CHAPTER 64

The Executive Perspective on Mergers and Acquisitions

Robert C. Barnett

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (M&As) have been referred to as the ultimate change management challenge because of the complex and often stressful dynamics involved in integrating one company with another. To be successful, companies need to find suitable candidates for merger or acquisition that meet specific strategic, financial, legal, and operational criteria. In addition, most companies recognize the need to pay attention to the softer side of M&A activities, including determining whether HR and management practices are compatible, how employees can be retained and motivated, and whether there is a “fit” between the cultures of the merging firms. Even in situations ...

Get Handbook for Strategic HR now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.