Operations and Post-Merger Integration

Deloitte’s global experience in merger integration has highlighted four ‘best practices’ that its strategy teams use to guide businesses through the crucial integration phase:

• Articulate the vision and business benefit of the merger or acquisition –

Clearly define the vision for the integrated organisation; identify each expected benefit; identify and communicate expected synergies; select strong integration sponsors.

• Develop an effective integration plan –

Identify, prioritise and measure synergies long before the deal goes through, preferably at the due diligence stage.

• Assign a dedicated integration team –

Avoid losing focus on day-to-day operations by allocating specific resources to manage the integration, with a project manager, strong executive support and results-based incentives, where appropriate.

• Over-emphasise people –

Don’t overlook the effect M&A can have on employees: quickly implement a new organisational structure; prepare the HR team to recognise and resolve cultural issues early; communicate the impact of the transaction in depth and provide quick answers to questions regarding people’s ongoing roles and responsibilities.

Deloitte CIS advises corporate buyers and private equity investors throughout the entire M&A deal lifecycle. Our end-to-end merger, acquisition and divestiture advisory services are customized to meet the unique needs of each of our clients