Podcast
The Dealist
Hosted by SS&C Intralinks · EN
The Dealist is your insider’s guide to the world of M&A. This podcast, presented by SS&C Intralinks, brings you candid conversations with top dealmakers and thought leaders, exploring the trends, challenges and strategies shaping today’s deal landscape. Hosted by journalist Catherine Ford, The Dealist delivers expert perspectives to keep corporate and private equity dealmakers like you ahead of the curve.
Explore our INsights blog for more expert analysis and industry trends. https://intralinks.com/insights
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
PwC on Deals: Reinventing M&A Structures for a Changing Market
4w ago00:37:57Tap to summarizePwC partners Kevin Desai and Chris Rhodes join this episode of The Dealist podcast to explore how deal structures are evolving as capital markets grow more complex — and why sticking to the old playbook may now be the biggest risk. As Chris highlights, deal complexity isn’t something to avoid — it’s where opportunity lives. With new sources of capital emerging, dealmakers need to rethink how they structure transactions and stay open to approaches that better fit today’s environment. The key takeaway: don’t be afraid of where the money comes from and make sure it’s right for your business, your deal and the governance needed to drive value. What you’ll learn: Why the real risk today is doing deals the way you always have How evolving deal structures are reshaping M&A strategy The difference between private capital and private credit — and why it matters How tailored capital solutions can unlock new opportunities Why governance and active partnership are critical to realizing value *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading H1 2026 Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report: Our annual survey published with Reuters reveals how 400 corporate and PE professionals expect disrupted deal pipelines, regulatory changes and ongoing geopolitical risks to shape dealmaking in H1 2026. Download here: https://www.intralinks.com/resources/reports/global-ma-dealmakers-sentiment-report-h1-2026?utm_campaign=701pq00000hlmkc&utm_program=dealist-podcast&utm_content=s3e4
Transcribe →What Makes A Good IPO?
Mar 2700:48:40Tap to summarizeThe initial public offering (IPO) market is showing signs of life, but it’s a very different landscape from years past. In this episode of The Dealist podcast, presented by SS&C Intralinks, we explore what it really takes to go public in today’s more selective, fundamentals-driven environment. Host Catherine Ford is joined by veteran Silicon Valley lawyer Louis Lehot of Foley & Lardner LLP, and Blockstream CFO Michael Golomb who has taken multiple companies public. They unpack why companies are staying private longer, why IPOs are no longer the default path, and what’s driving the current wave of market readiness. Listen to learn: • What’s changed in the IPO landscape — and why timing matters more than ever • The real reasons companies choose to go public (and when they shouldn’t) • What IPO readiness looks like across teams, systems and strategy • How artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to shape the IPO process • The key ingredients of a successful IPO — from strong fundamentals to a compelling growth story If you want a clear, insider view of what separates a good IPO from a great one, this episode delivers. *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading IPO Readiness in 2026: Our new white paper, informed by expert insights shared during a recent panel Intralinks hosted with Foley & Lardner LLP, examines how investor expectations, sector dynamics and operational discipline are redefining what IPO readiness means in 2026. Download it here: https://www.intralinks.com/resources/whitepapers/ipo-readiness-2026?utm_campaign=701rm00000ynm0b&utm_program=dealist-podcast&utm_content=podcast-s3e4
Transcribe →It’s The End of Desktop Due Diligence As We Know It
Mar 1800:23:00Tap to summarizeThe most successful M&A deals start with a clear thesis —one grounded in what must be true for the deal to deliver value. Due diligence has been redefined as a result, shifting toward a more focused, thesis-led approach. And with that shift comes the end of traditional “desktop diligence.” As Kevin Desai, U.S. and Mexico Deals leader at PwC, puts it: “The old days of doing desktop diligence … probably not enough.” In this episode of The Dealist podcast presented by SS&C Intralinks, Kevin joins us to explore how due diligence has evolved into a far more strategic, hands-on discipline. Today, success starts with a critical question: What must be true for this deal to succeed? From there, diligence becomes thesis-led — focused not just on validating the numbers, but on understanding whether a business is truly built to deliver on its value creation plan. That means going deeper into operations, talent, culture and technology, and bringing in the right specialists to assess each dimension. The conversation also highlights a major shift in expectations: diligence is no longer just about identifying risks — it’s about building conviction. In a competitive deal environment, investors need speed to insight, clear answers and actionable solutions to move decisively. Listen to learn: • How aligning early around the strategic imperative shapes the entire diligence process • The need for multidisciplinary expertise across operations, technology, talent and culture • How to identify and address capability gaps without derailing the deal • Why human interaction — not just data — remains essential to uncovering real insight • The importance of integrating post-merger thinking early, with a focus on long-term value creation • How speed, clarity and stakeholder alignment drive better deal outcomes
