1. Establish a governance structure.
This should include establishing a formal organizational structure and decision-making authority that will govern the integration process.
2. Define roles and responsibilities.
An M&A Integration Checklist should outline the specific roles and responsibilities of those involved in the merger or acquisition.
3. Assign resources.
Resources such as personnel, technology, and funding will need to be allocated to ensure the successful integration of the two entities.
4. Develop a timeline.
The checklist should include a clear timeline for each step of the integration process with milestones for completion along the way.
5. Analyze culture.
It's important to understand how culture impacts the success of an M&A, and the checklist should include steps for analyzing culture and addressing potential mismatches.
6. Develop a communication strategy.
The checklist should include a detailed plan for communication throughout the integration process, including who will communicate what information to whom.
7. Integrate technology systems.
The checklist should provide instructions on how to integrate legacy systems, as well as any new technology required to properly merge two entities.
8. Plan for post-integration activities.
This step includes planning for all necessary activities that need to occur after the initial integration is complete, such as ensuring compliance with laws and regulations or identifying additional opportunities for cost savings or revenue growth.