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)