Transcribe →The New Reality of Cross-Border M&A
Feb 1200:31:53Tap to summarizeCross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) dealmaking is back on the agenda — even as geopolitical tension and regulatory scrutiny remain high. In this episode of The Dealist podcast, Jannan Crozier, partner and global head of M&A at Baker McKenzie, shares what’s driving renewed optimism and how dealmakers can navigate the evolving landscape. The discussion explores how stabilizing interest rates, private equity dry powder, supply chain shifts and shareholder activism are fueling activity across regions. It also unpacks the growing complexity of foreign direct investment (FDI) regimes and what it takes to structure deals that can withstand heightened scrutiny. Key themes include: • Why optimism is returning to cross-border M&A • Bridging valuation gaps with creative deal structures • The expanding role of FDI and regulatory scrutiny • Managing risk, timelines and deal certainty • How advisors and clients can work together to find a path to “yes” *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading Download 8 Ways GenAI Is Shaping Corp Dev, Legal and IT here: https://www.intralinks.com/resources/reports/8-ways-genai-shaping-corp-dev-legal-and-it?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=701pq00000zkdcr&utm_content=podcast-s2e4
Transcribe →How Are Dealmakers Really Feeling About 2026?
Jan 2800:43:57Tap to summarizeIn the first episode of Season 3 of The Dealist podcast, we're joined by Liam Stoker (Market Insights Lead, Reuters) and Todd Partridge (SVP of Marketing, SS&C Intralinks) to break down what’s shaping M&A as dealmakers look ahead to 2026. Drawing on fresh market data and real-world perspectives from the H1 2026 Global Dealmakers Sentiment Report, the conversation focuses on where M&A momentum is building, where risks remain and opportunities exist, and how corporate and private equity dealmakers are adapting to geopolitical turmoil. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why cautious optimism is returning to M&A — and how dealmakers are positioning for the next cycle How regulatory shifts are unlocking new capital flows into private equity What tightening financing conditions mean for deal structures in 2026 Why Europe and Asia are gaining ground as attractive M&A regions How AI is moving from experimentation to execution in dealmaking *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks
Transcribe →The Future of AI in M&A: What’s Next?
Nov 2100:29:50Tap to summarizeGenAI has moved from buzz to real utility — and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is on the edge of its next big shift. In the Season 2 finale of The Dealist podcast, host Catherine Ford talks with Austin Corbett of Accenture and Jon Martin of SS&C Intralinks about the early signals of what’s coming, from the rise of agentic AI and smarter diligence workflows to the long-term potential for a digital twin that mirrors the entire deal process in near-real time. Listen to learn: How next-gen technology is reshaping every stage of dealmaking What Accenture’s latest research reveals about AI’s role in the future of M&A How serial acquirers are investing in AI to accelerate value capture The ways AI will assist valuations, reduce wasted deal effort and support stronger decision-making How agentic AI could operate as an autonomous partner in the deal process Why a digital twin for M&A may be closer than many expect *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Timestamps 0:45 Introductions 2:15 Early-stage AI trends 5:30 AI’s competitive edge 7:04 Next-gen tech is reshaping every stage of dealmaking 7:25 Accenture research: AI will revolutionize how deals are done 9:56 Serial acquirers are investing in AI 12:27 AI’s impact now and in the future of M&A 14:00 How AI will help valuations 16:45 Upskilling deal teams to future-proof 19:43 DealCentre AI showcase 20:23 Agentic AI — an autonomous deal team member 23:38 AI will reduce effort on deals that won’t ever close 26:30 The most strategic teams will use AI to win 26:52 We’ve just scratched the surface of what AI can do in M&A 28:28: A digital twin for M&A
Transcribe →AI Literacy For M&A Dealmakers
Nov 700:25:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Dealist, we're joined once again by Professor Scott Moeller, founder and director of the M&A Research Centre at Bayes Business School, City, University of London, and former global head of corporate development at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. We discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from the classroom to the boardroom — and how dealmakers at every stage of their career can build AI confidence and capability. Listen to learn: How business schools are embedding AI literacy into M&A education Ways junior professionals can balance GenAI tools with human intuition How mid-level dealmakers can upskill through training and hands-on experience Why senior leaders need humility — and practice — to make AI work for them Where AI is headed next: due diligence, negotiation simulations, scenario planning and PMI *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading Download 8 Ways GenAI Is Shaping Corp Dev, Legal and IT here: https://www.intralinks.com/resources/reports/8-ways-genai-shaping-corp-dev-legal-and-it?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=701pq00000zkdcr&utm_content=podcast-s2e4
