TRANSLATING M&A SPEAK

An exchange on with the CEO of an security software at RSA San Francisco this morning.  He recently lowballed a small deal and lost it to a competitor.

Nat:  “Are you focused on opportunistic deals, distressed situations, or can you see your way to doing something strategic?”

Translation:  Are you an unrepentant bottom feeder, or can we get something done at a fair valuation?

CEO: “No, I want to overpay for hyped up deals.”

Translation: I am an unrepentant bottom feeder.