The hidden costs of neglecting partnership in M&A
Picture this: It’s 2022, and I’m at Stockland, fresh off the “marriage” to Halcyon. The energy is palpable as we dive into the integration—strategies laid out, timelines set, and optimism high. My role is to help build a robust M&A integration playbook, and as I sift through lessons learned, one glaring oversight becomes clear: we focused almost exclusively on what Stockland would gain, neglecting Halcyon’s potential to thrive in this merger.
The fundamental oversight
This was more than a mere oversight: it revealed a fundamental bias. We were acting like a partner who only thinks about what they get from the merger without considering how to nurture the other half. And let’s be real—no relationship thrives when one side gets all the love and attention. A successful M&A deal, like a corporate partnership, isn’t just about one partner winning: it’s about mutual growth and shared success—a collaborative dance where both must lead and follow in perfect rhythm. Yes, both.
The shared vision for your Business
If you’ve ever been part of an M&A deal—or are planning one—you know the drill:
- Forecasting
- Strategizing
- Analyzing how it will elevate your company
But focusing solely on your side is like entering a marriage where you savor only your own pleasure and overlook the art of mutual collaboration. You can’t expect harmony when only one voice is heard. This imbalance strains the relationship and, in the case of M&A, threatens the potential value of the entire deal.
More than numbers: The true focus
At Stockland, it wasn’t just about the numbers. Sure, numbers matter—they must. But they’re only part of the story. The true focus was:
- People
- Workplace culture
- Ensuring that Halcyon felt valued and engaged as part of our new joint entity
Overlooking these elements could mean more than just financial risk: it could lead to a loss of trust and engagement, much like a marriage where one partner feels untouched by appreciation or support. And let’s face it, without trust and engagement, what do you really have?
Consider This: Your competition—already eyeing similar opportunities for growth—might not make the same mistake. They could come out ahead while you’re left watching their success story unfold, knowing it could have been yours. Yes, today, they are watching and learning.
What happens when you only look inward
Imagine if we had kept going down that path:
- Stockland focusing solely on its own priorities
- Halcyon’s teams growing more disconnected
- Talented individuals looking elsewhere
- The creative synergy we valued dimming into a cold, sterile partnership
The result? Two separate entities, much like a marriage where partners sleep in separate rooms—together in name but not in spirit—instead of a unified, thriving union that burns with shared ambition.
Alt Text: “Comic-style illustration of a businessperson in an office, surrounded by documents, charts, and a laptop, looking deeply contemplative. The individual leans forward with one hand on their chin, portraying a moment of realization
The real cost
The cost? Far beyond dollars—it ripples into:
- Employee morale
- Trust
- Engagement
And let’s not kid ourselves: rebuilding those bridges isn’t easy. In today’s fast-paced business environment, where diverse ideas and inclusive strategies pave the path to innovation, ignoring this can lead to lasting divides that are hard to bridge.
Why mutual success matters
Mergers and acquisitions are not just about assets and market position; they’re about:
- People
- Cultures
- Building a shared future
Much like marriage, you aren’t merging for convenience but for a deeper, more stimulating life together. If one partner is left unheard or unsupported, that union falters. And if you think one-sided success is sustainable, think again. The same goes for a merger: both sides must be given the space to contribute and thrive. True success lies in uplifting both sides and creating something extraordinary.
My perspective from the field
As someone who has guided teams through complex mergers, I know the competing pressures. The immediate need for results can overshadow the slower, more intimate work of building trust and unity. I bring:
- An analytical mind
- A deep value for human capital
- Commitment to cultural integration
I’ve seen firsthand the frustration when alignment fails and the energy that emerges when both partners are truly in sync.
Remember: Success is not about quick gains; it’s about the journey—balancing data-driven decisions with an understanding of people and culture. And don’t get me wrong, quick wins are great, but without the foundation, they’re fleeting. In both marriage and M&A, the goal is to create something greater than the sum of its parts: an enduring partnership that doesn’t just survive but thrives with potential.
The final push: Take action today
I’m guessing you haven’t gotten around to making a decision yet. Maybe it’s the uncertainty, or maybe it’s the sheer complexity that makes you hesitate. But here’s the thing: without action, the gap only widens, and opportunities slip by. Before you know it, you’re on the sidelines, watching others achieve the results that could have been yours.
I bet you are a bit like me—you want to make informed decisions that lead to real impact. But it doesn’t have to end that way. Yes, I’m here to help you turn your M&A strategy into a powerhouse of collaboration and growth. Don’t miss your opportunity to rise above, transform your approach, and make your next move the one that truly counts.
How open-minded are you to reaching out for more details and exploring how we can guide you? Let’s work together to create M&A strategies that build strong, integrated partnerships where everyone benefits(Click Here). Because real success is about bringing out the best in both partners, not just one.
Further links :
Further books:
