M&A INTEGRATION & CHANGE COMMUNICATIONS
Groundswell’s expertise provided clarity across multiple phases — from pre-close to early integration — for this client’s first acquisition.
The Challenge
This client faced its first-ever acquisition with no established playbook for change-led communications. The challenge was to create structured, coordinated communications across pre-close, Day 1, and early post-close integration while managing message control across a complex stakeholder landscape of internal leaders, employees, customers, and partners.
The Work
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Analyzed the communication styles, channels, and executive voice across both organizations to align tone before any message went out.
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Mapped audiences to their concerns and the right messengers, then built key messages on a cadence that reached the most affected groups first.
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Built a tiered review-and-approval framework, reserving executive sign off for the highest-visibility deliverables and accelerating everything else.
The Impact
Groundswell consultants infused the team with the acquisition best practices, insight, and capabilities needed for the heavy lift of an acquisition, including the large quantity of deliverables, details, and leaders’ preparedness. This not only allowed for a calm and well-equipped Day 1, but also enabled the Communications team to focus on one of their busiest seasons of the year executing multiple annual meetings.
Groundswell’s whole team was so supportive and provided expertise that we lack. You are a big reason why this first week has gone so smooth.
M&A Client
Putting People at the Center of M&A Strategy
A major factor in any merger or acquisition is acknowledging the impact change can have on people. Providing information is critical, but how you deliver it – with honesty, empathy, and clarity – determines whether employees, customers, and partners feel confident about what the future holds for them and your organization.