Title: Network integration for international mergers and acquisitions

Authors: Yufeng Zhang, Don Fleet, Yongjiang Shi, Jagjit Singh Srai, Mike Gregory

Addresses: The Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University, Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK. ' The Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University, Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK. ' The Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University, Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK. ' The Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University, Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK. ' The Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University, Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK

Abstract: Business activities are increasingly taking place across geographical and ownership boundaries. Post-Merger & Acquisition Integration (PMI) processes are more challenging in network organisations due to the extra complexity and interdependency associated with networks. However, network integration issues are not well addressed in the traditional M&A literature or the network organisation literature. Based on ten in-depth case studies across key industry sectors, this research identifies the essential network integration issues for international M&As with a configuration concept, and demonstrates different network integration patterns according to M&A objectives for growth and efficiency. This paper extends the theoretical understanding of PMI for network organisations. It can also provide practical guidance for managers to assess the feasibility of an M&A transition or to go through the PMI process successfully.

Keywords: PMI; post-M & A integration; mergers and acquisitions; international M & A; network organisations; configuration; network integration patterns.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2010.031275

European Journal of International Management, 2010 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.56 - 78

Published online: 27 Jan 2010 *

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