M&A Integration

M&A Integration Success = Lesser Execution Risk = Financial success

When to start M&A Integration ?

M&A Integration planning should start very early in the M&A process, preferably at the deal screening stage. M&A Integration or the ease of it should be a big consideration on whether one goes ahead with the deal or not.

By the close of the deal, an integration team should be established with clear integration strategies, steps, objectives and timeline.

What constitutes M&A Integration ?

Before I start, one-size-doesn’t fit all, so please modify accordingly.

M&A integration constitutes integration of people, processes and systems(PPS), all of them in a reasonable time without impacting the M&A goals. All three of PPS are intertwined and equally important.

People

This is probably the most difficult of the integrations. Hence, this needs to start the earliest. Sometimes M&A involves companies from Europe or Asia, the culture and timezones are different. Your best employees are the most vulnerable and will be poached by competitors. So, clear, consistent and transparent communication from executives is the key.

Here are some decision points that should be resolved quickly

What does the org structure look like ?
What is the integrated company culture ?
What is the workforce strategy ?

Processes

“We have always done it this way”. You will hear this a lot.

Document and understand the critical processes on both sides in each of the areas (Sales, finance, Engineering, operations etc.) and find a common ground. Rejig the processes to make them more efficient and effective.

Systems

Systems are the lifeline of the company. Disparate systems will give you misleading and wrong information. So, it is very important to have a single source of truth soon. Key systems should be understood for the combined company. Systems (and the underlying data) should be migrated seamlessly so as not to disrupt the current businesses.

What constitutes a successful M&A integration ?

A successful M&A integration is one in which the M&A thesis translates into intangible and tangible financial results.