The Long View

Exploring how ownership transitions shape people, communities, and what comes next.

Where M&A breaks down: the People side
Hannah Sandmeyer Hannah Sandmeyer

Where M&A breaks down: the People side

M&A deals run on spreadsheets and term sheets, until the ink dries and the real work begins: keeping the people who built the company from walking out the door. Drawing on conversations with M&A communications veteran Nikki Eaves, this piece looks at why so many acquisitions stumble on the human side, the difference between announcing news and actually communicating, and the few things leaders can do before day one to keep trust intact.

Read More
tHE NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO M&A, PART 6
M&A Integration, Post-Close Strategy, Mission-Driven M&A, Ethical Acquisitions, Acquirer Best Practices, Culture & Leadership, Operational Alignment, Building Trust, Impact Strategy, Team and Trust Hannah Sandmeyer M&A Integration, Post-Close Strategy, Mission-Driven M&A, Ethical Acquisitions, Acquirer Best Practices, Culture & Leadership, Operational Alignment, Building Trust, Impact Strategy, Team and Trust Hannah Sandmeyer

tHE NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO M&A, PART 6

In mission-driven M&A, integration is where your vision either becomes reality or unravels. This post dives into the human side of integration: the systems, rituals, and communication that turn shared values into real momentum. Learn how to lead with intention, build trust from the start, and make your acquisition stick in all the right ways.

This final post marks the finish line of our Newcomer’s Guide to M&A. Celebrating the full arc from first steps to a mission-aligned close and integration.

Read More