Hi there, 

M&A is a key aspect of companies’ growth strategies (see our Book of Strategy Maps). 

In 2021, mergers and acquisitions surged 60% year-over-year. Deals remained elevated in 2022.

But M&A often results in the acquired asset atrophying over time. 

Here are 4 “merger trouble” insights about companies like PayPal, Salesforce, and Okta from our conversations with software buyers.

For more on SaaS consolidation, check out last week’s newsletter. 

PayPal’s product breadth undermined by “disjointed feel,” per this buyer

Automation platform Workato’s flexibility stands out vs. MuleSoft (Salesforce)

Salesforce acquired MuleSoft for over $6B in 2018. We previously looked at the companies winning deals against Salesforce here.

Plaid’s shift in strategy post-failed acquisition with Visa lost this customer

Messaging around Okta’s Auth0 acquisition remains unclear, according to this buyer

Payments without borders

Which cross-border payment vendors should you invite to your RFP?

If you’re evaluating cross-border payments providers, this RFP Vendor Shortlist will tell you who to invite based on who your peers are inviting.  

Download the free 1-pager here.

I love you.

Anand

@asanwal

P.S. It’s too good to miss: the Book of Strategy Maps shines a light on non-BS predictors of strategy for 40+ companies from Salesforce to PayPal. Get the free report here.