Being challenged

Statistics from renowned research institutions show that to date around 70 per cent of all mergers and acquisitions worldwide have not realised the expected results economically. 50 per cent have even been classified as failures. According to a recent study, 85 per cent of the companies with M& A experience list inadequate integration management as the most important reason for the failure of mergers and acquisitions. From an economic point of view we are talking about large sums of money. But figures only tell part of the story. For most managers the integration phase is one of personal crisis as well. Pressure to perform and within certain dead-lines, conflicts with the new colleagues, resistance, tactical games and delaying manoeuvres, fears, acts of self-protection, uncertainty and even maybe imminent dismissal. Here, Martina Violetta Jung’s book provides peace of mind. It shows new ways to joint success and individual happiness. “From experience, I have learned how critical the human dimension is in an effective integration effort. Martina Jung’s book should therefore be required reading, not only for CEO’s, but also for all managers who are engaged in an integration effort and want to ensure the chances for sustainable success of the newly combined enterprise.” Thomas Leysen, CEO Umicore