Axxien believes that the ultimate success of a merger or acquisition rests with the quality of the post-merger integration. Valuation, structure, and terms are all critical elements to success; however, none of them - alone or together - can offset the negative consequences of a failed post-merger integration. Therefore, it is critical that the same care, attention, and executive attention which pre-existed the deal's close continue on through a successful post-merger integration.

Companies find their M&A, legal, and accounting advisors indispensable to getting the deal done. Smart companies learn that their Post-Merger Integration Consultant is equally indispensable after the deal closes. There are good reasons for this. The skill sets and competencies which enable good decision-making during this difficult process are accumulated in the course of past experiences. Few operating companies develop internal, core expertise in either executing acquisitions or in their subsequent integration. Few companies would write a Stock Purchase Agreement. Why then should a company "wing it" when it comes to insuring that their newly acquired company delivers to the full potential value which rationalized its purchase in the first place?

At Axxien, we have staff professionals who have led and project managed numerous successful integrations. Our integration consultants have excellent project management skills and are proven at completing assignments with hundreds of component elements. While technically competent and highly experienced in post-merger integration, our consultant's greatest strengths are their strong leadership skills and their positive personalities.

The items listed below represent a few of the issues that need to be addressed in the course of a post-merger integration project. What is your plan for addressing these items? Who in your company can offer the experience or expertise to properly manage this process?

1. Communication Plan
2. Organization Design (who reports to whom)
3. Corporate Culture
4. Sales & Marketing
5. Compensation & Benefit Programs
6. Company Policies
7. System Integration
• Accounting
• IT (e.g. - Email)
• Telecom
8. Real Estate

At Axxien, we believe in the virtue of long term relationships. We see every new relationship as the beginning of a long and mutually profitable association. As a result, and unlike other M&A advisory firms, we are deeply committed to the ultimate success of our client's merger or acquisition. Our interest continues beyond the closing table. Based on this interest, and upon our substantial experience, we believe that it is critically important that our clients remain properly advised and supported until the integration is complete and successful. Therefore, we advise all of our M&A Practice clients to retain the services of one of our Post-Merger Integration Consultants.

In our judgment the cost/benefit analysis of retaining our services is overwhelmingly compelling. First, we suggest that our clients consider the cost of a failed acquisition. Next we ask our clients to consider the modest fees charged by our firm in relation to this risk. These numbers make for a stark contrast. Indeed, companies insure against all forms of risk - property casualty, liability, D&O, and E&O - why not insure against a failed post-merger integration? We look forward to working closely with you and your team to insure the best possible outcome for your merger or acquisition.

Call us now at (303) 645-5550

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