://events.maadvisor.com/2025FutureofDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link:https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

Uncertainty is over—and the phones are ringing off the hook. Welcome back to the fireside chat between Dena Jalbert, CEO and Founder at Align Business Advisory Services and Jon Moore, Partner at PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP. Originally recorded live on November 20th at the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit in New York City. The podcast episode features the session entitled “Looking Beyond the Elections: Setting Your Clients Up for Success.” We’ve adapted this conversation into a podcast, highlighting insights that remain highly relevant and enduring for professionals across M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance. In this episode, John Moore sits down with Jana Jalbert to explore why founder- and family-owned businesses are suddenly at the center of a dealmaking rush. From election aftershocks to service-sector roll-ups, discover how business owners are preparing for 2025 and beyond, what investors’ “bags of money” really mean, and why rushing into the wrong deal can feel like a prison sentence. Packed with candid stories, practical frameworks, and a few surprising metaphors (Cheesecake Factory menus, anyone?), this conversation is a must-listen for dealmakers, family business leaders, and advisors looking to navigate the tidal wave of capital and opportunity ahead. Don’t just watch the rush—get ahead of it. Tune in now to hear how family business owners and advisors can seize new opportunities and turn transition into lasting value. Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15th & 16th at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:Do you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribe Till next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What happens when U.S. private equity playbooks collide with family-run firms in Brazil—or carve-out integrations stretch across Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic?Welcome back to the fireside chat between Ammar Misto, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development at Atar Capital, and Ricardo Lacerda, Founder and CEO of BR Partners; formerly Head of LATAM for Citi; CEO Brazil for Goldman Sachs. Originally recorded live on March 25th at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit in Palm Beach, Florida, this episode features the session “The Cultural Power of a Cross-Border Transaction Experience.” This conversation is now adapted for podcast, we believe the key takeaways from their discussion are both relevant and timeless for discerning professionals in M&A, private equity, and investment banking. In this insightful episode, Ammar Misto and Ricardo Lacerda dive deep into the untold truths of cross-border M&A—from bureaucratic landmines and currency chaos to vacation delays that derail deals. Hear real stories of cultural missteps, leadership pivots, and the art of earning trust across continents.Whether you're buying across borders or preparing for global expansion, this episode is your crash course in international dealmaking.Tune in now to learn why understanding culture may be your best due diligence.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15th & 16th at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What really drives deal success in today’s competitive M&A market?Welcome back to this fireside chat from the Deal Forum at the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit, held on November 24–25 in New York City. This insightful conversation between Cory Strickland, Senior Managing Director M&A at Generational Equity, and Rajesh Sharma, Director of Corporate Development at ITOCHU Corp., on the topic- “Dealmaking: Staying on Advisor’s Radar, Dealflow, Roll-Up Strategies and Beyond” has been repurposed into a podcast episode. The perspectives from their conversation remain especially relevant in 2025, offering timely and lasting guidance for forward-looking professionals navigating M&A strategy, corporate development, and strategic dealmaking."In this exclusive episode, Rajesh Sharma of Itochu and Corey Strickland of Generational Equity pull back the curtain on corporate development and sell-side strategy. From joint ventures vs. acquisitions, to roll-up tactics, post-sale matchmaking, and how strategic buyers approach risk, this conversation offers powerful insights for anyone navigating the dealmaking landscape. Whether you're a corporate buyer, founder, or advisor, this episode will reshape how you think about growth, timing, and value in M&A.Tap in to learn how smart deals are sourced, structured, and sold.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

