Past event | M&A: analyzing failures to build sustainable successes

Past event | M&A: analyzing failures to build sustainable successes

Last week, Bérengère Roig, Managing Partner of LPA Singapore, had the privilege of moderating an afterwork event dedicated to the theme of M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions), organized in Singapore by FrenchFounders.

On this occasion, Bérengère spoke alongside a panel of experts:

• Laurence Onfroy, Director of Special Projects APAC at Preferred Travel Group
• Roland Salameh, CEO Asia Pacific & Middle East at OCS
• Paul Valin, CEO of Samara Consulting

Rather than focusing solely on successes, the speakers chose to explore the challenges, key risk factors, and potential causes of failure, topics that are often overlooked but are nonetheless essential to the success of such operations.

Here are some key insights shared during the discussion:

• For the seller: carefully analyze the buyer’s profile, understand their project and expectations, and be surrounded by strong legal and financial advisors.
• For the buyer: conduct thorough due diligence, leaving no aspect of the target business unchecked.
• M&A trends in Asia: general optimism, low geopolitical risks, growth of cross-border deals (e.g., MEA & Asia), and the rise of Japan as a major investment player.

To maximize the chances of success:

• Set aside personal ego to make the right decisions;
• Pay attention to political dynamics as well as human factors;
• Be well supported, as “a single word in a pitch can derail a deal with investors.”

A big thank you to FrenchFounders for this opportunity, to the panelists for such an inspiring exchange, and to all participants for their presence!