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Abstract

The 1990s could be described as the ''decade of the consolidation'' as some of the world’s largest corporations merged. While most headlines focused on the economic impact of the unions, some attention was given to the effect on the communities involved. The mere mention of the term ''merger and acquisition'' (M&A) can send messages of misinformation or half-truths. Clarity about motives and intent, as well as timing the release of information during a merger, requires strategic information management. Rumors and scuttlebutt can carry enormous negative implications for the merger-integration process. But when is the right time to tell employees about a pending merger? Who should make the announcement, and what communication channels should they use? A recent survey of managers conducted by the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration explored practices that companies use to communicate internally during their merger or acquisition. This note discusses the findings and recommends best-practice communications.

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Abstract

The 1990s could be described as the ''decade of the consolidation'' as some of the world’s largest corporations merged. While most headlines focused on the economic impact of the unions, some attention was given to the effect on the communities involved. The mere mention of the term ''merger and acquisition'' (M&A) can send messages of misinformation or half-truths. Clarity about motives and intent, as well as timing the release of information during a merger, requires strategic information management. Rumors and scuttlebutt can carry enormous negative implications for the merger-integration process. But when is the right time to tell employees about a pending merger? Who should make the announcement, and what communication channels should they use? A recent survey of managers conducted by the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration explored practices that companies use to communicate internally during their merger or acquisition. This note discusses the findings and recommends best-practice communications.

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