The Acquisition Integration Playbook includes the following nine sections:
Each section of this playbook represents a phase of the integration. For each phase, the playbook includes the following:
- Key activities in detail in sequence
- Success factors/lessons learned
- Links to tools
- Links to PowerPoint presentations
I. Acquisition Integration Playbook
I.A. Pre-Planning
Introduction
The Pre-Planning phase for an integration should begin as soon as the letter of intent is signed, or sixty days before the close of a deal, whichever is sooner. Right from the very start, the planning process should be managed in a methodical and coordinated way.
Key Activities in Pre-Planning Phase
- Determine the governance structure.
- Launch the Steering Committee.
- Launch the IMO.
- Finalize the integration strategy and guiding principles.
- Agree on the timeline for integration planning.
- Hold kickoff meeting with integration team leads.
Details on the Approach for Pre-Planning
1. Determine the governance structure. In this step, a single Integration Manager is named to oversee the integration planning and implementation process. The Integration Manager position is filled with a resource who will:
- Set a brisk cadence and operate with urgency
- Expedite the transition by pushing for decisions and actions
- Closely track and report progress against goals
- Mobilize teams to develop and pursue their charters
- Create key milestones and timelines
- Manage cross-dependencies between work streams
- Set meeting schedules and facilitate reviews
- Engineer early victories
- Communicate effectively with all levels of the hierarchy
During Pre-Planning, in addition to identifying the Integration Manager, the following governance questions will be answered:
1) Who will participate on the Steering Committee?
2) What are the roles and responsibilities of the teams in the governance structure?
3) What are the decision-making protocols and issue escalation routes?
Members of a Steering Committee include ...
Download the playbook to see more of its content.