Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main
M&A at scale requires more than just financial analysis—it’s about building relationships, understanding cultural fit, and executing a seamless integration strategy. With over 60 deals under his belt, Jeff Giles, Executive Vice President at Core & Main, has a proven track record of leading high-volume, buyer-led M&A.
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Jeff shares his expertise in strategic acquisitions, relationship-driven deal sourcing, and post-merger integration. He discusses the critical role of culture in M&A, how to prioritize acquisition targets, and why technology is essential for managing complex transactions.
Things you will learn:
Buyer-led M&A – The power of proactive deal sourcing
Building a strategic market map – Core vs. adjacent markets
How to assess culture in M&A – What makes a deal truly successful
Negotiation tactics in valuation gaps – Closing deals with the right structure
Integration planning – Ensuring a smooth transition post-close
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Episode Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background
[00:03:00] Building Market Maps & Identifying Opportunities
[00:11:00] Developing Relationships in Buyer-Led M&A
[00:19:00] Expanding into Adjacent Markets
[00:24:00] Prioritization of Acquisition Targets
[00:31:00] Evaluating Cultural Fit & Integration Risks
[00:38:00] Building Trust & Transparency with Business Owners
[00:42:45] The Due Diligence Process
[00:50:00] Managing Bid-Ask Spread & Valuation Challenges
[00:55:00] Integration Planning for M&A Success
[01:01:00] The Role of Technology in M&A
[01:06:00] Surprising Moments in M&A