Getting transaction ready: Boards, deals, and tech in unpredictable markets

In this episode of The Corporate Director Podcast, Rich Mullen, Partner in Wilson Sonsini’s M&A Practice, and Ranga Bodla, Vice President, Field Engagement and Marketing at NetSuite, Meghan Day to unpack a new joint report exploring transaction readiness in today’s unpredictable market. The conversation dives into governance gaps, board alignment, tech adoption, and the evolving role of boards in M&A activity. Discover why companies are rethinking transactions, how economic uncertainty and limited resources reshape dealmaking, and what opportunities AI offers for future transactions. Whether you’re navigating an acquisition or seeking best practices in board engagement and tech enablement, this episode delivers fresh insights from industry leaders and real survey data.

Partner Resources:

Wilson Sonsini Mergers and Acquisition

Guests

Rich Mullen

Partner in Wilson Sonsini’s M&A Practice

Ranga Bodla

Vice President, Field Engagement and Marketing at NetSuite

More about the podcast

Also in this episode:

Many companies struggle with limited resources and personnel but are using technology and AI to boost efficiency and strengthen deal teams.
Organizations continue to pursue M&A and partnerships despite economic uncertainty, applying more rigorous due diligence and careful deal evaluation than before.
Tech adoption for transactions remains low, with few companies using integrated systems or AI tools; the episode highlights opportunities for better processes and governance to reduce risks like wire fraud.

Related resources

Research

Ready for the deal: Transaction readiness in turbulent times

Unlock benchmarks and best practices from the Transaction Readiness report, based on a global survey of over 200 senior leaders spanning public and private organizations.

Guide

The transaction-ready governance checklist

A governance checklist for growth-stage organizations eyeing up an M&A, IPO or next investment round.

Blog

Amid market volatility ‘transaction readiness’ remains your greatest growth strategy

Growth-minded companies must prioritize transaction-ready governance for successful IPOs, M&A deals and attracting investment in 2025.

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