Summary: Try starting out on a trip without a map, a global positioning system (GPS) or enough gas in your tank, and see how far you get. Companies contemplating a merger, acquisition (M & A) or divestiture, take heed: All those dreams of capturing synergies through higher revenues and lower costs may turn to dust if you don't incorporate information technology (IT) into the integration process from start to finish. By failing to invite IT to the party, companies may overpay for an acquisition and suffer buyer's remorse down the road. And once the transaction is completed, IT still has a crucial role to play in whether the expected synergies actually deliver on the promise of the deal. Here's the bottom line: Integration without IT is no integration at all. Highlights: -To what degree does leaving IT out in the cold contribute to deal failures? -In what ways can IT put all the relevant information together to support the targeted M & A goals, such as revenue growth and asset efficiency? -What is the role of the chief information officer (CIO) in merger, acquisition and divestiture activities? What are the key elements of data management that need to be addressed? Guests: Peter Blatman, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP Mark Walsh, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP
