Post-Merger Integration (PMI)

Even mergers with great business rationale, if left unmanaged, can lead to poor business results if hindered by skepticism and a fear of change. Once a deal is closed, convincing the employees of both organizations to commit to the combined enterprise with all their passion is the critical challenge. Many companies remain silent for too long while focusing on next steps, and they shy away from transparency. To ensure success, companies must tirelessly communicate why the merger makes sense for the employees, how everyone will benefit, and exactly what is being done to integrate the two organizations.

The majority of mergers fail—research claims up to 75%. But we believe there are ways to help improve the odds.

    The Ripples Group can help you:
  • »Focus relentlessly on synergies improving business
    »results and delivering on expectations from the merger
  • »Create a master integration plan to inform expectations,
    »with defined delivery milestones & ownership
  • »Identify key people and address every case individually
    »to ensure that they remain committed to being part of the
    »combined enterprise’s future
  • »Capture the learnings to inform future decisions and
    »undertakings
  • Case Examples
Creating Added Value Through A Merger
Client: Global software company.
Situation: The client had acquired a key competitor and needed to integrate the two businesses without loss of momentum.
Ripples Approach: Working with the management team, Ripples designed a new combined organization, streamlined business process, and supported the implementation of key changes.
Result: The combined business exceeded its revenue and profit targets in the first year and has continued to grow profitably and gain market share.
Culture Clash Following a High-Tech Merger
Client: Tech company expecting to double its size through a merger.
Situation: A major culture clash prevented a combination of the businesses.
Ripples Approach: Ripples implemented a comprehensive change program led by a combined leadership team.
Result: Our approach led to a redesign of the combined organization, a transformed culture, and improved results.
  • Publications
Joining Forces: Making One Plus One Equal Three in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances
by Mitchell Lee Marks & Philip H. Mirvis

"A great book by authors who know the subject and cover it wisely, and leave a lasting wisdom for those wrestling with a complex subject."
"Finally a book that places human resource strategies at the forefront of successful business mergers, acquisitions and alliances."
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  • Ideas in Practice
    Successful Integration
  • The early communications about a merger serve mainly to justify it to the Boards, shareholders, and Wall Street. Once the deal is closed, however, the critical communication challenge becomes convincing the employees of both organizations to commit to the combined enterprise with all their passion.
  • Read More