The Hidden Drivers of M&A Success: Leveraging IP & Talent for Maximum Value
Presented By: Insperity / McAndrews, Held & Malloy
In today’s deal landscape, intellectual property and human capital are two of the most overlooked—but most critical—value drivers in M&A. Failing to properly assess and integrate IP portfolios, proprietary technology, and key talent can lead to costly missteps, while the right strategy can unlock significant competitive advantage. This session brings together deal experts, investors, and frontline executives to explore how buyers and sellers can identify IP risks and opportunities, navigate workforce transitions, and structure deals to maximize both innovation and leadership continuity—ensuring long-term success beyond the transaction.
Moderator:
President & Shareholder
McAndrews, Held & Malloy
Robert Surrette is a Shareholder and serves as President of McAndrews, Held & Malloy. He focuses his practice on the resolution of intellectual property and technology-related disputes with an emphasis on patent, trademark, trade secret and trade dress litigation. For the last 20 years, Bob has counseled a leading global medical device manufacturer on numerous litigation and transactional matters.
Panelists:
Principal
Plymouth Growth
Kathleen Kaulins joined Plymouth Growth in 2023 as a Principal and is involved in all aspects of the firm’s investing activities. Previously, Kathleen served as Investment Director at Vistara Growth where she focused on providing tailored capital solutions to growth stage software and technology companies.
Prior to working as an investor, Kathleen spent 10 years as an operator at two New York City based technology startups where she led a number of different functions including Finance, Strategy, Operations, and Product.
Kathleen began her career as an investment banker at UBS.
Founder & CEO
C2Dx, Inc.
Kevin McLeod is the founder and CEO of C2Dx, a medical device company that acquires and invests in valuable, niche products to propel their impact worldwide. With over 30 years of experience in the medical technology industry, Kevin's proven track record in executive leadership has successfully driven innovation, strategic growth, and business development. His passion for developing products and people drives C2Dx’s success, fosters growth, and impacts the healthcare industry.
Business Performance Advisor
Insperity
With over two decades shaping agile workforces, Paul Talbot advises growth stage companies on how to execute their business strategies through and with their people. Paul designs cohesive talent strategies by integrating talent acquistion, talent development, training, employee relations, total compensation, and compliance programs that optimize the employee experience. As an Advisor for Insperity he depends on a world class team of HR specialists to execute on plans that increase the likelihood, speed, and degree of success for his clients.