Negative Synergies in M&A

When a buyer announces a strategic acquisition, the positive synergies are always emphasized in the rhetoric.

For example, a CEO in a 2014 $3B telecom merger gushed, “The proposed acquisition makes both companies stronger, faster, and smarter.”

However, a study by the Rotterdam School of Business indicates that positive synergies are almost always overestimated, and negative synergies underestimated.

One of the greatest underestimated negative synergies in M&A is the inevitable clash of cultures.

Why is it underestimated?

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One reason is it’s near impossible to quantify. But consider this: the average business spends 40% of its revenue on human capital — the cost of wages, benefits, and talent acquisition. Now look at the following facts, and ask yourself: Will culture clash impact the bottom line?

• 4 out of 10 managers leave during the first 24 months of a merger — 3 times the normal rate (Pritchett)
• When a company is acquired, even if there is no significant impact on their job, the percentage of actively disengaged employees increases by 23% (Aon Hewitt).
• It takes up to 3 years to reach the pre-merger level of highly engaged employees (Aon Hewitt).

Do disengaged employees cost money? Does replacing leavers cost money? In both cases: absolutely.

Another reason culture clash is underestimated is because the dealmakers aren’t around to experience it. Lawyers, business valuators, financiers, and M&A advisors are all compensated based on the deal closing. There is little incentive for them to worry about what happens later.

Interestingly, according to a study by Pritchett, private equity firms are the most likely buyers to conduct a formal program aimed at cultural integration in M&A scenarios.

Why?

Because they are genuinely interested in the long term financial success of the deal.

What specifically can be done to reduce culture clash in M&A? According to the study cited above, during a change event, employees need connection. They need connection with leaders, in the form of more two-way dialogue with leadership. Plus they need connection with coworkers, seeing them unite and support one another during a stressful period.

Beginning this journey can be both exciting and daunting. Visit our Intranets 101 page for a comprehensive understanding on everything employee communication, intranets, and how to improve your workplace culture.