How management creates and realizes synergy : Cross-border merger & acquisitions

Abstract: AbstractMergers and Acquisitions (M&A) have been around for a long time and has experienced waves of popularity during these times and they are very much an important part of today’s business world. M&As have also become increasingly international which can be due to the rising global competition. The popularity of cross-border M&As makes it important to look at M&As from an international perspective. One of the main reasons a company choose to M&A is growth (Lees, 2003) and there are several possible motives why a company chooses to grow through an M&A but the most common motive is to create synergy (DePhamphilis, 2005). Although synergy is one motive, according to the literature more M&As destroy value instead of creating it (Habeck, et al. 2000). This makes this subject interesting to study: especially the post-M&A phase since the integration process in this phase has been pointed out to be the riskiest, when creating synergy, but also the most crucial in order for a successful M&A (Habeck, et al. 2000; Shaver, 2006).Purpose:The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how the management of a company create and realize synergies in the post-M&A process of a cross-border M&A.Method:In order to fulfil the purpose the case study approach was chosen. The empirical data was gathered through semi-structured face-to–face (except two telephone) interviews. This approach was used because the information needed to fulfil the purpose was of the character to be found in a qualitative way by going in-depth into the field of interest with a management team with extensive knowledge in this subject.Conclusion:Creating and realizing synergies is a long process on average 5-10 years. There is no manual for the M&A process only a general approach and each M&A process is customized. It was found that one cannot separate the pre-deal phase from the post-phase. An M&A process includes three different important parts; the strategic intent phase, the due diligence phase, and finally the integration phase. Key success factors for conducting an M&A are that you set up a special management group which will focus on the creation and realisation of synergies and that one focus on motivating and assisting managers through offer new exiting challenges.