Post-deal Integration: A Literature Review and Theoretical Framework of Firms' Continually Underperforming Undertaking

Abstract

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) occur as often as ever but continue to underperform inter alia because of acquiring firms’ inability to undertake post-merger integration (PMI) successfully. Despite research advancements, uncertainties remain in terms of what is known and unknown related to how to successfully manage PMI. Thus, this thesis posed the following problem statement: The contradicting findings and perceptions concerning the post-merger integration process call for a literature review of the existing knowledge across selected research fields, structuring and critically analyzing the theory, identifying theoretical inter-research field patterns and gaps, and their implications for how to successfully integrate firms. Based on the analysis of literature within management, organizational, innovation, international business, and strategy, a theoretical framework outlined ten aggregate themes and 46 mapped key findings. The implications were discussed for both researchers and businesses.