8:30-09:00

Registration

09.00-09.15

Welcome and Opening by Koen Heimeriks, Professor of Strategy, Warwick Business School.

The opening talk outlines the importance of connecting practice and academia to bolster insights on M&A. Underscoring the importance of marrying the latest insights across the two worlds, the talk outlines the key themes of the conference which cut across how companies prepare and execute for successful M&A today. By foreshadowing what we know today on how companies maneuver across the preparation and execution phases, the introduction tries to stir dialogue by igniting discussion on important open questions that define where M&A will go in the years ahead.

09.15-09.45

OPENING KEYNOTE by PHILIPPE HASPESLAGH, Professor and Honorary Dean, Vlerick Business School; Chairman at Ardo.
The Past, Present and Future of Research and Practice in M&A

 
THEME 1: STRATEGY AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
Question: How do strategy and successful M&A relate? And how do serial acquirers implement successful dealmaking? What role do different stakeholders play across the M&A process?

09.45 -10.15

KEYNOTE #1
by JAMES ALLISON, Executive Vice-President Corporate Strategy, M&A and Treasury, Unilever

10.15-10.45

THOUGHT LEADER REFLECTION #1
by MAURIZIO ZOLLO, Dean's Chaired Professor in Strategy & Sustainability, Bocconi.

10.45-11.15

Tea, coffee Break

11.15-12.30

PAPER PRESENTATIONS
Discussants: MAURIZIO ZOLLO and JAMES ALLISON

#1 S.Romito. How do Stakeholder Relationships Influence the Likelihood of being Acquired?

#2 A. Wallot, X. Guerra. The Impact of Financial Advisor Individuals Experience on their Clients’ Acquisition Premia. University of St Gallen

#3 J. Salvado, F. Vermeulen. Acquisitions and The Visual Representation of Strategy. London Business School

#4 A. Shakhortov, J. Reuer. Economies of Scope and Optimal Due Diligence in Corporate Acquisitions. University of Illinois & University of Colorado

12.30-13.30

Networking Lunch

 THEME 2: BEHAVIOURAL DYNAMICS & TECHNOLOGY
Question: How do behaviour, personality and ability to learn matter for M&A? How do tools and technologies affect behavioural dynamics in M&A? What is the role of AI in M&A?

13.30-14.00

KEYNOTE #2
by JAMES MCLETCHIE, Partner, U.K. Head of Merger Management Practice, McKinsey & Company

14.00-14.30

THOUGHT LEADER REFLECTION #2
by TOMI LAAMANEN, Professor of Strategic Management, University of St. Gallen. Editior-in-Chief Long Range Planning; former Associate Editor Strategic management Journal.

14.30-14.45

Break

14.45-16.00

PAPER PRESENTATIONS
Discussants: TOMI LAAMANEN and JAMES MCLETCHIE

#1 F. Bauer, D. King, S. Schriber, C. Kruckenhauser. Learning to Handle Ambiguity: The Impact of Codification on Acquisition Integration Outcomes. Egger

#2 G. Sieiro, J. Gordon, B. Lamont, K. Galdino, K. Ellis. Bulge Bracket Advisors and Deal Completion Time: The Moderating Role of Market Perception. Florida State University, Florida State University, Florida State University, Georgia Southern University and Florida Atlantic University

#3 K. Kolev, S. Wuorinen, G. McNamara, J. Haleblian. Red or Blue, What's the Difference? CEO Political Orientation and Acquisition Actions and Outcomes. Michigan State University

#4 C. Oberg. How do social ties affect customer retention following M&As? Örebro University

16.00-16.30

Tea, coffee break

16.30-17.30

TALK OF THE TOWN: Thought Leaders from Academia and Practice on 'Leadership in M&A'
Discussion: perspectives from Unilever, McKinsey and Academia are shared on how executive leadership makes or breaks outcomes across M&A preparation and execution

Round table and plenary discussions with:

JAMES ALLISON, MAURIZIO ZOLLO, JAMES MCLETCHIE, and TOMI LAAMANEN.

17.45

Drinks and Networking Dinner (WBS, Level 17, The Shard)