For me, it starts with Strategic alignment as the main objective to ensure that the acquisition is successful. Ensuring that the integration planning is thorough and includes elements that integrate systems, processes, structure, culture, across multiple disciplines is important. Fast implementation of these is critical to not create questions and confusion in the minds of employees, customers, and other partners about the changes. Finally, proper, timely, and relevant two-way communication and a comprehensive Change Management plan needs to be a part of the plan for the success of the acquisition.
