Culture-Driven M&A and Truly Human Leadership
Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO, Barry-Wehmiller
Kyle Chapman, President, Barry-Wehmiller
In this episode of M&A Science, Kison Patel sits down with Bob Chapman and his son Kyle Chapman to explore how Barry-Wehmiller built a $3.6B global business through 140+ acquisitions—by putting people first. Bob, known for pioneering the "Truly Human Leadership" philosophy, and Kyle, who co-founded BW Forsyth Partners, share how culture, transparency, and stewardship shape every deal they do.
They dive deep into how Barry-Wehmiller evolved from a broken family business into a global leader in capital equipment and engineering services—and why their approach to M&A prioritizes care for people over financial engineering. From pre-close transparency to post-close adoption, this episode is a masterclass in using M&A as a force for good.
Things You’ll Learn
- Why cultural alignment is more important than revenue synergies in M&A
- How “Truly Human Leadership” became a core differentiator in their acquisition strategy
- How to build a scalable M&A machine rooted in values, not just valuation
- Tactical guidance on structuring buyer-led deals with long-term success in mind
Barry-Wehmiller is a global capital equipment and engineering solutions company that has completed 140+ acquisitions and grown to over $3.6 billion in revenue. Privately held with a unique people-first culture, the company combines world-class business performance with Truly Human Leadership to deliver long-term value to customers, team members, and communities.
Bob Chapman
Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. He took over a struggling family business in the 1970s and transformed it into a $3.6B global enterprise. A pioneer of “Truly Human Leadership,” Bob has been recognized as one of the top CEOs globally for his people-first approach to business.
Kyle Chapman
Kyle Chapman is President of Barry-Wehmiller and co-founder of BW Forsyth Partners, the company’s hybrid equity firm. With a background in private equity and a passion for culture-driven business, Kyle is scaling Barry-Wehmiller through intentional acquisitions and a commitment to long-term stewardship.
Episode Transcript
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