The Post-Merger Integration Plan—Combining Resources, Assets, and Processes

An acquisition integration plan is a document (or set of documents) outlining exactly how and when major resources, assets, processes, and commitments of the acquiring and acquired companies will be combined in order to achieve the strategic goals of the deal. 

There is no single “right way” to design an integration plan. The plan should follow the strategy for the deal and help everyone understand how integration will help create value. Some things will be a given. For example, the buyer will need to pick up responsibility for payroll immediately upon Close. Other things will have to be decided, like whether or not to combine the sales forces and customer lists.

Work on the integration plan should begin as early as possible. In fact . . .