Author: Andrew Dryhurst, Business Associate – Intern

With Global Expansion a contemporary hot topic of discussion and growth through foreign acquisition a priority for many US technology and life science companies, NIS Global hosted a breakfast and Panel Discussion on International M&A at Rocketspace in San Francisco.

NIS Global CEO Pete Doyle opened the event and there were subsequent presentations made by Nortons UK Managing Director of Corporate Finance Ian Bussey and Optegra Germany’s Director of Corporate Finance Sebastian Blaschke. Mr. Bussey’s presentation outlined the reasons why large companies are interested in international M&A with reasons varying from sales to skill shortages and R&D. He concluded that the strength of the U.S. Dollar alongside low interest rates has created the perfect environment for international M&A emanating from the United States.

Ian proceeded to moderate an interactive panel discussion with panelists: Tony Lei, Director of International Currency and Interest Rate Risk Management at Bank of America, Josh Duclos, International M&A attorney for Cooley LLP, Lyal Avery, CEO of Playerize and David Wittenkamp, CFO of User Testing.

The panel covered the nuances and pitfalls of cross-border M&A, with the most poignant recurring advisory comments being:

• The importance of acknowledging both country and organizational culture. David Wittenkamp, Ian Bussey and Josh Duclos all emphasized the requirement of humility when entering an international market. They cautioned against making assumptions which could lead to catastrophic miscommunications and errors.
• Seeking professional advice early on with all aspects of the acquisition
• Walking away from the deal if it is not right
• The necessity of planning. Despite its theoretical obviousness, Lyal Avery advocated undertaking a 100 day plan, a 1 year plan and a 5 year plan as if starting the business again from scratch. “Future planning allows for employee retention.”
• The panelists covered the entire acquisition process from blueprints to due diligence and the maligned yet essential integration process in the deal’s aftermath. Ian Bussey eloquently closed the event with the following piece of advice. Prior to departure the management team, funders and shareholders need to be unanimous with their strategy. The personal insight into the M&A process from both an executive and advisory perspective made for a fascinating and enlightening event.

The BABC would like to thank all of the expert panelists and speakers, event sponsors NIS Global and RocketSpace for their hospitality and organization and GABA for their assistance in co-organising the event. Finally we would like to thank all attendees, whose eager participation contributed to the discussion and event.