IT synergy in mergers and acquisitions: a mirage?
Eric Onderdelinden investigated the role of information systems (IS) in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His research shows that achieving IT synergy is often difficult due to differences between the systems of the organizations involved. An important cause is that IT due diligence is often inadequate, resulting in the negative impact of differences being underestimated and resources and people being insufficiently deployed during integration.
Onderdelinden advocates a more flexible approach to the integration of information systems, where assumptions about compatibility and synergy are thoroughly tested. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing M&A integration with ongoing business activities and innovations.
These findings provide practical tools to make M&A processes run better, with fewer disruptions, lower costs, and more value creation for organizations.
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