Step 9: Develop M&A Project Integration Plans

An M&A project integration plan outlines exactly how and when major resources, assets, and processes of the acquiring and acquired companies will be combined in order to achieve the goals of the deal. 

Acquirers should follow a proven M&A integration planning methodology (playbook) to define the integration steps and activities so that people in both organizations can see the work ahead as logical and achievable.  The clarity from a carefully crafted M&A integration plan helps align expectations and replace employee skepticism with optimism.

In this section of our web site, we provide many M&A integration playbooks from successful acquisitions. These Word and Excel documents can be easily downloaded and customized for your acquisitions.

We also offer PowerPoint presentations that cover a wide range of topics such as M&A integration team meetings, Day 1 preparation, detailed planning deliverables and their timing, and functional team plans.

Plus, our eMerger software is packed with more than 80 post merger integration planning tools, templates, checklists, matrices, and examples of task force planning deliverables.
 

Free Access

The 5 Critical Elements of an M&A Integration Plan
The 5 Critical Elements of an M&A Integration Plan
Integration teams can make progress more quickly when five areas are clearly defined in their plans.
When Big Guys Buy Small Fries: The 10 Rules to Follow
When Big Guys Buy Small Fries: The 10 Rules to Follow
Top ten key rules to follow.
What's going through the mind of an integration manager?
So There's a Deal Cooking? We May Know What's Going Through Your Mind
Includes information about PRITCHETT's consulting services.
Human Resources/OD Plan from an M&A Integration

Human Resources/OD Plan from an M&A Integration

20-page document is a plan that covers organization comparative analysis, future state recommendation, day 1 items, risk analysis, early wins, outstanding issues & decisions, and communications.


M&A Integration Playbook - $8 Billion Acquisition
M&A Integration Playbook - $8 Billion Acquisition
Free Sample

Includes the following nine sections:

M&A integration playbook

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

M&A Integration Playbook - $20 Billion Acquisition
M&A Integration Playbook - $20 Billion Acquisition
Free Sample

61-page playbook specifies over 900 integration tasks for the following work streams:

  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Human Resources
  • Corporate
  • Operations
  • Legal

Playbook also provides links to additional files regarding pre-close rules of engagement, steering committee kick off presentation, Day 1 communications, and IMO tools.


$900 Million M&A Integration Playbook
Merger Integration Playbook - $900 Million Acquisition
Free Sample

54-page playbook includes tasks and long detailed checklists on these integration work streams:

  • Due Diligence
  • Human Resources
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Communications
  • Business Development
  • Legal

Everything is tied together in easily customizable excel spreadsheets that auto-calculate total budget costs and synergies. Plus, the documents auto-display timing of all major activities on Gant charts.


Day -1- Employee Comm-thumbnail
Day 1 M&A Playbook: Employee Communications - $1.6 Billion Acquisition
Free Sample

Sixteen page document that includes answers to seventy-five employee FAQs, plus communication guidelines, and important talking points and messages.

Contents Page
Communication Guidance 3
Key Messages for Employee 4
Employee Talking Points 5
Employee FAQs 7
Integration Approach 10
Impact on Operations 11
Compensation, Benefits, and Incentives 13
Sales Professionals FAQ 15
Question Specific to New Employees 16