Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta
The M&A process is notoriously tricky—everyone loves talking about getting the deal done, but few focus on the real work that comes after. Integration, valuation shifts, and cultural alignment often prove to be the biggest roadblocks to a successful acquisition. How do you avoid the common pitfalls that derail so many deals post-close?
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Davis Thacker, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Carta, shares his expert strategies on executing successful M&A.
Things you will learn:
• Sourcing unbounded deals
• Driving accountability for successful integration
• Building consistency and early integration
• Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO
• How to maintain a consistent people experience
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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.
This episode is also sponsored by DealRoom AI.
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Episode Bookmarks
00:00 Intro
07:38 Discovering unbounded deal opportunities
09:00 Sourcing unbounded deals
13:21 Deal execution lessons: Adapting M&A strategy based on business growth
15:22 Driving accountability for successful integration
17:34 Building consistency and early integration
20:28 Working with the CEO
22:08 Advice on building a collaborative relationship with your CEO
24:01 Cultural challenges of international deals
27:42 Creating a positive people experience in M&A
31:04 How to maintain a consistent people experience
35:22 Balancing cultural integration
37:30 Mapping international growth in venture markets
39:18 Key tips for transitioning from domestic to international M&A
41:20 Navigating valuations and stakeholder interests in deal negotiations
43:29 Aligning non-price factors in M&A - Come back to culture
44:17 Craziest Thing in M&A