Big buying small

with Chau Woeste at KPMG

February 2026  |  FWPODCAST  |  MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

financierworldwide.com

In this FWPodcast interview, Chau Woeste talks about: big firms buying small for innovation, AI edge or defence; culture clashes and lost value; need for clear purpose, founder insight and cultural integration; and aligning motives to build trust and protect a smaller target’s ‘magic’.

Interview by Mark Truman at Financier Worldwide | Published on 05 February 2026

“To make ‘big buying small’ work, you must understand the magic of the company you’re buying – and then protect it fiercely.”

Chau Woeste leads KPMG’s People in M&A practice in the UK. She has over 25 years of experience from industry and consulting in London and New York, with a strong track record in advising senior clients on all aspects relating to HR and change management in over 100 complex deals.

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