CIOs that take an active role in a merger or acquisition
greatly improve that deal’s chance of success, according to Gartner
research.
The industry analyst advises CIOs to see mergers, acquisitions
and divestments (MA&Ds) as a positive move to increase staff
numbers and strengthen IT rather than as a threat.
It says that CIOs should position themselves as integrators
across the business and not just IT specialists, spotting
process-based risks and opportunities that cross department
boundaries. To do that effectively, they must get stuck into deals
as early as possible.
“Practised CIOS are more likely to engage, prepare and execute
on the process earlier than a classic MA&D timetable would
suggest, with a strong bias towards fast, clear decision making and
people issues,” says Dave Aron, vice president and research
director at Gartner Executive Programs (EXP).
CIOs who think a takeover is on the cards should ensure their
processes, human resources and assets are well documented and make
plans to keep staff motivated.