When the Numbers Don’t Add Up: A Failed Acquisition with Erin O’Leary

2025-02-03

Financial literacy is the biggest barrier to successful M&A. Both sellers and buyers need to know how the numbers work to ensure they get the best deal. In this episode I am joined by Erin O'Leary, an M&A and exit advisor. We explore the intricacies of business acquisitions and exits. Erin shares insights from her extensive experience, including a case study of a legacy bus company and the factors influencing business valuation. We also share our experiences as women in the M&A space, from representation of women to the strengths women ha...

Financial literacy is the biggest barrier to successful M&A.

Both sellers and buyers need to know how the numbers work to ensure they get the best deal.

In this episode I am joined by Erin O'Leary, an M&A and exit advisor. We explore the intricacies of business acquisitions and exits. Erin shares insights from her extensive experience, including a case study of a legacy bus company and the factors influencing business valuation.

We also share our experiences as women in the M&A space, from representation of women to the strengths women have as CEOs.

This episode is full of insights into what buyers and sellers need to know to get the best out of their deals.

" Valuation is relative to the buyer's situation " - Erin O'Leary

Timestamps

01:53 - An introduction to Erin

03:50 - The biggest issues in acquisitions

07:26 - The lack of financial expertise in acquisitions

13:37 - Why founders need to be financially literate

17:55 - A laborious bus company acquisition

22:15 - Where adjustments in the valuation happen

28:01 - Erin's current projects

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