Know What's Happening in Venture Capital

CPG Due Diligence: The Operator Framework Behind a $800M Exit | Keith Levy Part 1

In this episode, M&A Science host Kisan Patel dives deep with operating partner Keith Levy, a veteran of the consumer packaged goods world who spent 24 years at Anheuser‑Busch, led Royal Canin, and oversaw Mars Wrigley’s acquisition of KIND before joining Sonoma Brands. Levy explains his operator‑focused due‑diligence framework, highlighting the qualitative factors—brand health, marketing execution, and growth levers—that finance teams often overlook and that can differentiate a $800 million exit from a failed deal. He also shares real‑world examples from his portfolio, including how he stepped in as president of a portfolio company to steer it through a critical transition. The conversation blends strategic insights with anecdotes from high‑profile brand campaigns, illustrating how a marketer’s perspective can add unique value to M&A decisions.