KnowledgeLeader Blog

There are several key phases of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process:

• Growth/Portfolio strategy
• Due diligence
• Integration planning
• Integration execution
• Project management
• Change management

Communicating with shareholders is about capital – the ability to access either equity or debt at the lowest possible cost. By understanding investor motivation and maintaining relationships within the investment community, companies are strategically positioned to address operational funding issues proactively and thus can exercise greater control over the capital formation process. By identifying sources of capital, world-class companies can maintain capital structures through a mix of long-term debt and equity funding options at the lowest possible cost.

Few things can be as fraught with stress and complication for top executives and business owners as evaluating mergers and acquisitions. Some mergers are consummated to capitalize on new geographic or demographic markets, expand product offerings, facilitate the acquisition of key employees, boost productivity, reduce competition by absorbing a rival company, or even more long term strategies. Whatever the reason, the process and outcome must be measured to determine if it was successful in meeting business objectives.