The Real Deal

Hosted by SS&C

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135

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Aug 2025

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About the show

This podcast gives dealmakers perspectives on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) trends, the biggest deals and insight into the latest technology news and trends. Listen to learn about best practices from deal professionals and industry thought leaders.

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60 recent

August 28, 20250 min

The Dealist Season 2 Trailer: How AI Is Changing M&A Dealmaking

In Season 2 of The Dealist, Catherine Ford and senior M&A leaders cut through the hype to reveal how AI is reshaping M&A — from faster due diligence to sharper efficiencies and real competitive advantage. Discover where AI is taking dealmaking next when the first episode premieres September 2, 2025. Don’t miss these conversations. Subscribe to The Dealist wherever you get your podcasts. 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 by SS&C Intralinks in association with Mergermarket and The M&A Research Centre (MARC) that 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™ 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

April 28, 20250 min

Dealcast is handing the mic to The Dealist [Trailer]

Dealcast is handing the mic to The Dealist. Your new go-to podcast for real conversations with the dealmakers shaping M&A has arrived. Subscribe to The Dealist today. Join season 1 focusing on M&A due diligence already in progress. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dealist/id1805660414 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zinlPsfd2xDuY10zdIBqJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48MK3sBvoGTxHSXCeFEgiWzPKE39OX3F** Season 1 Episode 1 "Advanced M&A Diligence Strategies: Elevating Your Framework" Guests: Valeriya Vitkova and Scott Moeller, of the M&A Research Centre (MARC) at Bayes Business School, City, University of London. Overview Advanced diligence methodologies and frameworks Real-world case studies of complex diligence challenges How experience, intuition and data-driven analytics combine for better outcomes Season 1 Episode 2 "Guarding Against Deal Leaks: Strategies for Confidentiality in M&A" Guests: Dan Scorpio, head of M&A and activism at H/Advisors Abernathy, and Nitin Kumar, independent market commentator Overview The difference between intentional and accidental leaks The role of virtual data rooms (VDRs), governance and training in safeguarding sensitive data Strategies to address breaches and reinforce confidentiality Season 1 Episode 3 "The Role of Virtual Data Rooms and AI in Due Diligence" Guests: Noah Waisberg, CEO of Zuva, and Prakash Kanchinadam, head of AI and analytics at SS&C Intralinks. Overview How VDRs and AI revolutionized due diligence Why secure, scalable tools are critical for today’s deals What agentic AI means for the future of M&A

March 13, 202417 min

Deal or No Deal: 2024 Market Insights From 300 Corporate and PE Dealmakers

We’ve got an extra special episode for you. Join us as we discuss the results of the 2024 Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report. In association with Mergermarket, SS&C Intralinks surveyed 300 global M&A dealmakers from 225 corporations and 75 private equity firms to see where the market is heading. From shifting dynamics in financing and regulatory to challenges and opportunities, we share insights into where dealmakers think M&A will go in the next 12 months. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks.

March 6, 202411 min

U.S. M&A & Private Equity: What Are the Key Themes for 2024?

In this episode, we explore the performance of add-ons, roll-up strategies, divestitures and take-privates over the past year. In a climate of high interest rates and bank retrenchment, private credit’s heightened role at the outset of last year in facilitating dealmaking emerged as a prominent headline, providing considerable returns for many sponsors and LPs. Has private credit solidified its role in M&A? Plus, we identify key themes and sectors presenting the most opportunities in the next 12 months. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

February 23, 202415 min

Regulatory Scrutiny of AI Partnerships: Implications for Big Tech Players

Artificial intelligence has become a focus of regulators worldwide. In recent months, the European Commission, Federal Trade Commission and the Competition and Markets Authority have all opened inquiries into investments and partnerships made by Microsoft, Google and Amazon relating to startups Open AI and Anthropic. What is the potential impact of heightened scrutiny on merger control policy? Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

February 21, 202423 min

M&A Tales: Nadine Mirchandani, EY's Global Deputy Vice Chair

In this latest episode of M&A Tales, our special guest is EY's Global Deputy Vice Chair for Strategy and Transactions Nadine Mirchandani. With over 20 years of experience, Nadine specializes in leading financial services, corporate and private equity transactions, serving as an advisor to both sell- and buy-side parties. In this insightful conversation, she shares her views on how to find and nurture talented and diverse M&A teams. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

February 16, 202410 min

H1 2024 M&A Trends: A Data-Driven Forecast

In this episode, we delve into findings from the [Q1 2024 Deal Flow Predictor](https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024). Which region is anticipated to witness the most significant decline in deal flow? Will there be a further increase in early-stage restructuring activity? And will the uptick in IPOs observed at the end of last year continue? Tune in to discover these insights and more as we navigate the evolving landscape of M&A trends. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

February 8, 202411 min

LATAM M&A Round-Up and What to Expect in 2024

In 2023, there was a decline in M&A activity globally, but what was the picture in Latin America? Our guest, Thiago Barrozo, Mergermarket’s editor for LATAM America, looks back on dealmaking in the region, the role geopolitics is playing and anticipated deal activity in key sectors in 2024. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

February 2, 202415 min

APAC M&A Review 2023: A Recap and Anticipating 2024

In this special episode, we’re joined by Mergermarket's Lisha Zhou and Ed Vinales, who discuss M&A trends in the Asia Pacific region for 2024. They offer insights into the evolving dealmaking landscape and provide their perspectives on what lies ahead for the region in 2024. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024

January 26, 202415 min

Mergermarket’s 2023 M&A Recap & 2024 Predictions

According to Dealogic, total M&A volume dropped to its lowest level in ten years globally in 2023 to about USD three trillion. In this episode, Mergermarket executive editor Lucinda Gutherie examines the factors that contributed to last year’s uncertainty, identifies areas of opportunity and shares her views on the dealmaking outlook for 2024. Dealcast is presented by Mergermarket and SS&C Intralinks. Dealmakers, are you ready for 2024? Read our new report, 9 M&A Dealmaking and Financing Trends in 2024, to understand the factors that will impact M&A and strategic financing in the next 12 months. https://www.intralinks.com/insights/publication/9-ma-dealmaking-and-financing-trends-2024