Prompt

You are an M&A integration specialist developing a comprehensive post-merger integration plan for the acquisition of [TARGET_COMPANY] by [ACQUIRING_COMPANY].

Create a detailed integration strategy and execution plan:

## Integration Strategy & Objectives

**Strategic Rationale:**
- Deal rationale: [Revenue synergies, cost synergies, strategic capabilities]
- Value creation thesis: [Expected value drivers and timeline]
- Integration approach: [Absorption, preservation, symbiosis, holding]
- Success criteria: [Financial targets, operational goals, cultural objectives]

**Financial Targets:**
- Revenue synergies: $[amount] over [timeframe]
- Cost synergies: $[amount] over [timeframe]
- One-time integration costs: $[amount]
- Net present value: $[amount]
- Payback period: [months/years]

**Integration Principles:**
- Speed vs. thoroughness balance
- Risk tolerance and mitigation approach
- Cultural integration philosophy
- Customer and employee retention priorities
- Communication and transparency standards

## Pre-Integration Planning (Day -90 to Day 1)

**Integration Management Office (IMO):**
- IMO leadership: [Integration leader, core team, governance structure]
- Workstream leads: [Function-specific integration managers]
- Governance model: [Steering committee, review cadence, escalation]
- Project management: [Tools, methodologies, reporting standards]

**Due Diligence Validation:**
- Financial validation: [Revenue, costs, synergy validation]
- Operational assessment: [Process compatibility, system integration]
- Cultural assessment: [Values alignment, leadership styles, communication]
- Risk identification: [Integration risks, mitigation strategies]

**Day 1 Readiness:**
- Legal close requirements: [Regulatory approvals, contract assignments]
- Communication plan: [Employee, customer, stakeholder messaging]
- Operational continuity: [Critical systems, processes, personnel]
- Quick wins identification: [Early value realization opportunities]

## Organizational Integration

**Leadership & Governance:**
- Leadership team structure: [Roles, responsibilities, reporting lines]
- Board composition: [Member selection, committee structure]
- Decision-making authority: [Delegation, approval limits, escalation]
- Performance management: [Metrics, reviews, accountability]

**Organizational Design:**
- Target operating model: [Structure, roles, capabilities]
- Reporting relationships: [Hierarchy, matrix relationships, span of control]
- Job matching process: [Role comparison, selection criteria, timeline]
- Redundancy management: [Overlapping roles, retention decisions, severance]

**Talent Integration:**
- Key talent retention: [Critical personnel identification, retention packages]
- Cultural integration: [Values alignment, behavior change, team building]
- Performance management: [Standards, review processes, development plans]
- Compensation harmonization: [Salary, benefits, equity alignment]

**Change Management:**
- Communication strategy: [Messaging, channels, frequency, feedback]
- Training programs: [Skills development, system training, cultural orientation]
- Employee engagement: [Surveys, feedback sessions, improvement actions]
- Culture integration: [Values, behaviors, traditions, celebrations]

## Functional Integration

**Finance Integration:**
- Chart of accounts harmonization: [Account structures, coding, reporting]
- Financial reporting: [Consolidation, management reporting, external reporting]
- Budgeting and planning: [Process, systems, calendar alignment]
- Treasury integration: [Banking, cash management, risk management]
- Tax optimization: [Structure, planning, compliance, efficiency]

**IT Systems Integration:**
- IT architecture: [Target state, integration approach, timeline]
- System consolidation: [ERP, CRM, HCM, specialized applications]
- Data migration: [Data mapping, cleansing, validation, cutover]
- Infrastructure integration: [Networks, security, cloud platforms]
- End-user computing: [Hardware, software, support, training]

**Operations Integration:**
- Process standardization: [Best practices, procedure documentation]
- Quality systems: [Standards, certifications, audit procedures]
- Supply chain integration: [Suppliers, contracts, inventory, logistics]
- Facility consolidation: [Location optimization, lease management, relocation]

**Sales & Marketing Integration:**
- Go-to-market strategy: [Product portfolio, pricing, positioning]
- Sales organization: [Territory design, compensation, CRM integration]
- Marketing integration: [Brand strategy, campaigns, lead management]
- Customer communication: [Retention, expansion, service continuity]
- Channel integration: [Partner management, contract alignment, support]

**HR Integration:**
- Policy harmonization: [Employee handbook, procedures, standards]
- Benefits integration: [Health, retirement, vacation, perquisites]
- HRIS integration: [System consolidation, data migration, reporting]
- Learning and development: [Training programs, career paths, succession]

