Merger Integration Teams that Work

A Cross-Functional Merger Integration Team (CFT) is a group of executives, managers and employees from two merged companies charged with delivering on marketing, sales, operations, product development, human resources, finance, informational technology, communications and facility synergies identified during the due diligence period. The CFT brings together champions and technical experts from a diagonal slice across all key functions that have long-term prospects at the new company.

Beyond driving the integration, the CFT ensures that core line managers remain focused on running the base business, while the merger is being conducted in parallel. Selected from a “diagonal slice” from the top to the bottom levels of management, this type of merger integration team ensures that employees of the merged entity “buy in” to the new organization and participate in its success. Creative solutions to traditional issues are leveraged to the benefit of both organizations.

John C. Bruckman Ph.D.