He was nothing if not prepared.
"My biggest challenge was establishing credibility. It took years of building their confidence with each success and each resolution of conflict. The key was getting to know them and to make sure that you were consistent in performance and action.
I found in a deal like this, flexibility is important. You can't focus on what you want. You have to focus on what will work for both parties.
The lesson that I learned is that the first thing you do is get a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, someone who does this type of transaction all day, everyday."