Logistics Integration in Horizontal Mergers and Acquisitions

In this article, we describe the integration of logistics after Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) of firms within the same industry and, same industry level (i.e. horizontal M&As). First, we present a review of the literature on M&As and conclude that operational issues, in general, and logistics issues, in particular, have received little attention. In parallel with the literature review, we conducted an exploratory survey of Swedish and Finnish manufacturers that had accomplished horizontal M&As during 1995‐2001. The aim of the survey was to find out how management perceives the importance of logistics issues in M&As and also, how difficult it is to realize synergies in logistics. Finally, we present a framework for further studies and the analysis of the interrelationship between logistics and M&As.