“We don’t have a bankruptcy problem—we’re just a little tight on covenants.” Sound familiar? When denial meets distress, communication becomes your most critical asset.Originally recorded live at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit in Palm Beach, Florida, this episode features the session “Strategic Communications in Restructuring: From Pre-Filing Rumors to Stakeholder Engagement,” a candid and timely conversation between Greg Milmoe, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, and Viveca Tress, Managing Director at Joele Frank. This conversation is now adapted for podcast, we believe the key takeaways from their discussion are both relevant and timeless for discerning professionals in M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance.Join Viveca Tress of Joele Frank and Greg Milmoe of Greenberg Traurig for a high-stakes conversation on what really happens when companies face the brink. Whether you're advising on a distressed M&A deal, navigating a pre-packaged bankruptcy, or managing internal chaos, this episode delivers sharp insights and real-world war stories, including:· How to align legal, financial, and comms teams before chaos erupts· What to say (and not say) to vendors, employees, and investors· Secrets to managing optics when facts are limited and emotions run high· The role of call centers, stakeholder triage, and staying ahead of the narrativeFor dealmakers, legal advisors, PE leaders, and corporate strategists—this is your blueprint for handling the conversations no one wants to have, but everyone remembers.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What can a Paralympic gold medalist teach the M&A world about dealmaking? Everything.In this powerful episode, we bring you inside the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit for an unforgettable Fireside Chat featuring Michael “Mikey” Brannigan, a Paralympic Games gold medalist, and his longtime coach Sonja Robinson, in conversation with security and intelligence leader Robert J. Strang.Diagnosed with autism at age 3 and competing as a T20 athlete, Mikey defied the odds to reach the top of the Paralympic podium. But his story isn’t just about athletic excellence—it’s about overcoming adversity, navigating mental roadblocks, and the life-changing power of mentorship.From the training track to the boardroom, this episode reveals how the principles of grit, resilience, determination, and guided growth apply to more than sports—they're the core of dealmaking success. So, whether you're leading a billion-dollar merger or facing a career crossroads, Mikey’s story will inspire you to reframe setbacks as fuel for your greatest wins.Listen now and discover how true champions are made—on the field and in business.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter- M&A ALERTS by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing

After years of market turbulence, all signs point to a major rebound in M&A. But is it real—or just wishful thinking?Welcome back to this fireside chat from the Deal Forum at the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit, held on November 24–25 in New York City. This insightful conversation between Mitch Berlin, Vice Chair - EY Americas Strategy and Transactions, in conversation with Katie Johnson, Transaction Partner at EY, has been repurposed into a podcast episode. The insights shared in their discussion continue to resonate powerfully in 2025, offering timely and enduring guidance for forward-thinking professionals in M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance.In this episode, Katie Johnson sits down with Mitch Berlin to unpack the real story behind the 2025 M&A surge. From regulatory shifts and falling interest rates to PE dry powder and strategic divestitures, we dive deep into the forces reshaping the deal landscape.Get insider insights on:• Why CEOs and private equity firms are eyeing 2025 for bold moves• How regulatory trends may fast-track—or stall—big deals• What sectors (tech, life sciences, oil & gas, consumer) are heating up• The silent drivers behind strategic M&A and venture building• How geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping risk models• What smart companies are doing now to get aheadOne episode. Game-changing insights. Your 2025 strategy starts here.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What do a failing Mediterranean restaurant chain, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, and a Netflix-for-sports company have in common? Billion-dollar strategy, high-stakes decisions, and unexpected winners. This episode dives into the real-world deal drama behind massive media moves and distressed asset turnarounds—with war stories you won't forget.Welcome back to this fireside chat from the Deal Forum at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit, held on March 24–25 in New York City. This insightful conversation between R. Brandon Sokol, Global Head of Corporate Development and M&A at News Corp, and Tom Goldblatt, Managing Partner at Ravinia Capital, has been repurposed into a podcast episode. We believe the key takeaways from their discussion are both relevant and timeless for discerning professionals in M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance.In this power-packed episode, our thought leaders- R. Brandon Sokol and Tom Goldblatt share the raw, behind-the-scenes playbook of billion-dollar media transactions and fast-paced distressed sales.From News Corp’s strategic divestiture of Foxtel to DAZN, to the surprising auction-day twist that saved Roti Mediterranean Grill, you’ll hear:✅ How billion-dollar deals are structured behind closed doors✅ Why broad vs. focused M&A processes can make or break outcomes✅ Insider tactics from bankruptcy sales and auction strategies✅ Why emotional attachment, market timing, and due diligence matter more than everMiss this episode, miss the edge. M&A pros, dealmakers, investors—this episode is your playbook.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link: https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

