The increase in M&A transactions may be a welcome
harbinger of better times, but agreements to buy are only the beginning. Like with any long-term deal or activity, M&As are marathons, not sprints, and a lot must be done to get in “shape” before pursuing acquisitions.
Achieving the anticipated gains requires thorough due diligence, clear
goals for the newly combined business, and a well-orchestrated
integration effort. By testing their own limits and knowledge of M&A practices, executives can better approach these daunting tasks and resurface with a litany of new business opportunities.
In this article, you'll learn 6 steps to improve your post-merger integration fitness, including:
- How to perform due diligence to identify potential problems and head them off early
- Why it's essential to begin joint planning sessions right away - even before the deal closes!
- Keys to ensuring that all parties have a clear vision of the post-merger expectations
- Why you should take the opportunity to re-assess your resources
- How to create a plan to protect key employees
- Why your best talent should be involved, regardless of their integration experience