The IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication: A Guide to Internal Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, and Leadership

Preannouncement Planning

At the outset of the deal, the planning team will be small because confidentiality is critical. The two main activities in this stage are to help identify any financial and cultural barriers to moving forward and to coordinate with the other firm on the wording and process for publicly announcing the deal.

Cultural Due Diligence

Due diligence refers to the homework that needs to be done up-front, before the deal is finalized. Financial due diligence is a given when an M&A deal is being considered. The accountants and lawyers look very closely at the financial soundness of the deal before proceeding to final negotiations. Unfortunately, internal communications experts are rarely brought in at this stage, and therefore ...