Are tariffs really tanking deals — or are we all just overreacting?Recorded live at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit in Palm Beach, this powerhouse episode delivers an unfiltered fireside chat between Patrick O’Keefe, Founder and CEO of O’Keefe, and Lorie Beers, Managing Director and Head of Special Situations at Intrepid Investment Bankers. Together, they tackle the timely topic: “PE Boom or Bust? Navigating Private Equity in the New Political Era.”In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, they cut through the noise to unpack how shifting economic policies, rising tariffs, and political uncertainty are reshaping the private equity landscape in today’s volatile market.Whether you're in M&A, private equity, restructuring, or just watching from the sidelines — this conversation is essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of 2025's economic chessboard.Highlights include:• Why private debt is quietly taking over commercial lending• What sectors to avoid (hint: don’t touch consumer products)• The shocking truth behind “healthy” dried fruit • How U.S. education failures threaten onshoring plans• What’s next for Mexico, China, and the future of tradeBold opinions. Real talk. No spin.Tap in — your portfolio will thank you.Subscribe now—this is the restructuring playbook everyone will be talking about.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribe/.Till next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What does it really take to build a post-bankruptcy trust that performs — not just exists? Recorded live at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit in Palm Beach, this must-hear episode features a powerhouse conversation between Natalie Ramsey, Co-Chair of the Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group and Partner-in-Charge at Robinson+Cole, and Heather Barlow, Managing Director and Co-Lead at Dundon Advisers.Together, they break down the overlooked, front-end mechanics of trust formation in Chapter 11 cases — the part that defines success before a single dollar is distributed. From strategic drafting, trust structure options, and tax planning, to litigation plays, insurance traps, advisory committees, and maximizing creditor recoveries, this episode offers rare, hard-won insights from the field.Whether you’re a trustee, restructuring professional, legal advisor, or just obsessed with distressed investing — this is the blueprint they don’t teach you in school.Trust structures.Fiduciary flexibility.Asset maximization.Real talk.Tune in now to learn how the smartest professionals build bankruptcy trusts that deliver real results.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link: https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

Welcome to the fireside chat series of the Deal Forum of the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit held on November 19 & 20 at the iconic New York Athletic Club in the heart of New York. For those who missed the event, this riveting podcast episode features a conversation between Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor, and business mogul and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross.What can late 2024 teach us about the long game of global trade and U.S. economic policy? In this episode, former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross offers a behind-the-scenes look at President Donald Trump's trade strategies—from tariffs to deal-making—and how these decisions reshaped America’s role in the world. More than a snapshot in time, this conversation explores the lasting philosophies and global ripple effects that continue to shape economic policy today.If you're curious about the intricate world of business, politics, and the art of dealmaking, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe for more exclusive insights from the world’s most influential business leaders!Attention International Dealmakers and Emerging Leaders! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join Wilbur Ross, and our industry experts at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 &16 in the heart of New York.Hurry and register now! Click here.https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link:https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

What happens when bankruptcy law, private credit, and global restructuring collide with unstoppable innovation? The result? A candid, insider conversation that pulls back the curtain on how top minds are redefining the rules of modern restructuring. Recorded live at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit in Palm Beach, this powerhouse episode features a no-holds-barred fireside chat between Robert D. Drain— Of Counsel, Corporate Restructuring at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and Former Judge at United States Bankruptcy Court SDNY,—and Evan Hill, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, as they unpack bold, creative strategies reshaping the distressed debt and restructuring landscape in a post-Purdue world. Whether you're a dealmaker, investor, or legal pro, you’ll learn: ∙Why consensual releases are thriving—and how to structure them ∙How private credit is quietly disrupting traditional bankruptcy paths ∙What the Serta Simmons decisions really mean for liability management ∙The rising role of 15 and foreign courts in U.S. restructurings ∙How equity-linked DIPs are changing debtor-in-possession financing forever Smart insights. Real examples. Actionable takeaways. Subscribe now—this is the restructuring playbook everyone will be talking about. Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!

Discover how transformative restructuring is reshaping the future of finance, law, and distressed investing. This high-impact masterclass was recorded during the Deal Forum at the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit held last March 25 in Palm Beach, Florida. We're sharing this conversation as a podcast episode for anyone who missed it, wants to pass it along to fellow dealmakers, or simply wants to listen again. Join legendary dealmakers James H. M. Sprayregen, Vice Chairman at Hilco Global, and Paul Steven Singerman, Co-Chair at Berger Singerman, as they unpack the Outlook for Restructuring Amid a Rapidly Changing Business and Political Environment.In this thought-provoking episode, James Sprayregen shares insider strategies and emerging trends — from the rise of out-of-court solutions and liability management tactics to the private credit boom and the quiet decline of Chapter 11. Packed with unfiltered insights you won’t hear anywhere else, this is essential listening for dealmakers, investors, and restructuring professionals.Hit play and get ready—this episode delivers raw insights, bold takes, and zero fluff.Attention M&A Professionals and Dealmakers! The M&A Advisor warmly invites you to join our industry experts and thought leaders at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 15 & 16 at the heart of vibrant New York, City. Hurry and register now! Click here:https://events.maadvisor.com/2025LeadershipInDealmakingSummitDo you want to know more about The M&A Advisor? Please visit us at https://maadvisor.comLove our podcasts? Subscribe to our M&A Advisor Podcast in Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Finally, subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking the link- https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/subscribeTill next time, stay tuned and happy dealing!