As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continue to shape industries, the integration phase remains a key factor in achieving successful outcomes. BDO's webinar, "Creating Value through M&A Integration," brought together a panel of seasoned professionals to explore the nuances of this critical phase. Moderated by Michelle Huff, BDO Management Consulting Director, the panel featured insights from Alan Castillo, BDO Management Consulting Principal and M&A Practice Leader; Troy Anderson, CFO designate at Kelly Services (former CFO at Universal Technical Institute, Inc.); Chuck Delph, CEO at Vallen Distribution, Inc.; and Natalia Zaryckyj, CFO at Detroit Manufacturing Systems. The discussion highlighted key aspects such as culture, synergy planning, the Integration Management Office (IMO), and the benefits of a repeatable M&A process, supported by findings from poll results during the presentation.
Read on to see some takeaways from the discussion, featuring insights from each panelist.
Culture
The panelists unanimously agreed on the importance of culture in M&A integration, highlighting how cultural dynamics can lead to varied outcomes. Poll results revealed that while some organizations experience positive cultural transformations, others face challenges, reinforcing the need for effective management of cultural integration to achieve successful M&A outcomes.
Impacts of M&A Integration on Employee Morale
How did the recent integration impact employee morale and engagement levels in your experience?
Key insights from Panelists included:
Synergy
The panelists explored the essential role of planning and tracking synergies in M&A integrations to drive value. The poll results revealed a wide range of experiences, reflecting the challenges and successes organizations face in achieving synergy targets. While some attendees reported significant success, others struggled to meet their goals. These findings align with the insights shared by the panel, underscoring the importance of strategic synergy management in expanding M&A value.
Synergy Planning and Tracking in M&A Integrations
Were the synergy targets identified in your recent integration successfully achieved?
Key insights from Panelists included:
Integration Management Office
The perceived effectiveness of the Integration Management Office (IMO) in enhancing deal value was revealed among our participants. The poll results indicated that a significant portion of respondents found the IMO to be effective, aligning with the positive experiences shared by our panelists. The conversation brought attention to the IMO's potential impact on successful M&A integrations and the importance of its strategic implementation.
The Role of the Integration Management Office in M&A
How effective was the Integration Management Office in driving deal value during your recent integration?
Key insights from Panelists included:
Repeatable M&A Process
The panelists discussed the significance of establishing a documented and repeatable M&A integration process, underscoring its role in achieving consistent success. The polling results reflected almost an even split between those with no documented repeatable processes and those with a partial process. Once again aligning with our panelists’ insights, the results reinforce the need for structured integration processes to enhance M&A outcomes.
Repeatable M&A Process
Does your company have a documented and repeatable integration process in place?
Key insights from Panelists included: