Mergers and acquisitions are much like any other marriage. While the courting and planning
are exciting stages, the success of the match comes once the parties are living and
functioning together. There is no such thins as a perfect CPA firm merger, but, like
marriage, some are much happier and more successful than others.
There are three primary types of marriages in the world of public accounting, with
different priorities associated with each.
Exit-Oriented: Practitioners who expect to retire have priorities tied to security, for example, client retention, economic dependability of the successor, and stability of professional resources.
Growth-Motivated: Common goals include adding to the top line, increasing market presence, and picking up marquee clients.
Strategic Mergers: The ultra-marriage between two firms, this kind of merger can bring significant opportunities and significant hurdles. Important priorities that need to be addressed include governance, compensation systems, staff development, quality control, geographic reach, multiple office management, client retention, fee platforms, financial discipline, and vision.
In the VSCPA Disclosures article, "Life After Closing: The Essentials of Living Happily
Ever After," we put together 15 best practices to help ensure a smooth integration and
long-term contentment for parties sitting down to the merger table.
The original article is available in the digital Disclosures magazine here. Or you can view the images added to this blog post.
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