Integration Touch Points Assessment Identify the type of integration, e.g. is primary motivation cost savings/revenue growth/product line acquisition/territory expansion, etc. Cross check the integration assessment against the acquisition rationale Assess each company's corporate culture Assess each company's readiness: look at stage of company development, level of process and systems, culture, etc. Identify special problems associated with integration of entrepreneurial enterprises, international acquisitions, etc. Planning Develop the Integration Framework Make major management decisions Set key objectives Establish overall budget and timeframes Identify costs and creative synergies Establish overall milestones Establish the Integration Team Select integration leadership Assign Integration Manager Look at specifics of company operations and integration objectives to assign most appropriate members of the Integration Team from each functional area e.g. Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Legal, Product Development, Manufacturing, Service Delivery, etc. Integration Implementation Develop specific written plans and budgets for each functional area Review against checklists, overall objectives, budgets, etc. Integration Manager to align plans, expose conflicts, dependencies, manage milestones, etc. Teams to leverage internal & external expertise Capture costs and creative synergies Communications Plan Develop internal communication program on plans, status, milestones, accomplishments; broadcast successes Develop external communication program to customers industry and press Provide integration hotline for issues and problems for customers, company personnel and vendors Ensure escalation methodology to Integration Team members and Integration Manager Corporate Culture Provide guidance about personnel relations to maintain productivity Align leadership, management and supervisory practices with the new combination's basic values Align differing benefits and compensation packages Motivate staff and retain key personnel