How to seal an acquisition deal right now

INC. THIS MORNING How to seal an acquisition deal right now Note: Kevin J. Ryan, staff writer at Inc., is stepping in for Cameron while he is away from the computer today.  Good morning,  Mergers and acquisitions are difficult to navigate even in normal years. The task becomes significantly harder in an age of restricted travel and limited face-to-face meetings.  But founders are finding ways to do it. After a near-halt in activity during the second quarter of 2020, companies executed $2.3 trillion in deals globally in the second half of the year, an 88 percent increase from the first half. Some firms conducted due diligence and integrated their teams virtually, never meeting in person. Others found ways around restrictions in order to ensure their leadership teams gelled--and could finalize terms of the deal face to face.  Case in point: The courtship between U.K.-based Dept and U.S.-based Basic, a pair of digital agencies. Over the summer, the companies’ leadership teams got tested, flew into Dublin, and stayed together in a 13-bedroom mansion in the Irish countryside. There, they analyzed financials, enjoyed some beverages--and successfully laid the groundwork for a deal.  Check out the full story on how companies are taking unusual approaches to managing acquisitions during the pandemic. HERE'S WHAT ELSE I'M READING TODAY: Laughing more may be the key to being a better boss, according to Stanford professors. --Inc. Here’s what the experts say about double-masking in the workplace. --Inc. Maryland passed legislation that will tax ad revenue generated by Big Tech--a move that other states are also considering. --The New York Times A lot of companies are talking about diversity and inclusion these days, but here’s how to actually walk the walk. --Inc. The continually changing Covid rules are wreaking havoc on restaurants and other small businesses. --The Wall Street Journal ONE MORE THING: Don’t miss this exhaustive list of 33 books that Warren Buffett has recommended in letters to shareholders dating back to the 1970s. --Inc.   --Kevin Ryan Staff Writer, Inc. How are we doing? Send us ideas and feedback at calbertdeitch@inc.com, and sign up for daily text messages from Cameron. Become an Inc. Unlimited subscriber. Click here to forward to a friend. This email was sent by: Mansueto Ventures 7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor New York, NY, 10007, Unsubscribe • Update Profile • View in Browser • Privacy Policy