The Synergy Solution

 

CHAPTER 2

Am I a Prepared Acquirer?

M&A Strategy and Governance

Successful M&A begins with becoming a prepared acquirer—focusing on an “always on” watch list of the most important deals and making M&A strategy a part of a company’s larger strategic aspirations and priorities. Prepared acquirers make difficult choices to establish a thoughtful agenda for their luxurious capital and pursue acquisitions based on a coherent strategy of how to compete and win in their chosen markets—and delight customers in ways not easily replicated by competitors.

Most companies, though, don’t have an M&A strategy—they don’t know what they want. Instead, they are reactors. Executive teams have kicked around lots of ideas for growth and M&A, but they aren’t ...