Role: Director of Mergers and Acquisitions

Organisation: Imperial Foundry Ltd

Sector: Private sector

Studied: Law (LLB) and Business Administration (MBA)

James Oyuke

  • Business & Management
  • Law
  • Private sector

Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Imperial Foundry Ltd 

James Oyuke is Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Imperial Foundry Ltd, a financial advisory services firm for small and medium-sized enterprises, where he leads on strategic initiatives in the firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice. As part of his role, he oversees the beginnings of an M&A deal right the way through to its completion, managing the relationship with clients and stakeholders throughout the process.

How did you get to where you are now?

I got to where I am now by first studying law at undergraduate level in university. After graduating, I started in a legal firm but found myself drawn to the business side of transactions. A pivotal experience working on a major merger case springboarded my decision to study an MBA and transition into my current role in M&A.

 

What do you do in your current role?

As the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Imperial Foundry Ltd, I lead strategic initiatives in the firm’s M&A practice, focusing on complex transactions for lower-mid market businesses. My role encompasses overseeing deal origination, execution, and relationship management with key clients and stakeholders. I drive the development and implementation of innovative M&A strategies, leveraging my extensive experience in financial analysis, valuation, and market research. My team and I provide high-level, value-driven advice to clients, guiding them through all stages of the M&A process. We specialise in helping sellers articulate their value proposition to investors in a compelling, data-driven manner, while also advising buy-side clients on strategic acquisitions. I am responsible for expanding the firm’s M&A portfolio, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the overall growth and direction of the corporate finance division.

“It’s immensely rewarding to see a complex deal come together knowing the positive impact it will have on the businesses and people involved.”

What skills do you need for this role?

The skills you need for this role include strong analytical abilities for evaluating financial data, excellent communication skills for explaining complex ideas, problem solving and critical thinking skills for navigating challenges, and interpersonal skills for dealing with the human aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my role is the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a tangible difference. I help businesses grow, adapt and sometimes survive in a competitive marketplace, which can lead to job creation, economic growth and innovation in various sectors. It’s immensely rewarding to see a complex deal come together knowing the positive impact it will have on the businesses and people involved.

 

Why did you choose to study social science?

I chose to study social science because I was fascinated by how societies and organisations function and I wanted to understand the complex interplay between law, economics and human behaviour.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years’ time, I see myself leading larger, more complex deals and potentially moving into a strategic advisory role where I can shape the overall direction of business.

 

What would you say to someone considering studying or pursuing a career in the social sciences?

To someone considering starting or pursuing a career in social sciences, I would say go for it. The skills you develop such as critical thinking, analysis and understanding human behaviour are invaluable in countless fields and provide a versatile foundation that can open doors to diverse and rewarding career paths.

James Oyuke Career Timeline

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