Lessons for Dealmakers From a Former M&A Reporter
A former M&A reporter reveals how deals leak and how to protect them.
According to the 2026 SS&C Intralinks M&A Leaks Report, produced with Bayes Business School, nearly one in 10 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals leaked before its public announcement in 2025. But how does confidential information reach the media, and what can dealmakers do to protect their transactions?
In this episode of The Dealist podcast, presented by SS&C Intralinks, Ed Hammond, founding partner at Collected Strategies and former M&A reporter for Bloomberg and the Financial Times, reveals how journalists uncover confidential transactions and turn fragments of information into market-moving stories.
Drawing on his experience breaking major M&A stories, Ed explores why deals leak, the risks facing cross-border transactions and how companies can respond when sensitive information becomes public.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why M&A deals leak and how reporters uncover confidential information
- How seemingly harmless conversations can expose sensitive transactions
- Why cross-border deals face greater leak risks
- How dealmakers can minimize leaks and manage the fallout
Further reading
2026 SS&C Intralinks M&A Leaks Report
"Confessions of a Former Star M&A Reporter," Financial Times
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