BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  P&L  >  5 Reasons M&As Die: What Founders Should Know

5 Reasons M&As Die: What Founders Should Know

David Lim, Founding Partner, TSF Law

17-Nov-25 11:00

5 Reasons M&As Die: What Founders Should Know

For many founders, an M&A deal feels like the ultimate exit. But what starts as a pot of gold often turns into a minefield of brutal due diligence, hidden liabilities, and founder infighting. In fact, a significant number of promising deals fall apart before even reaching the finish line.

Lawyer  David Lim of TSF Law joins us to unpack the 5 key reasons why these deals get messy. He explains the principle of "caveat emptor" (buyer beware), the long-term liabilities that can follow a founder for years, and the critical mistake of founders getting too involved in the deal-making process.

We discuss:

  • The "brutality" of due diligence and why founders must be prepared.

  • Why the deal doesn't end at signing: understanding warranties and clawbacks.

  • The risk of founders getting too involved and letting the core business suffer.

  • Why hiring generalist advisors for a "friendly price" is a costly mistake.

  • The importance of a "sell-side health check" before you even talk to a buyer.

For any founder or business owner considering an exit, a merger, or a significant fundraising round, this is an essential dive into navigating the process and protecting your interests.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  Corporatesmanagingentrepreneurs

Tags:  mergers & acquisitionsm&adue diligencecorporate lawfundraisingbusiness exit





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate at Bloomberg Intelligence, discusses Hong Kong’s property market outlook.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North South Initiative, discusses the direct hiring proposal by the Human Resource Ministry.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Justin Tan, Managing Director of Exsim Hospitality Berhad, talks about the company's performance and strategy moving forward.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Sonia Mycak of ANU examines Ukraine’s peace prospects as Russia’s latest strikes cripple energy infrastructure and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate at Bloomberg Intelligence, discusses Hong Kong’s property market outlook.

9:35 AM

Ringgit & Sense

Ian Wong, Founder & CEO of Uno Advisers and licensed financial planner, shares the financial mistakes you don’t want to make in 2026.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

11:00 AM

Tech Talk

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Justin Tan, Managing Director of Exsim Hospitality Berhad, talks about the company's performance and strategy moving forward.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

4:05 PM

Health & Living

We peep behind the radiation machines of a hospital to find out about the role of the clinical medical physicist.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Talkback Thursday