Board Stewardship Hosts Global E-Launch of ‘The Anatomy of M&A’
Board Stewardship reached a new milestone on Friday, August 8, 2025, by hosting a special live webinar that also marked the global e-launch of ‘The Anatomy of M&A,’ co-authored by Dr. V. S. Parthasarathy, Prof. SNV Sivakumar and Prof. Asha Prasuna. The event drew corporate leaders and governance professionals eager to explore the evolving world of mergers and acquisitions in a time of transformation.
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Vikesh Wallia, Managing Director & Editor of Board Stewardship, who positioned the book as an essential resource for mastering complex, high-stakes corporate transactions in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
The highlight of the day was the virtual unveiling of The Anatomy of M&A. It’s not just another technical manual—it dives into the strategy, day-to-day realities, and cultural nuances that can make or break a deal, sharing practical tips that Directors and senior leaders can actually use.
Following the launch, an engaging panel discussion unfolded, featuring Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman, Advisory Board, Board Stewardship; Dr. V. S. Parthasarathy, co-author and Independent Director on multiple Boards; Anshul A. Gupta, Partner, KPMG Dubai; and Vikesh Wallia. Each speaker brought unique perspectives on governance in deal-making, cross-border transactions, and lessons drawn from years of boardroom experience.
Prof. SNV Sivakumar emphasised the importance of setting realistic expectations at the outset of any merger or acquisition. Prof. SNV Sivakumar said, “Indian M&A activity has been vibrant during the past two decades in inbound and outbound deals. The key factor in the success of M&A is setting pragmatic expectations in the beginning by both the buy side and the sell side. The information relating to M&A is known to the public through pre-and post-announcements or from regulatory filings. A structured documentation of M&A deals helps with the dissemination of learnings for the next generation.”
Building on this, Prof. Asha Prasuna highlighted the need for deeper, data-driven risk assessment: “M&A research primarily focuses on the success and failure of deals and post-merger integration issues. However, a CEO/CFO needs an objective analysis of factors driving success and challenges. A predictive model estimating the probability of success will be useful. Our M&A risk scoring copyrighted model attempts to provide such tools which can capture the risks comprehensively in terms of financial, technical, HR and leadership, role of R&D, patents and innovations, geographical, cultural, sustainability and macroeconomic issues.”
Haribhakti observed, “Some webinars are memorable because of the content, others because they are so articulate. The M&A book launch was both a treat every which way! Engaging, meaningful, and valuable for all participants.”
Dr. Parthasarathy reflected, “In acquisitions, the balance sheet may seal the deal, but culture secures success. Growth from a takeover can be like a magic pill—sudden and dramatic. Yet, the real challenge lies in managing the ‘new you’ so that rapid expansion translates into lasting, certain profits.”
Gupta shared, “To be part of such an event with stalwarts like Haribhakti and Dr. Partha, along with the two professors, was an honour. I enjoyed the discussions and the audience’s questions. My key takeaway was the one-third principle I learnt from Dr. Partha’s rich M&A experience.”
Wallia concluded, “The session was both insightful and engaging. M&A is one of the most powerful tools for growth and transformation—impacting both the acquiring and acquired entities. Dr. V. S. Parthasarathy’s book rightly captures the entire anatomy of the process.”
The event underscored Board Stewardship’s drive to make corporate governance conversations more meaningful, equipping attendees with real-world insights to handle the twists and turns of the M&A world.
