The success or failure of a merger depends in large part upon planning and implementing the post-merger integration of the buyer and seller. At the Mid-Atlantic CFO Roundtable’s quarterly event on November 16, the attendees heard from three leading executives in post-merger integration, Tom Feeley of DSM, Sally Shanks of Williams Scotsman and Pat Isaac of Capital Services. Here are the key take-aways from the presenters on planning the post-merger integration:

1. There must be commitment from top down to the objectives and goals of the integration, including the inevitable disruption and changes in personnel that will occur.
2. An integration team led by an executive leader should be assembled and include representatives of the buyer and seller.
3. Being crystal clear with employees and overcommunication is crucial.  This involves clarity about the reason for the merger, the compensation benefits structure post-merger and whether it is intended that the employees’ term of employment will be short-term, mid-term or long-term.

There are many other important details that are part of a successful integration plan, but starting with the key principles set forth above will provide a framework for the details to be carried out.

If you have any questions about this or any other M&A issue,
please contact Glenn Solomon at gsolomon@offitkurman.com or 443-738-1522.

ABOUT GLENN D. SOLOMON

gsolomon@offitkurman.com | 443-738-1522

Glenn D. Solomon is a principal at Offit Kurman and has provided counsel to businesses and business owners for more than twenty-five years. He has extensive experience in the purchase and sale of businesses, structuring ownership agreements, and advising companies in financial distress.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 180 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our twelve offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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