So you have had a successful merger and now you are faced with the task of compiling a checklist. Find out what you need to do and how to do it correctly from our guide.
Why do you need an integration checklist?
The post-acquisition integration checklist is necessary for organizing work processes after a merger and acquisition. With it you can:
- draw up an exact number of tasks to be performed after the merger;
- organize your workflow without losing efficiency;
- identify key tasks that need to be performed immediately.
By making such a plan before a merger or acquisition begins, you can avoid unforeseen losses – human and financial – and ensure that the company as a whole is running steadily.
What’s on the merger checklist?
The success of the entire process depends on how well thought out the merger plan is. First and foremost, such a list should take into account the specifics and scope of the company. But at the same time, the plan must necessarily take into account:
- finance and accounting, in order to ensure that the company operates in a stable manner during the period of change;
- the legal side of the merger – this item will help ensure the sustainability of the integration process and protect the rights of all parties involved;
- Human Resources- A list should include a plan for short- and long-term hiring of the necessary expertise as well as a plan to downsize (if necessary);
- system for communication within the company between departments and employees;
- instructions for installing systems to track the performance of the company as a whole and of each employee in particular;
- plan for installing or upgrading corporate software;
- plan for establishing and implementing a new corporate culture;
- development of new promotional and sales strategies to ensure the stability of the company’s reputation in the marketplace;
- plan for the implementation of the company’s new business policy;
- drawing up a list of new products and services to be offered by the company after integration;
- process for building the company’s new strengths and capabilities.
Each item on the checklist should also provide not only a detailed explanation of each item but also provide information on the time needed to complete these steps.
How to make a checklist: useful tips
To make the post-integration checklist only beneficial, here are some tips to help you compile the perfect checklist:
- Choose qualified professionals to compile the list. This should be a cross-functional team made up of specialists from different departments. It could include members of management, human resources, operational risk management experts, and audit representatives.
- Start making a list in advance. This will help you think more carefully about the whole integration plan and avoid possible mistakes in the process. It will also help to identify weaknesses and shortcomings and correct them in time.
- Make a detailed list. For each item on the checklist, develop as many sub-items as possible. This will not only help to organize the integration process but also keep track of its implementation.
- Delegate the implementation of specific items of the plan to target groups. The implementation of each point of the plan should take place as smoothly as possible for the company. Therefore, it is advisable to create a task force for each point that will monitor and be responsible for its implementation.
Integrating companies is quite a stressful process. But if you take the advice of experts and draw up a detailed integration plan, you can avoid a lot of turmoil.