The Ultimate Strategic Initiative: M&A Projects

Bruce is the founder of ProjectManagementHacks.com, a resource for growing IT project managers.

  Strategy  

A “big picture” perspective is helpful when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. Acquisitions are typically driven by one or more objectives.

First, companies seek to acquire new technology and products that have the potential to add to their business. Second, companies acquire in order to obtain top flight talent (i.e., acqui-hiring). Third, companies acquire in order to gain market share. Finally, companies acquire to facilitate expansion. Acquisitions are most common in industries where there is a high degree of innovation (such as technology, pharma/bio-tech and energy).

M&A Project Types
For large company M&A activity, an acquisition triggers a variety of projects. Collectively, these projects are generally overseen by a senior executive. Let’s cover a few of the project types you may lead:

1. Due Diligence/Business Development: Spending company resources on acquisitions presents significant risks. Organizing a through due diligence project is a practical way to reduce these risks. In a due diligence project, you will investigate the company’s financial affairs, technology, patents and other considerations.
2. HR Change Management: In most M&A situations, jobs are changed, reconfigured or eliminated. This type of M&A project involves a…

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