The Merger & Acquisition Leader's Playbook

CHAPTER 27Prototypical Order

Parts of the seven different playbooks need to be deployed at different times in different mergers or acquisitions. Here's one prototypical chronology.

Prototypical Chronology: An Example

Concept

Start with the strategic playbook and tie the strategic plan into the investment case. Your initial concept need not be any more than vaguely right and include early thinking on where you might play and how you might win—focus. Be thinking in terms of customers, people and capabilities, and costs even at the concept stage. Keep a close eye on the competitors, disruptive technologies, and emerging trends.

Research

As you do your initial research, look for potential targets with the right customers, people, capabilities and culture, and cost optimization opportunities. Look for evidence of strengths in innovation, technology, and operations. And pay attention to the regulatory environment.

You may find the following tools helpful here:

3.1 Situation Analysis Checklist

3.2 SWOT

11.1 Culture

Investment Case

The investment case is where you dig in

You may find the following tools helpful here:

1.1 Investment Case

3.1 Situation Analysis Checklist ...