Deal Killers & How to Beat Them: Overcoming M&A Roadblocks
Presented By: Calvetti Ferguson / Steptoe & Johnson
Even the best deals can fall apart without the right preparation and strategy. From valuation gaps and due diligence surprises to cultural clashes and financing hurdles, this session dives into the top issues that derail transactions—and how to overcome them. Veteran dealmakers will share real-world insights on navigating common pitfalls, structuring agreements for success, and keeping deals on track when challenges arise. Whether you're buying, selling, or advising, this discussion will equip you with the tools to anticipate obstacles, negotiate effectively, and get deals across the finish line.
Moderator:
Member
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Bret Madole is a seasoned corporate attorney who brings nearly 40 years of experience in general corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, banking, and intellectual property to a variety of clients, primarily middle market private companies and entrepreneurs, spanning across many industries. He advises individuals and companies from startup, implementing successful strategies for resolving issues with trademark, copyright, employment, licensing, governance, contracts, leases, mergers and acquisitions, and related matters.
Panelists:
Partner
Trinity Hunt Partners
Scott Colvert serves as a Partner of Trinity Hunt and is a member of the Fund’s Investment Committee. Scott is responsible for deal origination and business development, as well as portfolio company monitoring. He currently serves on the board of Fleet Response and has previously served on the boards of Lone Star Fasteners, Rotorcraft Services Group, Aperture, Juris Medicus, Argano and Delve. With over 30 years of experience in private equity, Scott manages Trinity Hunt’s industry thematic deal sourcing process and serves as the firm’s primary interface with buy-side advisors and investment banks.
Managing Member
Yarborough Living Trust
Cody acquired his first company in 2008 and developed a portfolio with further biochemical and plastics acquisitions. A primary divestment in 2019 resulted in consolidation of his remaining holdings as a manufacturer of sterile biosolutions, which was then divested in 2023. Cody is currently managing his family company, serving on multiple boards, managing his laboratory-ware distribution and exploring multiple opportunities.
Advisory Partner in Charge
Calvetti Ferguson
Chin Yu is the Partner in Charge of Advisory services at Calvetti Ferguson. With 25 years of M&A and corporate finance experience, he has closed over $2 billion of financial transactions including mergers & acquisitions, debt placements, and public and private equity transactions. He serves as a Partner and the practice leader of Calvetti Ferguson’s Advisory group which provides services in the areas of M&A transaction advisory, business process improvement, corporate restructuring, valuation, and litigation consulting. The Advisory department serves middle market businesses and private equity focused on M&A transaction services such as M&A deal support, quality of earnings analysis, financial due diligence, and buyer/seller representation. Calvetti Ferguson offers a full range of services from Advisory, Assurance, Tax, Accounting/Backoffice Services, and Technology Risk Services.