Overview of Merger Integration Planning Process

Agenda of Presentation

• Integration Planning Lessons Learned
• Timing
• Commissioning of Projects in Advance of Close
• Deliverables
• Governance
• Team Structure
• Project/Resource Prioritization 

Integration Planning Lessons Learned

Organize cross-functionally

• Teams typically need to be reorganized around emerging cross-functional, process-based initiatives (projects) and often extended to include all functions that impact a particular area
• Align sponsorship of teams with the emerging organization wherever possible

Manage to milestones supported by detail

• Don’t waste time trying to manage a globally integrated, comprehensive MS Project™ plan
• Use disciplined project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project™) at the major initiative level or integration project level
• Centrally manage across teams to milestones and key measures

Understand/Validate dependencies

• Facilitate joint team meetings to identify and address dependencies
• Ensure tight coordination between transitions and customer support organizations
• Clearly identify ultimate owners as the organization evolves

Allow for Flexibility

• Teams will need to have varying levels of project management discipline depending on the nature of the integration projects in their areas

Commissioning Projects in Advance of Close

Guidelines:

• Commissioning work in advance of close to prepare for integration (staging work) can be coordinated between firms.
• Decisions to invest in staging work are made independently by the existing organizations, recognizing that they are still separate companies.
• The IMO should be made aware of all staging work being undertaken for purposes of coordination with integration planning efforts...