Mergers and Acquisitions activity remains robust in Europe and the United States, with deal activity high in both high growth sectors (technology, healthcare, financial services) as well as industries negatively impacted by COVID that present buying opportunities.
What value such deals offer shareholders and customers can at times be an open question. For employees, however, they can be counted on to involve significant change.
How can you best position yourself for success if your company is involved in a transaction?
Here are some thoughts and approaches to consider, regardless of whether your company is on the buy or sell side of an acquisition, or involved in a merger.
- Get comfortable with the reality that there will be uncertainty and risk, but also potential opportunity. Often companies make sincere efforts to communicate the plan, reassure employees, and articulate the benefits of the deal. However, there is always a natural tendency to emphasize the positive to maintain stability during the transition.
- Do an objective assessment of the two organizations. Where is the overlap? Is your function open to being made redundant? This evaluation will help you properly evaluate the messaging as you assess risks and opportunities.
- Evaluate your own skills and develop options. What additional value do you offer in the new world, post-merger? What are the potential opportunities at other companies? Getting feedback and advice from trusted partners is essential to this process.