Private equity firms have long relied on financial engineering to generate returns, but in today’s competitive landscape, operational value creation is the key differentiator. Firms like Clearlake Capital and Platinum Equity have pioneered structured, branded methodologies—O.P.S.® (Operations, People, Strategy) and M&A&O® (Mergers, Acquisitions & Operations), respectively—to ensure their portfolio companies not only survive but thrive […]

In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies often face leadership gaps—whether due to executive departures, mergers and acquisitions, or organizational restructuring. Enter fractional leadership, a growing trend where experienced professionals step in on an interim basis to provide stability, drive strategy, and set the stage for permanent leadership. Unlike traditional full-time executives, fractional leaders, whether independent […]

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are often regarded as a numbers game—a race to close deals and maximize financial returns. But the true art of M&A goes beyond signing contracts and calculating synergies. It’s about the people, the processes, and the long-term vision that bring deals to life and ensure their success. This philosophy is encapsulated […]

In any merger, acquisition, or divestiture, transitioning contracts is one of the most complex yet critical tasks. With multiple parties involved—consulting firms, legal teams, divestiture and integration teams, and internal stakeholders—the process can quickly become chaotic. Each group often maintains its own contract lists, names documents differently, and uses inconsistent data formats. The result? Confusion, […]

First, here are 6 M&A deals that did not achieve a successful outcome and the reasons behind their failures:   1. Sears and Kmart Outcome: Failed Why: The 2005 merger of Sears and Kmart aimed to create a retail powerhouse but ultimately failed. The combined company struggled with declining foot traffic, poor strategic direction, and […]