Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in a Downturn

For these companies, the economic turmoil is producing attractive targets for acquisition.

Growing through merger or acquisition is particularly appealing in the current market because lower prices can make it easier to realize value and previously unattainable targets are brought within reach. However, mergers and acquisitions (M&As) still maintain inherent risks and the same criteria for success continue to apply.

Based on its experience helping clients complete more than 400 M&As in the last five years—including six of the 10 largest—Accenture believes that companies looking to advance along the road to high performance should consider five keys to successful M&A:

• Fine-tune M&A strategy and screening methods.
• Look for discontinuities.
• Focus on synergy potential.
• Execute to realize the potential.
• Maintain customer focus.