Learning from Deals Gone Wrong: An Interview with M&A Advisor Jim Stevenson

View the complete show notes for this episode. Learning from your mistakes is an important life lesson. Learning from the mistakes of others is smart business. Jim Stevenson shares a high-level overview of two M&A transactions that have gone wrong and points out the lessons that can be applied to any transaction. His suggestions include going after the smart money, not just the most money, performing risk assessment and research on the buyer’s track record, running a company while managing the sale, and creating an integration plan, not just a timeline.  What You’ll Learn What: Lessons from two struggling transactions involving overleveraging debt, creating an integration plan rather than a timeline, and expecting too much from a cultural merger.  Why: Common reasons why M&A deals fail and what to look for before closing the deal. How: Suggestions on how to avoid potential problems or deal killers in the transaction. When: Lessons around the implications of deals gone wrong, managing risk, and steps to take. Want More? Related Resources:  Most Common Deal Killers When Selling Your Business Earnouts When Selling or Buying a Business | Complete Guide Process for Screening Buyers When Selling a Business Additional Resources: Planning to sell your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download a free PDF copy of The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business, Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue, and Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider’s Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. Purchase your copy now of A Beginner’s Guide to Business Valuation | The Exit Strategy Handbook | Closing the Deal Listen to Other Episodes Understanding Private Equity – A Primer for Sellers with Jeff Hooke Expert Advice on Avoiding Disputes Post-Closing with Bill Wiersema An Expert’s Views on Effective Post-Merger Integration Strategies with Ben de Haldevang