Making mergers and acquisitions work: What we know and don't know – Part I

This paper (published in two parts) summarises what is known and not known about making mergers and acquisitions (M&A) work, and identifies best practices where appropriate. The paper points to some of the best articles and books written on the subject. It also identifies areas where additional research is needed. The conclusion, which is supported with considerable evidence, is that much more of a systematic approach is needed to thinking about M&A if the success rate is going to improve. This paper outlines the critical elements of a systems approach to making M&A work. Professional change agents and managers responsible for making mergers or acquisitions work will find that this paper identifies key levers for them to focus on as they go about the real work of making it happen. The second part of this paper will be published in the Journal of Change Management Volume 3 Number 3.