Chapter 12 Mergers and Acquisitions as Vehicles

Introduction - MERGER VS. ACQUISITION B C The consolidation or combination of two or more companies Merger + A B A One company acquires another through stock purchase or exchange Acquisition + The “merger” of Daimler with Chrysler is considered by many to have been an acquisition in disguise

WHY MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS HAPPEN Introduction WHY MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS HAPPEN Mergers and acquisitions are motivated by the same reasons that motivate alliances such as joint ventures and contractual arrangements. Additional value created by an M&A derived from synergies due to increased revenue and decreased cost that come from combination of the two companies.

possible with organic growth. Introduction M&As allow company to grow the business faster than is possible with organic growth. M&As attractive when management unable to negotiate a contract in which benefits exceed costs of the business relationship, management feels need for greater control over operations, and management seeks to control risk exposure.

Introduction Personal factors can enter into an M&A decision, such as opportunistic behaviour by top executives. Increasing size of company can increase personal compensation and enhance personal power. Executive’s employment risk is reduced.

Why Mergers and Acquisitions Fail? 1. poor strategic rationale Introduction Why Mergers and Acquisitions Fail? 1. poor strategic rationale 2. a mismatch of cultures 3. difficulties communicating and leading the organization poorly 4. integration planning and execution 5. paying too much for the target company.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 1. IDENTIFYING CANDIDATES The strategic rationale for using M&As informs what is wanted in the potential candidates. Setting up criteria on this basis means that the targets will fit the strategy and capabilities of the company.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 2. PRELIMINARY TALKS The few companies that are identified as attractive candidates are approached and asked about their interest in a merger or an acquisition. The talks can initially involve exploratory talks between chief executive officers about their interest in a possible combination.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 3. ASSESSING FIT OF THE POTENTIAL CANDIDATE Having agreed on the possibility of a merger or acquisition, it is time to assess the fit of the targeted company. This includes external and internal analysis. External analysis involves understanding the driving forces in the macro-environment that will affect the industry and the business in terms of its size, growth, and profitability.

The Merger & Acquisition Process Internal analysis involves learning enough about the other party so that the potential deal can be appropriately valued, the representations and warranties of the other side tested, full disclosure can be made to investors, and post-merger integration can be planned.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 4. NEGOTIATING TERMS When the two sides are sufficiently in agreement over the general terms of the deal, they may commit their understanding to a term sheet and/or a letter of intent. This confirms the growing level of commitment to the deal and guides lawyers who are drafting the definitive agreement.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 5. DEAL SIGNING THROUGH APPROVAL Before the CEOs sign the definitive agreement, a vote by the target’s board of directors and possibly by the buyer’s board as well is required. If a vote by the shareholders is required, the target’s board can recommend whether they approve the deal.

The Merger & Acquisition Process 6. INTEGRATING THE ACQUISITION Ideally, planning for integrating the two companies begins while due diligence is being conducted. At this stage, plans will be general and then specified in greater detail when more information is available after the deal is completed. Otherwise, the plans will have to be prepared after the deal is completed and this will slow down integration.

The Merger & Acquisition Process Senior management team looks for areas where integration can lever the performance of the business. There are six areas that have significant potential: 1. Customer Strategy and Branding 2. Capabilities 3. Corporate Culture 4. Business Logic 5. Staffing 6. Information Technology

Acquisitions in Different Industry Contexts - M&As AND INDUSTRY LIFE CYCLE Introduction M&As tend to be R&D and product- related Growth Maturity M&As tend to be for acquiring products that are proven and gaining acceptance M&As primarily for dealing with over capacity in the industry

Acquisitions in Different Industry Contexts - M&As IN DYNAMIC CONTEXTS Technological change RIM and Open Text both use acquisitions to ensure they maintain their strong competitive positions Demographic change Recognizing the increasing number of languages and cultures immigrating to Canada, Rogers Communications purchased the multi-cultural channel OMNI 1 in 1986 Geopolitical change IBM divested its PC division to a Chinese company as that country emerges Trade liberalization Wal-Mart acquired Mexican retail giant, Cifra, in wake of NAFTA Deregulation BCE, the parent to Bell Canada, was allowed to operate as a monopoly until 1992 when the CRTC opened the doors to long distance competition for the first time in Canada