Mergers and acquisitions can make companies stronger by expanding their consumer base, reducing marketplace competition and creating value that is greater than each company offers individually.
Before you enter into any deal, it's important to think about the effect of a merger and acquisition on employee performance. Leaders need to find ways to maintain employee engagement, motivation and satisfaction amidst what can be considered a tumultuous change.
All about mergers and acquisitions
Merging companies doesn't just mean pooling cash assets. Office buildings, factories, equipment and employees function as a whole that is, presumably, greater than the parts.
Most significantly, companies that merge gain the benefits of each other's distribution channels and customers. For instance, if a U.S.-based company acquires a company in Vancouver, Canada, the larger company may gain access to production and distribution channels in a new region. It can now expand across borders without the expense of building new factories or even marketing to the new consumer base.
Stockholders within both companies receive an equal amount of shares for the new company. Since shareholders have the assets of both firms behind their investment, stock values may rise. Presumably, by combining operational costs, the new company's overall expenses will drop and profits will rise.
In an acquisition, a larger company purchases the assets of a smaller firm. Sometimes, c-level executives from the smaller company will remain part of the organization, either in a consultatory capacity or by serving on a board of directors. They may even maintain positions in the c-suite if the larger companies see the value of their knowledge and experience.
Other times, after helping smooth the transition of an acquisition, the executive of the smaller company will step away from the new organization. This is usually laid out in the terms of the acquisition.
Benefits of mergers and acquisitions
If you've ever heard the phrase, “two can live as cheaply as one," then you can understand that the same philosophy applies to companies, making a merger or acquisition a smart business decision in many cases and a boon to shareholders. There are many benefits of mergers and acquisitions for both organizations.
- Revenue may increase with the elimination of redundant costs.
- Potential market share increases, either across geographic borders or through loyal consumers willing to look at new products developed as a result of the merger or acquisition.
- Reduced competition can increase profit margins and spur innovation.
- The companies gain access to new resources and human capital previously held by their competitor.
- Brand visibility may increase.
- Stock prices may rise as a result of the combined assets and reduced costs.
- Incremental growth may come more easily as a result of the above benefits.
How mergers and acquisitions affect employees
In spite of the inherent benefits, the impact of mergers and acquisitions on employees can be stressful. Managing the effect of merger and acquisition on employee performance can help business owners mitigate some of the inherent disadvantages in mergers and acquisitions.
Undoubtedly, the impact of mergers and acquisitions on employees is one of the riskiest factors when we explore the advantages and disadvantages of mergers and acquisitions.
Poor employee management can crumble a company, no matter how many new assets it has acquired or how much money it's saving as a result of the merger or acquisition.
Let's look at some of the effects of merger and acquisition on employee performance and how to retain and motivate employees in the face of change.
- As employees watch their co-workers laid off, they might face uncertainty.
- Employees from the two organizations may compete instead of working together.
- Employee morale may suffer as a result of merging two corporate cultures.
- Employee motivation may drop as frustration with new roles and new co-workers or management increases.
As a business owner or manager, you'll want to face these challenges head on. The best way to minimize the impact of mergers and acquisitions on employees is to be open and honest through every step of the process.
Don't leave employees uncertain about their future; communicate about new roles and lay-offs as quickly as possible to minimize uncertainty.
Also be upfront about the merged corporate culture and what will be expected. Employee training and education and afocus on employee engagementgoes a long way. Especially in the case of a merger, you don't want one company culture to overtake the other.
For instance, if one company tends to be casual while the other is more buttoned-up, consider adopting a classic business dress code but implementing casual Fridays to keep a piece of the former company culture alive.
Consider team-building exercises, an after-hours party or a group event such as a ballgame or picnic to help employees from both companies get to know each other better.
Finally, reward individuals and teams who are seamlessly adopting the new culture, rules and processes, and working together with their new co-workers. Small gift cards or even public recognition through a corporate chat channel go a long way toward maintaining motivation and encouraging other employees to embrace life within the new organization.
Mergers and acquisitions may be one of the most stressful experiences employees have to face. But the long-term benefits of mergers and acquisitions for management, stockholders and for the company's bottom line may outweigh the short-term challenges. That's why you often hear all about mergers and acquisitions as a strategic way to grow a budding business.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an opinion on any issue. It should not be regarded as comprehensive or a substitute for professional advice.
