Title: Exploring the determinants of acquisition integration capability: lessons from the acquisitions of Finnish multinational enterprises

Authors: Nnamdi Oguji; Jorma Larimo; Richard A. Owusu

Addresses: Department of Marketing, University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 34, 65200 Vaasa, Finland ' Department of Marketing, University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 34, 65200 Vaasa, Finland ' School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden

Abstract: The objective of the study is to explore how acquisition integration capabilities are developed in acquiring firms. Through empirical case studies of acquisitions of five Finnish MNEs in global markets, the study finds four determinants of acquisition integration capability: acquisition integration knowledge management, cultural competence, acquisition integration strategy, and acquisition performance review. The study extends dynamic capability theory to acquisition integration literature and provides a comprehensive and integrated perspective on the determinants of acquisition integration capability. Finally, five propositions are developed for future empirical research and we call for future studies to explore how acquisition integration capabilities become dynamic using longitudinal research design.

Keywords: mergers and acquisition; integration capability; integration level; dynamic capability; integration strategy; integration performance.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2021.116706

European Journal of International Management, 2021 Vol.16 No.1, pp.1 - 27

Received: 25 Feb 2018
Accepted: 30 Nov 2018
Published online: 30 Jul 2021 *

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