For mergers and acquisitions in the software industry this book lays the foundation for successful due diligence. Based on methodological foundations, a business model driven approach for due diligence is presented. The key difference between this book and other due diligence books: this book focuses on a business model driven approach, M&A processes, M&A organization and software industry specifics. The book focuses on four goals. First, it focuses on creating a holistic view of acquisition targets using business models. Second, the book defines differences of the software industry to other industries. Third, the book tries to lay the foundation for standardization of due diligence activities. It also analyses the right setup for acquirers to successfully carry out acquisitions. Fourth, it elaborates on typical business models, business ecosystems and partnerships in the software industry. Many examples from real life due diligence activities and many hints make this book a valuable resource for business professionals in mergers and acquisitions in all industries.

Dr. Karl Michael Popp is Senior Director M&A in the Global Business Development and Ecosystem Team in the Office of the CEO of SAP SE. In this area, he works on inorganic growth projects of SAP SE, such as due diligence and merger integration of technology companies as well as strategic partnerships. In his career, he has completed more than 30 acquisitions and corresponding merger integrations worldwide and worked with over 50 companies on partnerships. He is the author of several books and a speaker on software due diligence, post merger integration, digitization of M&A processes as well as business models and platform business models in the software industry. Dr. Popp is a long-standing member of the German M&A Association (Bundesverband M&A) as well as a former board member of the Gesellschaft für Post Merger Integration (now part of the Bundesverband M&A) and works in the program committee of the European Workshop on Merger Integration and of the Think Tank Denkfabrik Wirtschaft. He studied economics and received his doctorate in information systems from the University of Bamberg. More information can be found at https://www.drkarlpopp.com/ .