The IT integration of mergers & acquisitions

The role of information systems in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) becomes increasingly important as the need for speed of reaction and information is growing. Mergers and acquisitions may disrupt the operations of the organizations involved. Major issues include the need to integrate personnel, business processes, information systems, and diverse information technologies across the merging organizations. Executives who underestimate or disregard the costs and time associated with merging computer applications, infrastructure or IT organizations will face unpleasant surprises. However, if carefully planned and properly managed, the merger/acquisition and the resulting integration process can become an opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of the combined organization and place it in a better competitive position. The study addresses some of the most important M&A IT planning concepts that executives should know about so that technology-related problems do not delay M&A related business benefits. This study investigates factors that influence the effectiveness of IT integration in M&A.