People profiles
James Woodward
Professional Background
- 15+ years experience incorporating a mix of ‘Big 4’ M&A transaction work, and commercial project positions in two FTSE 250/ FTSE 100 organizations
- 8 years of dedicated M&A transaction advisory experience in the KPMG and Deloitte Integration and Separation teams, working on 20+ transactions across multiple sectors
- Associate of Global PMI Partners, with a focus on successful deal execution for clients, and contributing to growing the wider business
- MBA from Henley Business School (UK), and BA Honours degree from the University of Exeter (UK)
- Based in the UK with experience working abroad on three cross border US transactions. Other international exposure gained in Sweden, Finland, Ireland and Hong Kong. James is a native English speaker
M&A Skills & Expertise
- Substantial experience in large and mid-size M&A integration and separation programs, across borders, cultures, legal and regulatory jurisdictions
- Experience across a range of sectors: Energy, healthcare, transport, technology financial services, retail, public sector and automotive
- Contributory author to “Is breaking up hard to do” Divestment survey thought leadership output to share with clients (2012)
- MBA dissertation on “what model of best practice is suggested by current thinking on post-acquisition integration” (2009)
- Leading role in conducting a UK&I 3-year strategy exercise in a FTSE 250 retailer
Industry & Sector Experience
- RWC – Acquisition of John Guest Ltd
- Micro Focus – Attachmate merger integration (2014/2015)
- Wolseley integration of Burdens (2015)
- HSBC global transaction methodology playbook to support in ongoing global divestments (2013)
- Separation of Ark Life insurance business from Aviva (2013)
- BP divestment of 7 European LPG businesses (2012)
- Canaccord Genuity Ltd integration of Collins Stewart Hawkpoint (2012)
- Build centre business separation from Wolseley (2011)
- Shell divestment of Sweden & Finland businesses (2010)
- Vendor assist carve out of Gatwick Airport from BAA (2009)
- Hershey aborted merger with Cadburys (2010)
- National Express carve out of East Coast Mainline into Department of Transport (2009)
- Synergy analysis on merger of two NHS Financial Trusts (2009)
- Serco North America acquisition of SI International (2008)
- Vendor assist work on transitioning Jaguar & Land Rover National Sales Companies in Ford divestment (2008)