M&A Communications: Unlock Success with a Quick Start Guide from the Experts at Gladius and Axios HQ

Merger & acquisition activities are a key part of many organizations’ growth strategies, complementing organic growth efforts. Yet, research shows that between 70 and 90% of deals fail to meet their goals post-close. Why? 

Communication gaps that lead to cultural misalignment, operational inefficiencies, and the erosion of employee trust are significant factors limiting the success of these critical transactions. That’s where the M&A Communications Quick Start Guide, developed by the combined teams at Gladius and Axios HQ, comes in.

This guide distills insights from over 100 transactions to empower organizations with tools and tactics to harness strategic communication as a catalyst for M&A success. Whether you’re a corporate development executive or a communication leader, this comprehensive resource is your roadmap to navigating deals with clarity, connection, and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Communications as a Catalyst: Discover how integrating communication strategies into transaction planning can safeguard your investment, align stakeholders, and mitigate reputational risks.

2. Achieving Stakeholder Buy-In: Learn how to proactively assess stakeholder priorities, address concerns, and crystallize alignment for smooth transitions.

3. Building Post-Close Momentum: Utilize clear, transparent communication to ease integration, reduce disruptions, and foster collaboration across combined teams.

4. Empowering Communication Leaders: Explore actionable strategies for communicators to champion their role at every stage of the deal-making process—from pre-deal assessments to post-close integration.

5. Measurable Impact: With metrics more accessible than ever, communicators can drive accountability, enabling organizations to measure the tangible benefits of strategic communication.

Downloadable Tools & Templates

1. Media Analysis: An example of a pre-close media analysis of both the buying and selling companies showing key factors in analyzing the reputation and brand alignment for both parties before the close of a transaction.

2. Stakeholder Analysis Template: A template that can serve as the foundation of an initial audience/stakeholder analysis and a critical component of a communications strategy for any transaction.

3. Know, Feel, Do Template: A simple template to help understand and document the desired end state and/or actions for each key stakeholder involved in a transaction.

4. Post-Close Communications Checklist: An example of the critical-path communications activities and suggested timing/sequence after the closing of a transaction has been announced.

By leveraging decades of M&A expertise and the proven Smart Brevity® approach of Axios HQ, this guide helps evolve how businesses approach their communication strategy during high-stakes corporate transactions. It’s your invitation to lead purposefully, break through barriers, and build the foundation for long-term organizational success.

Don’t let the complexities of M&A deter your organization from thriving. Download the M&A Communications Quick Start Guide today and be the trusted voice guiding your team to achieve its full potential.