Based on years of research and insights from our network of industry practitioners, we have created a pattern-based M&A integration framework that can catalyze any M&A and post-merger integration.

Based on 6 milestones, Fifth Chrome M&A Integration Framework is uniquely designed to be used for any M&A integration irrespective of size, industry or geography.

The first milestone is to get the entire integration and extended teams aligned, mobilized and enabled with various aspects of M&A integration. The second milestone helps the teams assess and decide the speed and depth of integration up to the department level and helps the acquiring company understand how the organization management and governance of the acquired company is different and where the gaps are. Third milestone focuses on organizational structure, operating model both the future and the current structure. Fourth milestone focuses on the specific change management required for the transformation along with aspects of communication and the cultural integration. In order to facilitate a good program management, fifth milestone focuses on setting up the program management through Integration Management Office (IMO), and other aspects of the program. The last milestone focuses on functional or workstream level planning and granularity. Each integration may have different levels of function integration and thus, need to be calibrated accordingly. The last milestone focuses on functional or workstream level planning and granularity. Each integration may have different levels of function integration and thus, need to be calibrated accordingly.

We offer the usage of this framework through M&A Integration Training, Design Workshops, Setting up Integration Management Office and mentoring Integration projects.

We offer bespoke training as well as masterclasses on M&A Integration. Our main training is based on a 6-stage integration planning and execution approach. We start with setting the stage and aligning leadership on various critical elements needed for post-merger integration and then walk through step-by-step, pattern-based framework to create an integration design from start to finish for any type of integration.

We also, provide functional and operational level training as well as including workstream management, cultural integration, change management, communication, and leadership mobilization.

Integration playbook is the document that codifies the organizational processes that should be followed for integration. Playbooks provide a sound base that can be easily followed by professionals to implement post-merger integration. Playbooks are highly recommended for serial acquirers.

Playbooks create a pattern around the checklists, tools, templates and technics that individual companies should follow. That’s why, it is easy to relate to and act as a handy reference guide throughout integration projects.

Playbooks usually have 8-10 sections and include strategy, due-diligence, integration planning, communication and implementation

In our IMO setup product, we help organizations to create a robust project management foundation.

This includes creating a detailed roles and responsibilities matrix, operating rigor, resources availability calendar, steering committee management, project progress reporting, detailed project plan, interdependencies and risk management.

Our team will work with your M&A integration team and stakeholders to design and setup a detailed IMO.

We start configuring an integration design by translating strategic objectives into specific integration and business objectives. On the basis of translated objectives, we design the integration by using Fifth Chrome M&A Integration Framework. Starting from the depth and speed of integrations, we navigate through various aspects including organization structure, integration planning and timeline horizon, target operating model, cultural and management changes, change management, setting up up program management and workstream design.

We start configuring an integration design by translating strategic objectives into specific integration and business objectives. On the basis of translated objectives, we design the integration by using Fifth Chrome M&A Integration Framework. Starting from the depth and speed of integrations, we navigate through various aspects including organization structure, integration planning and timeline horizon, target operating model, cultural and management changes, change management, setting up up program management and workstream design.

We work extensively with the client teams through the design process for input, socialize different options and finally, enable the clients to run the integration. Our enabling process include training and educating our clients through workshops, group and 1-on-1 sessions. We also, provide an extended program in the form of mentoring and advisory through the complete M&A Integration program.

This is a specialized program where we provide a fixed duration (3-month intensive, 6-month or customized duration) mentoring. The program focuses on building capabilities in an organization.

The program starts with initial assessment followed by a discussion on mentoring objectives. On that basis, we design our mentoring program which include training, workshops and a series of advisory/mentoring meetings. We recommend, 1-2 advisory/mentoring meetings per month unless it is an intensive program where our mentoring sessions are held every week.

There is a variation program which includes mentoring through an active M&A integration program where we provide mentoring to the project team. Mentoring includes suggestions on the program, sharing of tools and templates, as well as specific problem-solving sessions.

Apart from the above products, we offer advisory services as well. The services include providing advice on different aspects of M&A integration including but not limited to integration design, integration leadership, people assessment, setting up integration management office, program implementation and stakeholder management

Our team of experts can help with conducting due diligence for technology and human resources. Our technology due diligence not focuses on technology but also, critical technical skills required to manage the due diligence. Our due diligence activities focus on future technology plans and aspirations. One area that we specially address is the technology IP (intellectual property) advantages and risks.

Our Human Resources due diligence focus on critical people, leadership and organizational culture aspect. On people aspect we look at specialist critical skills, retention, institutional knowledge and third party engagements including outsourced providers, contractors and contingent workers. On leadership, our main focus is on ability to lead in the future state organization along with the current skills assessment. We also, focus on leadership retention, talent management and succession planning. On organizational culture, we conduct the due diligence assessment based on Competing Values Framework to assess the orientation of the organization, Greiner’s Growth Model to assess the evolution of management systems and Edgar Schein’s organization culture to assess people and leadership interactions and behaviors in an organization.