Post-Acquisition Integration
Technology integration planning and execution
The value of technical due diligence is fully realized through effective post-acquisition technology integration.
Integration Approaches
1. Full Integration
Complete consolidation onto acquirer's platform
When: Significant overlap, synergy-driven deals
Timeline: 12-24 months
2. Partial Integration
Integrate selected systems, maintain others
When: Some synergies but differentiated products
Timeline: 6-18 months
3. Standalone Operation
Maintain separate technology stacks
When: Platform plays, portfolio companies
Timeline: Minimal integration
Integration Planning
Day 1 Requirements
- Access and security integration
- Communication systems
- Critical process continuity
- Regulatory compliance
First 100 Days
- Quick wins and visible progress
- Key risk remediation
- Team integration and culture
- Detailed integration roadmap
Long-term Integration
- Platform consolidation
- Process standardization
- Synergy realization
- Innovation enablement
Common Integration Pitfalls
- Underestimating complexity
- Losing key technical talent
- Moving too fast and breaking things
- Moving too slow and losing momentum
- Ignoring cultural differences
- Inadequate change management
Key Takeaway: Integration success depends more on people and process than technology. Plan for the human elements as much as the technical ones.