Chapter 6

Communication in Cross Border Mergers and Acquisitions

A merger is like a river flowing into the sea. When the tides are changing the boats do not know exactly how to align. Then progressively they manage to do so…

—Jerome Granboulan, Vice President, Arcelor Mittal, in McKinsey Quarterly, 2008

Introduction

Mergers across cross borders are usually associated with additional frictions. Challenges include cultural, territorial, and communication differences that have the potential to increase the cost of merging the two firms. Differences in governance standards, legal requirements, and market considerations can also stall processes and make adjustment difficult.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are intended to spur growth, improve competitiveness, ...

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