Successful Post-Merger Integration in 4 Steps

Article revisited on June 19th, 2017

Post-merger integration requires resolute action. An M&A software platform makes it easy to define and communicate a clear integration project plan and track its completion.

In this article we’ll run an integration project, following these 4 steps:

  1. Define streams, objectives and relevant due diligence findings
  2. Define detailed project plans using best practice templates
  3. Collaboratively execute work, managing all integration-related issues, documents and communication
  4. Report progress in real-time

1. Define streams, objectives and relevant due diligence findings

Typically, integration is divided into functional streams such as legal, financial, sales, technology, and production. The integration manager defines the key objectives for each stream and links the relevantĀ M&A due diligenceĀ findings.

Streams image

Here’s how to define functional streams and the objectives for them in Midaxo:

Detailed Project Plan

2. Define detailed project plan using best practice templates

At the beginning of the integration effort the stream leaders define the tasks for their streams. A good company-specific integration task list template will help them remember what needs to be done. Midaxo’s M&A Playbooks provide a readymade solution that you can add to the platform and use as is, or customize based on your own preferences.

After the stream leaders have drafted the initial task lists, each stream team holds a stream-specific kickoff meeting where the task list is finalized, responsibilities are assigned, and the task-specific goals and schedule are defined.

Stream-specific Task Lists & Objectives

Here’s how to define stream-specific task lists and detailed objectives in Midaxo:

Tasks info

A large number of the integration tasks are standard, while some are specific to the situation. The standard tasks should be defined in aĀ post-merger integrationĀ plan template that can be reused in every project.Ā 

3. Work collaboratively, managing all integration related issues, documents and communication

The integration team can work collaboratively, sharing one version of documents, task plans and all other information. New team members are productive instantly, with less training, as they get precise tasks, objectives and instructions.

Midaxo also includes all the necessary software capabilities and eliminates the need to switch between systems.

Integration related issues, Documents and Communication

4. Report progress in real-time

The project management stakeholders have real-time visibility of the overall progress and can drill-down to individual tasks, documents and issues.

Here’s a progress report in Midaxo:

Report progress in real-time

Here’s an issue view in Midaxo:

Issue view

The information needed for integration status reports is easy to compile:

Progress Report

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