Mergers and Acquisitions Services

Mergers and Acquisitions - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of IT in supporting Mergers and Acquisitions? 

At Waterstons, we’re often surprised at the number of deals which go ahead without much thought given to the IT underlying the target. Will the NewCo be able to stand alone technologically? How suitable is it for integration into the buyer’s existing operations? Where can synergies be found? IT Due Diligence is vital when conducting dealmaking to ensure that risks are mitigated, operations are streamlined, and productivity is boosted.

Very often, technology is the business. Investment in any deal must be viewed as an investment in the technology that supports the business as much as the business itself. Are the company’s business and IT strategies aligned? Has the target’s IT applications, networks and physical infrastructure been designed in a way that will allow it to scale as the company grows, or will it become a constraint? Is the business’s IT cyber secure? Does its people know what to do in case of cyber-attack to keep operations running?  

What is technology in M&A?

Technology plays an integral part in Mergers and Acquisitions, as quite often it forms part of, if not all of a business. 

It streamlines processes, enhances efficiency, and provides valuable insights for effective decision-making throughout the entire M&A lifecycle, ultimately increasing the chances of successful transactions.

It involves leveraging digital platforms, software solutions, data analytics, and communication tools to facilitate due diligence, valuation, negotiation, integration, and post-merger activities.

What is technical due diligence in M&A?

Technology enables the efficient gathering, organisation and analysis of large amounts of data. 

Due diligence in mergers and acquisitions therefore relates to the comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the target company’s technology infrastructure, systems and assets to identify any potential risks, opportunities and challenges. 

The need to take technology into account in an M&A deal has never been clearer than it is now. The ability of an organisation to survive and thrive during unforeseen events lies in its skill in adapting rapidly to changing conditions in their markets, harnessing technology to do things differently and digitally. Paul Whillis, M&A Practice Lead discusses potential changes to due diligence here.

How can technology help M&A?

Technology can play a significant role in mergers and acquisitions, when used well. Not only can it help to streamline and automate the due diligence process, but it can help with integration, both before and after mergers.

Technology can help to support the integration of systems, processes and people from both organisations. Project management tools can assist in ensuring that mergers and acquisitions stay on track, and on time - ensuring smooth transitions and the ability to combine business operations seamlessly. And cybersecurity and data protection programmes can maintain the exchange of sensitive and confidential information safely and in line with regulations.

To summarise, technology enables greater efficiency, accuracy and speed in all stages of the M&A process. Here’s why you should care about technology in the M&A process.

What is digital stakeholder engagement?

Digital stakeholder engagement refers specifically to the utilisation of digital platforms and tools to interact and collaborate with stakeholders. For example, using online platforms such as websites, social media and online portals to engage with stakeholders in order to share information or receive feedback.

It could also refer to the use of tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to enable virtual meetings, or survey and polling tools to gather data and understand stakeholder opinions and to answer any questions.

The benefits of digital stakeholder engagement are huge. It allows for enhanced participation from all parties, real-time feedback, and the ability to reach a wider audience efficiently. Inclusivity and data privacy do need to be considered, but when digital engagement strategies are implemented properly, the results are hugely beneficial.