Mergers & Acquisitions Integration Handbook, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 4An Introduction to Integration Planning

In this chapter, you will learn:

• Typical M&A deal sizes
• Integration phases and timetable considerations
• The importance of business vision and strategy in laying the foundation for successful integration planning
• Managing the change, people, and potential business disruption in M&A
• How to assess the need for external integration help and what to look for in evaluating firms and resources

As previously mentioned, the purpose of this handbook is to provide a workable approach to integration to fit most scenarios. This chapter covers the basics on integration planning and breaks work down into key stages. Note that many companies or consultancies may have their own method of breaking down the integration life cycle, but what’s important is that you use some method to separate and break down the work so you can assign resources accordingly and manage the work in an organized manner.

Some integrations may require that you break down stages further, depending on the size and complexity of the integration, but the stages outlined here will provide a good start for any integration team.

Timing is also variable, since some integrations require more time than others. A good basic rule is to try to initiate or finish the bulk of the integration activity within 120 days, or sooner, if possible, because integrations are hard work and can be a distraction from day-to-day operations. Integration planners should have a strong bias for urgency: ...