17: On Aon’s M&A and Transaction Solutions with Alistair Lester

Merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions are increasing – in frequency and complexity, according to Aon’s M&A C-Suite report and insights. Dealmakers have rarely experienced a period like this; each quarter since late 2020 seems to set new records in terms of global deal value or volume, as recovery in M&A activity from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In this episode of “On Aon,” host Julia Olivares, Head of Internal Communications, Aon Australia, is joined by Aon’s Global Co-CEO of M&A and Transactions Solutions Alistair Lester for a discussion about Aon's M&A and Transaction Solutions and Aon’s recent report. Together they review the key values and risks associated with M&A, the main factors that have contributed to the growing complexities in the M&A space and how the ways in which dealmakers define and calculate “value” have evolved.

• Alistair highlights the key values and risks of M&A, including background on Aon’s due diligence practice and building insurance instruments. [1:06]
• The three main factors that have contributed to the growing complexities in the M&A space. [4:35]
• Rethinking M&A starts with a focus on value for clients. [6:44]
• Key takeaways from the recent M&A C-suite study regarding ESG and digitalization. [9:24]
• The widespread and long-lasting impact of COVID-19 on the M&A landscape. [14:11]
• Surprising transactions in recent M&A activity. [17:41]
• A look at what is coming up next for Alistair at Aon. [19:28]

Additional Resources:

Don’t miss the full M&A C-Suite series, and press release.

Find more M&A and Transaction Solutions insights here.

ICYMI, episode 8 featured Lewis Lee, CEO of Aon’s Intellectual Property Solutions, discussing intellectual property valuation. Listen here.

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

“We’re bringing the huge capital of the insurance industry to bear in a slightly different context by deploying insurance instruments in M&A deals.” — Alistair Lester

“These are issues that are affecting policies, whether they’re doing a multi-billion-dollar transaction or a single figure, million-dollar transaction.” — Alistair Lester

“We believe ESG due diligence will become as important as financial due diligence in the very near future.” — Alistair Lester