Monday May 10, 2021

This M&A Master Class will focus on the specific decisions, information, and actions that will likely be required during an acquisition process. 

FACULTY

Stephen G. Morrissette, Ph.D is a Visiting Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, where he teaches Merger & Acquisition Strategy. His research includes decision models for mergers and acquisitions including "A Framework for Validating an M&A Deal Thesis" published in the Journal of Accountancy and Finance.

CURRICULUM

I. Determining the integration principles

1. Linking integration strategy to the deal thesis & value drivers
2. Linking diligence to the integration process
3. Defining and recruiting the right leadership
4. Establishing clear and measurable value drivers 
5. Articulating the future state goal early in the process
6. Determining the pace of integration
7. Optimizing governance to drive fast and effective integrations

II. Preparing for the integration process

1. Selecting the integration team members
2. Understanding cultural dynamics and developing integration plans to address cultural issues
3. Using a slow or rapid phase-in of changes in human capital policies (compensation, benefits, etc.)
4. Technology platforms to manage integration
5. Curtailing negative synergies​
6. Budgeting and managing integration costs
7. Tactics to avoid common integration mistakes/pitfalls

III. Performance improvement and integration best practices

1. Maintaining momentum in the ongoing businesses
2. Involving customers and suppliers in the integration process
3. Integrating brands, marketing, channels, and sales team
4. Shifting workforce-related processes and protocols
5. Holding leadership and the PMO accountable / measuring performance
6. Reporting integration metrics to investors and financial analysts
7. Capturing integration best practices and building institutional capabilities
8. Guest Q&A: Lessons learned & insights