Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Post Acquisition Integration Strategy (Post Merger Integration - PMI) (79-page PDF document). XYZ is pleased to have assisted Client X's leadership in developing the following Company A Integration Strategy. The strategy represents an intense, four-week collaboration between Client X and XYZ to define the integrated end state, integration approach, synergy opportunities and Day One [read more]
Starting PMI Right: Post-merger Integration (PMI): Day One Activities
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Post-merger Integration is a highly complex process. It requires swift action as well as running the core business activities 
simultaneously. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a successful PMI Process. However, careful planning focusing on the strategic objectives of the deal and the identification and capturing of synergies will help maximize deal value.
It is inevitable that some elements of information will be withheld from a Buyer pre-deal. Further, not all the synergy benefits originally identified in the deal will prove to be achievable. The foremost challenge for management at the onset of the PMI process is to identify how value can be captured from the newly combined organization via synergies and cost savings.
Understanding Post-merger Integration
Post-merger Integration is the fundamental stage of realizing the value of an M&A deal. A highly complex process, it entails bringing together 2 companies experiencing change while ensuring that business continues as usual. A truly challenging undertaking that must never be underestimated.
When 2 companies agree to undertake a Post-merger Integration, its primary objective is to maximize synergies to ensure that the deal lives up to its predicted value. It is a phase during which the results of the Buyer’s M&A strategy and expectations for the closed deal start to materialize.
In the entire phase, Closing and Day One of change is the most critical. It is the initial starting point towards the change of ownership and where Strategy Development is at its core.
Closing and Day One
During Closing and Day One, Managers must focus on 3 important areas.
- Communications. Corporate Communications must be well planned and well implemented. This is to enable managers to lead an M&A project more effectively. Through structured communication, trust is built, motivation developed, and important information shared. In fact, it can prevent the negative impact of rumors and unify the different parts of the joint company.
- Operating Structure. New operating structures and systems are made once the joint company’s strategy and goals have been agreed upon. From Day One, it is important that new management and operational structure/reporting procedures are clearly communicated. In the development of the operating structure, it is important that a CEO has been appointed, the key personnel roles decided, and there is already an agreement on operative and statutory structures.
- Systems & Controls. A clear and detailed Systems & Controls must be established by Day One. This is essential for management to be able to gain control of the operations of the Target. If operational structures are not finalized at this point, a temporary management system and control need to be established.
The Important Role of a CEO and Key Personnel from Day One
The CEO plays a vital role in the joint business. The CEO or Managing Director is involved in the acquisition process. Hence, it is important that from Day One, a CEO or Managing Director has already been appointed.
Often the CEO comes from the Buyer or its group or corporate entity. If an existing CEO of the acquired entity continues the same role, then the Buyer must nominate a controller to ensure financial integration and smooth reporting.
The Key Personnel is also essentially important from Day One. In fact, there is a need for positions and roles of key personnel during the integration process to be planned in advance and communicated at closing.
Interested in gaining more understanding of PMI Day One Activities? You can learn more and download an editable PowerPoint about Post-merger Integration (PMI): Day One Activities here on the Flevy documents marketplace.
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28-slide PowerPoint presentation
This document provides a guide and framework for best practice in post merger integration.
Post merger integration is the process of combining two separate companies in a way that quickly creates the most value and fulfils the expectations outlined in the acquisition vision.
The framework [read more]
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M&A is an extremely common strategy for growth. M&A transactions always look great on paper. This is why the buyer typically pays a 10-35% premium over the of the target company's market value.
However, when it comes time for the Post-merger Integration (PMI), are we really able to capture the expected value? Studies show only 20% of organizations capture projected revenue synergies and only 40% capture cost synergies. Not to mention, the PMI process is typically very painful, drawn out, and politically charged, often resulting in the loss of key personnel.
Learn about our Post-merger Integration (PMI) Best Practice Frameworks here.
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Post-merger Integration (PMI) is a highly complex process. It requires swift action as well as running the core business activities simultaneously. There is no one-size fits all approach to a successful PMI Process. However, careful planning focusing on the strategic objectives of the deal and the [read more]
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About Joseph Robinson
Joseph Robinson is the Vice President of Strategy at Flevy. Flevy is the marketplace for best practices in business management. Learn how the Fortune 100 and global consulting firms do it. Improve the growth and efficiency of your organization by leveraging Flevy's library of best practice methodologies and templates. The documents at Flevy (https://flevy.com) are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience. Flevy covers 200+ management topics, ranging from Digital Transformation to Growth Strategy to Lean Management. You can peruse a full list of management topics available on Flevy here. Prior to Flevy, Joseph worked as an Associate at BCG and holds an MBA from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. You can connect with Joseph on LinkedIn here.
