Articles of Interest: Mergers of Interest
Educational Articles Discussing M&A’s
This article summarizes the success of M&As. Justyna Stasik discusses the four ways that M&As bring value to companies. First, acquiring companies use M&A to pursue a broader range of strategies. Second, acquirers are more sophisticated about due diligence. Third, acquiring companies are better at integration. Lastly, acquiring companies gain experience and expertise by doing more deals.
This Forbes article discusses the secret to successful M&As. The answer is simple: momentum and data. This article explores the different tools and services available to help businesses throughout the M&A process. Examples that do not require human capital are faster delivery, lower barriers for creating business applications, reduced deployment time, increased productivity and greater profitability if done correctly.
M&A market uncertainty has only intensified since it was the focus of our last M&A trends survey in early 2023. However, now and for the year ahead, our new research indicates that pivots, shifts, and innovation in M&A activity are helping dealmakers adapt to a new normal. Read about the 2024 M&A Trends.
This article discusses the five stages of an M&A Transaction: assessment and preliminary review, negotiation and letter of intent, due diligence, negotiations and closing, and lastly, post-closure integration/implementation
Elizabeth Harr, managing partner at Hinge, discusses firms that grow 20% or more annually over three years and are particularly likely to participate in a merger or acquisition (M&A). She discusses professional service firms that take a strategic approach to new markets to deepen their portfolio services. She goes over why legal, and accounting financial services are the highest growth firms that engaged in a merger or acquisition in 2023.
This article dives into M&A successes and challenges, such as uninsured or underinsured losses, increased target costs, and increased cyber security.
M&A Communication Tactics Used by Professional Service Firms
Accounting firms use various internal communication methods to inform their employees about mergers and acquisitions. Effective internal communication ensures that everyone in the firm stays informed, feels engaged, and transitions smoothly. Here are common strategies to be on the lookout for:
- Emails and Newsletters: Senior leaders can share detailed communications explaining the M&A’s purpose, benefits, and anticipated changes. Periodic newsletters can also provide updates about the integration process, including what to expect, milestones achieved, internal changes, talking points for clients, benefits, etc.
- Town Hall Meetings: Host live meetings where leaders discuss the M&A details and answer employee questions.
- Intranet: Create a dedicated section on the company intranet where employees can access information, FAQs and resources about the M&A. This can house short video messages from executives or informational videos explaining the M&A process and expectations.
- FAQs and Q&A Forums: Distribute Frequently Asked Questions documents to address common queries and concerns. Set up forums or discussion boards where employees can ask questions and receive answers from leadership.
- Team Meetings: Hold team meetings to discuss how the M&A will specifically impact individual departments or teams. Provide cross-functional updates from representatives from various departments to ensure consistent messaging.
- Internal Bulletins: Post digital or physical bulletin boards with the latest news and updates. This could include infographic updates that simplify complex information about the deal and its benefits.
- One-on-One Discussions: Managers can host check-ins with their team members to address individual concerns and provide personalized updates.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Provide a way for employees to submit their questions or concerns anonymously. Or consider gathering survey feedback about the M&A process to address problems and identify improvements.
- Onboarding: Conduct training sessions to help employees understand the new systems, processes, and cultural changes resulting from the M&A and provide a comprehensive orientation about the new firm’s culture and operations.
By combining these communication methods, professional service firms can ensure that their employees are well-informed, engaged, and supported throughout the M&A process.
About Amanda Seekamp
With five years in the hospitality world, Amanda knows a thing or two about client experience and maintaining client loyalty. She transitioned to working for a top 20 accounting firm, Marcum LLP, and sits in their New York City Office. She assists with implementing Marcum's feedback client programs, brainstorms internal marketing communications, coordinates CX + firm-related events, and creates strategic marketing plans for the firm's Client Experience Program. She's devoted to ensuring all clients who work with Marcum are satisfied and successful!
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