Transcribe →Corp Dev In the Age of AI
Oct 3000:30:55Tap to summarizeAI is transforming corporate development — from how deal teams identify targets to how they manage due diligence and post-merger integration (PMI). In this episode of The Dealist, Alessandro Cozzi, a director at Korn Ferry, and Ronjohn Dadd, senior director of product at SS&C Intralinks, discuss how AI is reshaping this critical business function across the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape. Together, they explore how corp dev teams are applying AI to source smarter deals, accelerate due diligence and reduce risk — including how platforms like DealCentre AI are helping dealmakers work faster and with greater confidence. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of technology in dealmaking, how organizations can adapt their workflows to maximize the benefits of AI and which skills are essential for corp dev pros. Listen to learn: How AI is changing corporate development strategies and streamlining execution Real-world examples of AI-driven efficiency — from deal sourcing and due diligence to board presentations How DealCentre AI and similar platforms enhance accuracy, speed and insight in M&A Why adaptability, data literacy and training are critical to AI adoption *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading Download 8 Ways GenAI Is Shaping Corp Dev, Legal and IT here: https://www.intralinks.com/resources/reports/8-ways-genai-shaping-corp-dev-legal-and-it?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=701pq00000zkdcr&utm_content=podcast-s2e4
Transcribe →Dealmaking in the Land of 80 Million Lawsuits
Sep 2500:33:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Dealist podcast, Gustavo Rugani and Savio Andrade of Machado Meyer Advogados share how the Brazil-based firm’s early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) accelerated its digital transformation. In a country with a highly litigious culture — it’s home to more than 80 million lawsuits — AI and legal tech have become essential tools for sifting through vast amounts of data, automating routine tasks and driving efficiency. Listen to learn how their firm is: • Building digital-first cultures that balance efficiency with safety, security and client trust • Turning massive amounts of publicly available data into actionable insights during M&A target research and due diligence • Using AI to automate repetitive, billable-hour tasks like document review and corporate minutes • Freeing up time to focus on strategic work, innovation and deeper client relationships *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading The Dynamics of Due Diligence, a report produced with Mergermarket and The M&A Research Centre (MARC), explores the reasons behind the ever-expanding due diligence period in the past decade and reveals why those deals that have a “medium” duration in terms of timing are the most likely to succeed. Download here: https://www3.intralinks.com/the-dynamics-of-due-diligence-report?&utmcampaign=701pq00000ca6xu&utm_content=podcast-blog
Transcribe →AI and Deal Privacy: Safeguarding M&A Deals in the Digital Age
Sep 800:31:55Tap to summarizeIn Season 2, episode 2 of The Dealist, host Catherine Ford explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping deal privacy in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), accelerating due diligence, securing virtual data rooms (VDRs) and detecting breaches in real time while underscoring why human oversight remains critical in high-stakes transactions. Listen to gain practical insights into how AI can strengthen security without compromising the trust and judgment that drive successful deals. Guests • Thomas Meurer, Hengeler Mueller • Pierre G. Zickert, Hengeler Mueller • Prakash Kanchinadam, SS&C Intralinks Key takeaways • Security-first design is essential for AI in M&A • AI accelerates due diligence and safeguards sensitive data • VDRs gain stronger defenses with AI monitoring • Human oversight ensures trust and balance in high-stakes transactions *Subscribe to The Dealist ** Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intralinks Further reading The Dynamics of Due Diligence, a report produced with Mergermarket and The M&A Research Centre (MARC) explores the reasons behind the ever-expanding due diligence period in the past decade and reveals why those deals that have a “medium” duration in terms of timing are the most likely to succeed. Download here: https://www3.intralinks.com/the-dynamics-of-due-diligence-report?&utmcampaign=701pq00000ca6xu&utm_content=podcast-blog) Discover how Intralinks DealCentre AI™ revolutionizes deal management with cutting-edge AI technology and smart solutions here: https://www.intralinks.com/products/dealcentre-ai?utm_source=podcast-platform&utm_medium=partner-referrals
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