## Customer & Market Integration

**Customer Retention Strategy:**
- Customer communication plan: [Messaging, timing, channels, follow-up]
- Service continuity: [Account management, support, billing]
- Cross-selling opportunities: [Product bundling, account expansion]
- Contract integration: [Terms, pricing, service levels]
- Feedback collection: [Satisfaction surveys, relationship reviews]

**Market Positioning:**
- Brand strategy: [Brand architecture, messaging, positioning]
- Product portfolio: [Rationalization, pricing, lifecycle management]
- Competitive positioning: [Value proposition, differentiation, messaging]
- Market expansion: [Geographic, segment, channel opportunities]

**Partner & Supplier Integration:**
- Supplier rationalization: [Vendor assessment, contract consolidation]
- Partner channel: [Agreement alignment, program integration, support]
- Strategic partnerships: [Joint ventures, alliances, technology partnerships]
- Contract management: [Renegotiation, optimization, risk management]

## Synergy Realization

**Revenue Synergies:**
- Cross-selling initiatives: [Product bundling, account penetration]
- Market expansion: [Geographic, customer segment, channel]
- Pricing optimization: [Market power, premium positioning]
- Innovation acceleration: [R&D combination, time-to-market]

**Cost Synergies:**
- Personnel reduction: [Redundancy elimination, span optimization]
- Facility consolidation: [Office, warehouse, manufacturing sites]
- Procurement savings: [Volume discounts, supplier consolidation]
- System consolidation: [License reduction, maintenance savings]
- Process optimization: [Automation, standardization, efficiency]

**Synergy Tracking:**
- Baseline establishment: [Current state metrics, tracking methodology]
- Progress monitoring: [Monthly reviews, milestone tracking, variance analysis]
- Validation process: [Independent verification, audit procedures]
- Reporting: [Executive dashboards, board updates, external communication]

## Risk Management & Contingency Planning

**Integration Risks:**
- Talent flight: [Key employee departure, knowledge loss]
- Customer defection: [Service disruption, competitive response]
- Culture clash: [Values conflict, resistance to change, productivity loss]
- System integration failure: [Data loss, process disruption, downtime]
- Regulatory challenges: [Compliance issues, approval delays, penalties]
- Synergy shortfall: [Lower than expected value realization]

**Risk Mitigation:**
- Talent retention: [Incentives, communication, career development]
- Customer protection: [Service guarantees, dedicated support, escalation]
- Cultural integration: [Change management, team building, communication]
- Technical contingency: [Backup plans, phased approach, expert support]
- Regulatory compliance: [Legal review, agency communication, documentation]

**Contingency Planning:**
- Integration delays: [Timeline extension, resource reallocation]
- Synergy shortfalls: [Alternative value creation, cost reduction]
- Market disruption: [Competitive response, customer retention]
- Regulatory challenges: [Divestiture planning, compliance enhancement]

## Implementation Timeline

**Month 1-3: Foundation (Critical Path)**
- IMO setup and governance establishment
- Leadership team finalization
- Employee communication and retention
- Critical system integration planning
- Customer communication and retention
- Regulatory compliance and approvals

**Month 4-6: Core Integration**
- Organizational structure implementation
- Key system integrations
- Process standardization
- Policy and procedure alignment
- Performance management alignment
- Early synergy realization

**Month 7-12: Optimization**
- Full system integration completion
- Culture integration deepening
- Advanced synergy realization
- Performance optimization
- Market positioning finalization
- Success celebration and learning

**Month 13-24: Continuous Improvement**
- Post-integration optimization
- Additional synergy identification
- Market expansion initiatives
- Innovation acceleration
- Best practice sharing
- Integration closure and transition

## Success Measurement & Governance

**Key Performance Indicators:**
- Financial performance: [Revenue, costs, synergies, ROI]
- Operational metrics: [Customer retention, employee engagement, productivity]
- Integration milestones: [System integrations, process standardization]
- Market metrics: [Market share, customer satisfaction, competitive position]

**Governance & Reporting:**
- Weekly: [IMO status, critical issue resolution]
- Monthly: [Workstream progress, synergy tracking, risk assessment]
- Quarterly: [Executive review, board reporting, strategy adjustment]
- Annually: [Comprehensive assessment, lessons learned, optimization]

**Success Criteria:**
- Financial targets achieved: [Revenue, cost synergies, ROI]
- Customer retention: [% retained, satisfaction scores]
- Employee engagement: [Retention, satisfaction, productivity]
- Integration milestones: [On-time, on-budget delivery]
- Market position: [Share growth, competitive strength]

Include specific timelines, accountability measures, and success metrics throughout the plan.