Dealmakers who have experience with mergers and acquisitions typically enjoy the challenge. They’ve learned how to navigate the negotiating table, deal terms, integration and more. Often, they’re looking for their next big deal.
Business owners and entrepreneurs, however, may only go through this process once or twice. That’s why it’s nice to peel back the curtain of M&A, with insights from those who know it best.
One of those involved in Columbus dealmaking is featured in this month’s cover story, Jim Wyland, founder and president of WealthStone. He believes in the power of long-term relationships, making connections and proper due diligence.
Jim Grote, the founder of Donatos Pizza, has worked with Wyland for more than 30 years. He says Wyland is an artist in his field.
“Jim has made and art out of displaying his color spreadsheet using a large monitor for viewing, always giving two or three alternatives to a plan. It’s kind of like he’s playing his computer keyboard like a piano, using numbers for notes and after some collective ‘brainstorming’ coming up with a plan that sounds really good,” Grote says.
Wyland is having fun getting involved with new ventures in Columbus’ deal market.
One change he’s noticed is that, pre-recession, the ultra-wealthy typically had one adviser. A decade later, most have multiple money managers helping them invest. They’ve diversified.
This is just the beginning of how Smart Business will explore the ins and outs of dealmaking and M&A. Our third and final ASPIRE conference for 2018 will be held Sept. 25 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. Mark your calendars now because the event is just around the corner. The day will include sessions that focus on buying and selling a business, raising capital and liquidity events, and there will time for networking and a chance to ask questions of the experts.
I’ve learned a lot about what makes a deal successful, what missteps to keep an eye out for and the key ingredients to try to replicate — and I hope you do, too.
