The Deal Paradox: Mergers and Acquisitions Success in the Age of Digital Transformation

“Shows the unstoppable rise in the use of big data and AI in large M&A deals, which mirrors every other industry, including global sports such as football. And, just as we found in the sports industry where we argue that “the machine proposes but the human decides”, Driessen, Faelten and Moeller show why the human element of deals will only become more important with the increasing use of technology to conduct deals. This is a must-read for anyone engaged in divestitures, acquisitions and large financial deals.” ― Chris Brady, Chief Intelligence Officer, Sportsology Group

“A insightful and thought-provoking read for those involved in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as in the world of corporate finance. As deals have become part of the DNA of business strategy, so has the use of technology in advancing and accelerating the execution of the right transactions. Through the lens of experience, the authors use interviews and stories with leading dealmakers to highlight the impact of technology on today’s deal market, and to forecast the likely implications of digital transformation to the M&A process. Whether an experienced investment banker or early career analyst, you need to read The Deal Paradox.” ― Kenneth H Marks, Managing Partner and Founder, High Rock Partners

Anna Faelten is an experienced corporate finance Partner at EY, based in London, UK. She leads EY’s Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) Corporate Finance practice, working with high-growth companies and investors. She has more than 10 years of corporate finance and consulting experience, spanning public to private sector, private equity-backed, founder owned and corporate buy-side and sell-side transactions. Anna holds a PhD degree from Tilburg University.

Scott Moeller is a Professor in the Practice of Finance at the Bayes Business School in London, UK, and is the founder and Director of the M&A Research Centre. He teaches ‘Mergers & Acquisitions’ in the MBA and MSc programmes. Prior to joining academia, he had a highly successful banking career with Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, holding a number of senior management roles.