Managing Mergers and Acquisitions Successfully

Most mergers and acquisitions fail because they present a steep change management challenge that leaders are not equipped to handle. Complex and stressful dynamics involved in integrating two companies are often overwhelming and key people leave as a result. Even in situations where there is a solid business rationale for the integration of two firms, cultural differences and poor management practices can be significant factors leading to merger failure. Our approach to mergers and acquisitions reduces the confusion and dissatisfaction that directly impacts the organization’s momentum and performance.

Recent research confirms that employees in acquired organizations report lower overall satisfaction, lower trust in management, and a diminished sense of job security compared to employees in acquiring firms or employees in organizations not involved in M&A activities. The employees’ concerns really do matter. MDA’s M & A services help change leaders implement the right leadership, organization design, involvement, communication, and staffing strategies—pre and post-merger—that solidify employee commitment, motivation, and satisfaction. For more informantion about MDA’s M&A services, contact Bob Barnett or Peter Germann.