))
4: M&A Zing (Ep. 4) – How to Nail Your First Call with a Seller
Manage episode 469956538 series 3647664
Content provided by Audioboom, The M, and A Zing. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Audioboom, The M, and A Zing or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
Welcome to Episode 4 of M&A Zing—a weekly show for acquisition entrepreneurs, search funds, and holdco builders in the UK and Europe. This time, co-founders Alfie Lambert and Gareth Hawkins discuss how to handle that all-important *first qualifying call* with a potential seller—from building trust to spotting red flags.
Timestamps:
[00:00:11] Introduction – New Host This Week
[00:01:01] Recent M&A News Across Europe (Italy, Germany, Sweden)
[00:06:00] Why the “Qualifying Call” Matters
[00:07:06] How to Prepare (and Avoid Awkwardness)
[00:10:00] Key Questions to Ask Without Overstepping
[00:12:32] Different Seller Psychologies: Experienced, Prepared, Accidental, Daunted, Distressed
[00:16:45] Balancing Tough Questions & Rapport-Building
[00:20:00] Knowing When to Shift to an NDA
[00:25:00] Red Flags, Green Flags, & Personal War Stories
[00:36:00] Tip for First-Time Acquirers – Don’t Play All Your Cards at Once
[00:42:00] Event Reminder – Serial Acquirer Symposium (18 June)
[00:44:00] Wrap-Up & AMA for Live Viewers
Episode Highlights
Timestamps:
[00:00:11] Introduction – New Host This Week
[00:01:01] Recent M&A News Across Europe (Italy, Germany, Sweden)
[00:06:00] Why the “Qualifying Call” Matters
[00:07:06] How to Prepare (and Avoid Awkwardness)
[00:10:00] Key Questions to Ask Without Overstepping
[00:12:32] Different Seller Psychologies: Experienced, Prepared, Accidental, Daunted, Distressed
[00:16:45] Balancing Tough Questions & Rapport-Building
[00:20:00] Knowing When to Shift to an NDA
[00:25:00] Red Flags, Green Flags, & Personal War Stories
[00:36:00] Tip for First-Time Acquirers – Don’t Play All Your Cards at Once
[00:42:00] Event Reminder – Serial Acquirer Symposium (18 June)
[00:44:00] Wrap-Up & AMA for Live Viewers
Episode Highlights
- *Qualifying Call Basics*: Why it’s crucial to get “human” early on
- *Seller Motivations*: From legacy concerns to just being tired of the day-to-day
- *Balancing Curiosity & Caution*: How to probe without scaring them away
- *Big Takeaway for First-Timers*: Don’t overload the first call—build trust, set next steps
Featured News
- FinTech Capital’s acquisition in Italy (industrial laundry)
- Berlin’s Midmarket Summit 2025 (invite-only, 20 May)
- Stockholm’s upcoming RedEye Serial Acquirers event
---
About M&A Zing
Hosted by:
- Alfie Lambert – Co-Founder of BizCrunch (multiple-time startup founder, resident outreach expert)
- Gareth Hawkins – Co-Founder & CEO of BizCrunch (serial acquirer & M&A investor)
Each week, we dive into the real-world challenges of SMB M&A—especially in the UK & EU markets.
---
Join the BizCrunch Community
Want to participate in our weekly livestream (and private AMA)? Sign up here: https://www.bizcrunch.co/community
Community Perks
- Early access to new episodes
- Live Q&A with hosts & guests
- Networking with acquisition entrepreneurs & investors
---
Thanks for Watching!
If you enjoyed this episode, please *like*, *subscribe*, and turn on notifications. Have questions or feedback? Drop them in the comments—or join our BizCrunch Community for the private AMA.
#MergersAndAcquisitions #SearchFunds #Entrepreneurship #BizCrunch #Dealmakers
12 episodes
Share
