Email messaging is not only the backbone of every organization, but is also an important tool for diffusing the culture clash of the merged organization moving forward.
I recently had the pleasure of being on a panel of experts and dealmakers to discuss the current state of Consumer M&A. We discussed the key drivers and opportunities for investors in the industry and the challenges faced before, during and after mergers. I was happy to contribute to the panel and discuss the challenges and best practices for integrating the email systems of merging organizations, in order to enable them to start working together as a single entity from Day One. I emphasized that integrating corporate email and calendar functionality is crucial to the overall communications element during and post-merger.
The panel agreed that the major risks vary in every technology integration and need to be identified on a case-by-case basis. One of the most important Day One considerations is ensuring that the most value-affecting communications between the two legacy companies work effectively. Since Binary Tree’s expertise lies in establishing Day One communication and collaboration, I was happy to address this issue.
In every merger or acquisition, data collection and planning for Day One and after should begin as early as possible. During this time it is crucial to assemble critical information to make the final decisions regarding consolidation and attaining synergies. The same with email. Without proper planning, companies will typically underestimate the communications complexities and cause business interruptions during transitions.
In today’s world of M&A speed and accuracy are the cornerstones of success when it comes to pleasing the employee population. The best result for on-boarding everyone is an immediate set of common capabilities when the deal closes. Many people don’t feel a part of the new organization until they are on the same systems and in the same environment. Binary Tree’s migration capabilities and expertise enable the transition to be accomplished over a weekend…. which can prove a positive and upbeat start to a new week and a newly combined company.