Market Maker

In this episode, we dive into some of the biggest deals currently shaping the corporate finance landscape.We explore Mars' acquisition of Kellanova, the NFL's move to allow minority private equity interests, the potential takeover of Rightmove by REA Group, and Blackstone's acquisition of AirTrunk.Join us as we unpack the strategic motivations behind these deals, consider potential antitrust concerns, and examine how interest rates are influencing the housing market.An essential listen for anyone looking to understand corporate finance in action.

The market remains divided on whether the Fed will cut rates by 50 or 25 basis points.Friday's labour report was expected to provide clarity, but instead, it delivered mixed signals.Tune in to discover how the markets reacted, what clues the US yield curve is providing, and which data points to watch leading up to the FOMC meeting on September 18th.Essential listening for any investor or student in the midst of application season.01:00 Introduction and Overview of US Non-Farm Payrolls Report02:28 Mixed Reaction to Job Creation Numbers04:07 Reaction and Speculation of Rate Cuts14:15 Market Divided on Fed's Rate Cut Decision22:46 Uninversion of US Yield Curve and Speculation of Recession25:26 Conclusion

In this episode of The Deal Room, Anthony and Stephen Barnett dive deep into the valuation of Nvidia, comparing it with Intel. They explore various valuation methods, including market-based, absolute, and relative approaches, and unpack the assumptions and subjectivity that shape these models. The discussion also covers Nvidia's growth potential and current valuation, contrasted with Intel's decline and strategic missteps. Is Nvidia's valuation too high or too low? Tune in to find out!*****00:00 Introduction and Overview02:14 Valuation of Nvidia09:01 The Subjectivity of Valuation15:45 Nvidia's Growth and Valuation16:31 Strategic Missteps of Intel 

Nvidia reported a staggering 122% revenue growth, but its sales outlook was disappointing. Data center revenues are slowing, the new Blackwell design has encountered problems, and gross margins are narrowing.As the AI hype begins to cool, is Nvidia managing expectations or facing a slowdown?Get up to speed on one of the major stories in global markets this week.*****01:00 Introduction and Nvidia's Earnings Report03:00 Decelerating Growth Rates for Nvidia07:13 The importance of forward guidance 08:35 The Delayed Release of the Blackwell Chip12:43 Nvidia's Share Buyback Program14:13 Managing market expectations18:32 Broader Context and Sector Rotation21:02 What happens to US stocks next?

In this episode, we chat with Peter Bell, founder and CEO of Cardean Bell, a leading M&A boutique advisory firm. With 24 years at top investment banks like Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Lehman Europe, and Nomura, Peter has advised on over $100 billion in transactions across every industry sector. In 2016, he launched Cardean Bell to offer a more personalised approach to M&A and IPO advisory.Join us as Peter shares his journey from global banking to running a boutique, the value Cardean Bell provides to clients, and why companies choose boutique firms over bulge bracket banks. He also offers career advice for aspiring investment bankers, including how to stand out as a young analyst and when to consider moving from a big bank to a boutique.Whether you're eyeing a career in banking or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical tips from one of the industry’s most experienced leaders. Don’t miss it!*****Introductions (2:12)University experience (3:37)Peter's early career (5:02)Moving from junior to senior roles (7:32)Is it possible to fast-track a banking career? (9:20)Heading up the UK M&A team at Bank of America (12:36)Wanting to start your own firm (13:29)How is Cardean Bell unique? (18:05)The importance of accountancy skills (26:06)How Macro impacts deal making (29:29)Current state of play (32:36)The art of timing a deal (38:17)How AI will impact the industry (40:36)What makes a perfect analyst (46:07)Bulge bracket vs boutique route (47:46)Most memorable interview question (51:15)

Is a US recession pending? Have stocks already peaked this year? Has the focus shifted from inflation to the labour market?In this episode, I speak to co-founder Piers Curran to unpack his view on the major themes in global markets.Essential listening for any investor or student getting prepared for the upcoming application season.****Introduction and Setting the Stage (1:44)Shift in Focus: From Inflation to the US Labour Market (5:51)Bullish Sentiment: Goldman's view on US equities (14:21)Upcoming Events: Jackson Hole and Nvidia Earnings (23:56)Cautious Approach: De-risking in Volatile Times (28:27)

In this episode, we dive deep into three of the most intriguing stories shaking up the financial world:Ackman’s IPO Flop: Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square IPO crashes from a $25 billion goal to just $2 billion, with major backers like Baupost Group stepping away. We discuss what went wrong and the broader implications for closed-end funds. (3:00)Buffett’s Bold Move: Warren Buffett unloads $3 billion in Bank of America shares, raising questions about market timing. We break down the impact and what it means for investors. (12:00)Canva vs. Adobe: Canva accelerates its AI strategy with the acquisition of Leonardo.ai, aiming to challenge Adobe. We examine Canva’s rapid growth and its race to catch up with the industry giant. (22:00)*****Want to gain practical experience in finance? Check out our free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa

The headline on Bloomberg reads '$6.4 trillion stock wipeout has traders fearing ‘Great Unwind’ is just starting'.Join us as we delve into the key drivers behind Monday’s dramatic selloff in global equities. We'll explore the fundamental factors, market mechanics, and investor psychology that played pivotal roles in this market turbulence.Tune in for a comprehensive analysis essential for anyone following the financial markets.Introduction & Monday's stats (00:00)Fundamentals behind the selloff (5:48)Japanese carry trade explained (12:12)Why the Nikkei was hit so hard (17:25)The role of algorithmic trading systems (18:51)The impact of market psychology (23:13)Thoughts on the Fed (25:10)How news dissemination has changed the game (27:15)US recession risk (29:20)The fate of the Magnificent Seven stocks (33:18)Practical steps to investment in this environment (35:35)

In this episode, we unpack:Investors and bankers are raising billions for new SPACs. What are they and why are they back in favour? (3:06)Honeywell’s quantum computing spinout, Quantinuum, is eyeing a $10bn IPO amid the AI boom. (12:59)A dealmaking revival is boosting the UK’s top law firms. Banker or lawyer: which career would you choose? (20:34)Tune in to explore corporate finance through today’s real-world stories.