20-Minute Training · Free Webinar · On Demand
Crossing the Atlantic:
The US M&A Playbook
What European companies must get right when entering the US through M&A — from someone who made the crossing himself, and has led 30+ transactions across four continents.
Free & on demand - 20 minutes - Includes downloadable one-pager
“Most European acquirers get the financial model right. They get the legal structure right. And then they lose value in the gap between closing a deal and actually delivering it — a gap that almost never shows up in the due diligence report.”
1 Get the Right People First
Your first move in a US expansion is not legal or financial — it is human. Why international growth requires international people, and what that means in practice, before you need them.
What You'll Learn
Six success factors. One proven playbook. Built from 30+ real cross-border deals.
2 Treat M&A as a Capability, Not an Event
The most successful acquirers embed M&A into their strategy permanently — not just when an opportunity appears. How to build M&A readiness into your strategic toolkit alongside organic growth and partnerships
3 Don't Go It Alone
Cross-border M&A in the US operates at a different pace, with a different regulatory environment and negotiation culture. How to combine your institutional knowledge with external expertise for real execution edge.
4 Respect the Details of Culture
The US and Europe look similar on the surface. The differences that derail deals live in the details — decision-making speed, communication style, equity culture. How to find them before they find you.
5 Lead with Growth, Not Just Integration
The US market does not reward a preservation mindset. Why European acquirers must build a value creation roadmap before close — and run growth in parallel with integration from Day 1.
6 Win the Talent Game Before It Starts
In the US, key employees leave within two weeks of accepting a competing offer. Why talent retention is a Day 1 problem — not a month-three problem — and what to do about it before you close.
Who This Is For
Built for European executives who own the outcome
Not just those who advise on it.
CEOs and Vorstand members of European companies evaluating or pursuing US expansion
CFOs responsible for cross-border M&A financial oversight and integration
Board members and investors overseeing European acquirers in the US market
Senior executives tasked with US integration management and value creation delivery
Michael Hofer, Ph.D., MBA
CFO · AI Project Lead · Executive Advisor
Michael Hofer is a CFO and AI Project Lead with over 20 years of international experience across four continents, including 30+ M&A transactions. He holds an AI certificate from MIT and has been recognized as a Colorado Titan 100 executive for two consecutive years.
He advises CFOs and senior executives through his practice — helping organizations move from AI conversation to AI execution, without the hype.
Ph.D.MBACPA - Elijah Watt Sells Award - MIT AI Certificate - Wharton Executive Education - Colorado Titan 100 — 2025 & 2026