James Woodward 1

James Woodward
Associate

UK


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 organisations
  • 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 programmes, 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 practise 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

Engagements on which James has worked include:

  • 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)