Post Acquisition Books

December 11, 2024

by a searcher from University of Toronto - Joseph L. Rotman School of Management in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Does anyone have book recommendations on how to succeed in the first 6-12 months post-acquisition and beyond? I'm particularly interested in guidance tailored to sub-$10M EV non-software businesses. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I've read some blogs on the topic but looking for something more structured.

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Reply by a searcher
from Texas Tech University in Houston, TX, USA

Hi, Jaskaran, here are a list of key questions to assess if the acquisition is going well. If you need guidance on execution, take a look at 12-week year approach. What is worrying you? Financial Performance 1) Are the revenues, margins, and cash flows meeting or exceeding projections? 2) Are there any unexpected expenses or liabilities that have surfaced? 3) Is the business operating within the working capital and cash flow parameters set during the deal? Employee Integration 1) Have key employees stayed with the company post-acquisition? 2) Is there clear communication and alignment of goals with the acquired team? 3) Are there any cultural clashes, and how are they being managed? Operational Performance 1) Are there measurable improvements in efficiency, production, or service delivery? 2) Have planned synergies or cost savings been realized? 3) Are the supply chain and vendor relationships stable and functioning as expected? Customer Retention 1) Have there been any significant changes in customer satisfaction or retention rates? 2) Are sales pipelines and recurring revenue streams performing as anticipated? 3) Are there any major customer accounts at risk? Strategic Alignment 1) Is the business on track to meet the strategic objectives that drove the acquisition? 2) Are there any gaps in capabilities or resources that are slowing progress? 3) Has the transition revealed new growth opportunities or competitive risks? Regulatory and Compliance 1) Are there any compliance or regulatory issues that need attention? 2) Has due diligence on environmental, legal, or tax matters held up post-acquisition? Key Stakeholder Relationships 1) Are relationships with suppliers, lenders, and key partners stable? 2) Have you addressed any feedback or concerns from investors or advisors? Execution of the 100-Day Plan 1) Are milestones from the initial integration plan being achieved? 2) What unanticipated challenges have emerged, and how are they being addressed?

Reply by a searcher
from University of Florida in Miami, FL, USA

A few good books have already been mentioned here.The key to success in your first 6-12 months is to NOT F*CK SHIT UP.
In other words, take your time, learn the business - don't come in with the mindset of changing everything or that you somehow know better than someone who's been doing it for 10 years. I specialize in post-merger integration and helping new owners get through the first 6-12 months. I'd be happy to connect and share my thoughts!
Thanks

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