Cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) open up a world of opportunities for companies that are seeking global expansion, access to new markets, and strategic partnerships. By casting the net wider, it’s possible to move beyond existing parameters, developing a stronger reputation and building the business’ brand.
However, in order to move forward, it’s crucial that business owners understand the implications of mergers and acquisitions on other countries. Executing successful cross-border transactions requires careful planning and consideration of various factors.
What to consider
A cross-border M&A might seem daunting, especially if this is the first time that you’re taking your business overseas. However, once you have navigated the fundamental stages of this process, you will find that you can realise the vision you have for your company.
It can be hugely beneficial to seek guidance from the experts, however. Having corporate solicitors that specialise on cross-border M&A on hand could steer you towards completing the merger or acquisition you are working on.
As well as introducing an expert team, you will need to consider the following factors:
Regulatory differences
In some cases, there are worldwide regulations and rules in place that apply to certain products. For instance, the World Health Organization wants stricter rules on the global alcohol industry – something that’s affected recent M&A deals. It’s important that business owners are aware of these rules before making a move.
Additionally, there are often regulatory differences between different countries that must be taken into account. These regulations can include business practices, legal systems, and compliance requirements. For instance, there might be certain types of business insurance that’s required for a merger to go ahead.
Similarly, practices that apply in one country might not in another. Developing an understanding of the legal implications of moving your business into a different country is, therefore, crucial for it to be successful. Otherwise, missing key information can impact deal negotiations and post-merger integration.
Due diligence and risk assessment
Any merger and acquisition require the highest levels of due diligence. The risk factors of making this major business move must be considered in order to justify the leap towards owning a new brand or business.
This is magnified when conducting a cross-border M&A. The risks have already been outlined above, from political and economic concerns to the legalities involved. However, it’s important that you have a full and robust risk assessment in place that covers everything in even more detail.
You will need to cover everything from tax and accounting in your target country, to insurance and finance. From there, you will need to establish how this will work after the merger is complete.
Tax and legal considerations
We have already touched on legal considerations. Everything from employment law to business regulations must be weighed up and fully understood before you can complete a cross-border M&A.
You will also need to understand how tax works in your target country. This will vary from the tax laws you use every day and seeking expert guidance on this can be essential so that you are growing your company in a way that meets the tax requirements.
Political and economic stability
Before any type of M&A, it is worth taking the time to fully understand the current political and economic climate. This applies both to mergers within the country you already operate in and with countries you are planning to move into via a merger or acquisition.
It is likely that you will need to examine and thoroughly investigate the political and economic status of your target country before you make any firm plans. It could be costly if you merge at a time of economic or political uncertainty.
If the country has been impacted by a recession or there is due to be an election soon, for example, you may need to consider the timing of your merger in order to achieve the best outcome for your business.
Cultural differences
In addition to navigating legal and regulatory differences, there’s also the topic of culture to factor in when looking at cross-border M&A. Culture can vary from one company to another. This can be further complicated by different working cultures across countries.
To successfully move through the merger or acquisition, you will need to understand the business culture in your target country as well as that of the business you are merging with. You will then have to work out how to integrate your company’s culture with that of the region and company you are moving into.
A new business culture is often required in order to ensure the M&A process is smooth – and continues to run smoothly – once everything is in place. This must be inclusive of the culture within the existing business while weaving in strategies and policies from your own business.
Integration and cultural synergy
As well as merging your business culture with that of the business you are acquiring, you will also need to merge management styles, employee expectations, and company values. Once you’ve established your post-cross-border M&A team, you will need to create a strategy to help combine processes and systems to build a successful post-merger integration.
