Why Business Marriages Fail: A Practical Guide to Merger and Acquisition Risks Caused by Cultural Differences

For the past 20 years, US businesses have lost an average of $11.3 billion a year to failed mergers and acquisitions. The failures cross market cycles, industries, and deal size. These "business marriages" are costly not only because they destroy value-they diminish market share, damage business relationships, and tarnish once-respected brands. The author interviewed 100 M&A experts in varying deal roles to determine the underlying causes for the persistently poor track record. The experts ...