This session at Transaction Advisors M&A Conference at the University of Chicago looked at approaches for setting and achieving synergy targets and explored new and unconventional strategies for a thoughtful integration process that impacts both revenue and productivity.  The discussion considered the interplay between term sheets and post-close operating dynamics, looked at occasions for limited integration, contemplated variations in deals where there is a minority or venture investment, and considered approaches that would make a future divestiture feasible.

This discussion considered many of the key strategic and tactical issues that cause deals to fail to close and remedies one might consider as deal structures are developed. The session then pivoted to look at some of the most common reasons completed transactions fail to produce expected synergies and returns for investors.