Preventative Steps Help Ensure M&A Success

Just because a merger or acquisition is completed on paper doesn't mean the transactions will be a success. The implications can generally be seen 18 to 24 months after the deals close and officials can assess how the combinations contributed to improvements or disappointments on profit and loss statements.

That leads to a statistic to consider if you're thinking about a merger or acquisition: A large percentage of corporate marriages fail and the failure rate has little to do with financial or legal complexities. Rather, it often involves operational difficulties in integrating different corporate structures and cultures, as well as a failure to properly manage employees during the change.

Nevertheless, there are times when acquisitions make sense. Your company may want to acquire people with new skills, or you may be looking for new systems, technology, products or customers. You may even want to make a purchase to eliminate the competition.

Whatever the reason, you will certainly be looking to reduce costs over the long term. For example, a purchase can ultimately generate:

• ‍Economies of scale. A combined, larger company can gain purchasing power and negotiate better deals when buying items ranging from office supplies to IT systems to manufacturing equipment. There will also be lower costs from staff reductions resulting from duplicated efforts or new efficiencies that make some jobs obsolete.‍
• Expanded market reach. A new company can wind up with a larger and more geographically diverse marketing and sales staff, as well as larger distribution channels.‍
• Financing clout. An integrated company, by virtue of its size, increased efficiencies and solid growth plan, can find that it's easier to obtain capital.

As you can see, M&A transactions can offer potential, particularly if you want rapid change or growth. But the eventual success or failure of a deal depends on how well your company overcomes risk factors and achieves the desired synergies. In one survey of 124 merged companies, 44% said they didn't gain access to new markets, grow market share or add product during the three years after the deals closed.

So before opting for a merger or acquisition, consider the alternatives. Partnerships, alliances, and joint marketing and distribution are just some of the options that might help accomplish the same goals. If you still think an acquisition or merger is the best route, take some steps to maximize the chance of success and minimize the probability of failure.

Starting point: Devise a well-planned strategy that includes realistic expectations and time schedules. Meet with top executives and advisors to brainstorm possible bad events that could happen before and after the transaction. Invite key employees who report directly to top management — you want as much input as possible.

Then, be certain to have:

• ‍A clear transition plan. Ensure you have the right people and resources to execute the enormous task of integrating employees and structures into your own corporate architecture.‍
• A realistic price. The buyer generally pays a premium of about 10%. Set a maximum premium you are willing to pay and keep your eye on it. That can save you if a bidding war develops and you find yourself getting irrationally caught up in the frenzy. The premium represents part of the synergies you expect to achieve. Once it starts edging way out of your original range, you need to look for some phenomenal synergies.‍
• Acceptable terms. You have to live with the terms. Sellers may try to negotiate large golden parachutes, job stability for themselves or key executives, limits on layoffs, or agreements to retain certain operations, even if they are unprofitable.‍
• A reasonable debt load. Debt offers some advantages over equity, including significant tax benefits, but the load shouldn't be too heavy.

If it is well conceived, a merger or acquisition could potentially provide your company with a competitive advantage and many synergies. But a failure could end up hurting your company's bottom line, upsetting the stability of its core business and undermining morale. Make a well-informed decision by taking a critical look at your plans, staying objective and preparing for the worst possible scenarios.