Positive attitude to M&A pays dividends

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.