Peter Blanc: Building Businesses with Heart and Mind

In the complex world of M&A, where strategy often overshadows cultural alignment, Peter Blanc, Executive Chairman of Howden UK & Ireland and Group Head of M&A, believes in balancing both. With his extensive experience—building Aston Lark into a private equity-backed powerhouse with over 100 acquisitions and now leading Howden’s global expansion—Peter has seen firsthand that M&A is more an art than a science. For him, successful acquisitions require a deep understanding of people, values, and culture alongside the numbers. Peter likens each acquisition to a “marriage,” where mutual understanding and shared values form the foundation. “You want to know if they snore before you move in together,” he says. It’s a humorous but essential reminder that acquisitions thrive when both parties share similar goals. This approach has helped Howden align with companies whose values resonate with its own, making integration a smoother process and creating genuine long-term value. Best Advice: Criticise in Person, Praise in Writing The best advice Peter ever received didn’t come from an M&A textbook but from Phillip Hodson, his former chairman, who taught him to “never, ever criticise in writing.” For Peter, constructive feedback is most effective when delivered face-to-face, allowing for clarity, context, and empathy. Written criticism can be easily misinterpreted, leading to frustration or resentment. However, positive feedback is another matter. “People love seeing appreciation in writing,” Peter says. A thank-you note, whether in an email or on paper, leaves a lasting impact, boosting morale and reinforcing a positive culture. It’s simple but effective advice that has shaped Peter’s leadership style, grounded in clear, meaningful communication. How2-Change’s Perspective: Aligning Strategy & Execution – Like Tending a Garden At How2-Change, we see Peter’s philosophy as fundamental to M&A success. Think of each acquisition as adding a new plant to an established garden. Each business has its own needs, growth patterns, and potential, and adding a new “species” to the garden requires careful placement and attention. Misalignment is like planting an incompatible species—over time, it can hinder the growth of the entire garden. But with careful selection and nurturing, the new additions flourish, adding beauty, resilience, and diversity to the whole.