


A Guide to Soft Factors in M&A
Mergers and acquisitions are often seen as a numbers game—valuations, synergies, and financial models. Yet, more than half of all M&A deals fail not because of poor financial planning, but because of neglected soft factors.
This concise and powerful guide takes you beyond the spreadsheets to explore the human side of successful deals. With insights drawn from over 30 M&A transactions, Michael highlights the three pillars that often determine success or failure:
Communication – How to avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure transparency across all stakeholders.
Relationship-Building – Why trust between acquirer and seller is the hidden accelerator of smooth integrations.
Cultural Fit – How to assess and align company cultures during due diligence and beyond.
Packed with best practices, real-world examples, and practical tips, this guide is designed to help executives, managers, and teams navigate the hidden complexities of M&A. Whether you’re preparing for your first deal or looking to improve integration outcomes, you’ll find actionable strategies to build trust, minimize risks, and unlock value.
Take soft factors seriously—because they can make or break your deal.
Mergers and acquisitions are often seen as a numbers game—valuations, synergies, and financial models. Yet, more than half of all M&A deals fail not because of poor financial planning, but because of neglected soft factors.
This concise and powerful guide takes you beyond the spreadsheets to explore the human side of successful deals. With insights drawn from over 30 M&A transactions, Michael highlights the three pillars that often determine success or failure:
Communication – How to avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure transparency across all stakeholders.
Relationship-Building – Why trust between acquirer and seller is the hidden accelerator of smooth integrations.
Cultural Fit – How to assess and align company cultures during due diligence and beyond.
Packed with best practices, real-world examples, and practical tips, this guide is designed to help executives, managers, and teams navigate the hidden complexities of M&A. Whether you’re preparing for your first deal or looking to improve integration outcomes, you’ll find actionable strategies to build trust, minimize risks, and unlock value.
Take soft factors seriously—because they can make or break your deal.
Mergers and acquisitions are often seen as a numbers game—valuations, synergies, and financial models. Yet, more than half of all M&A deals fail not because of poor financial planning, but because of neglected soft factors.
This concise and powerful guide takes you beyond the spreadsheets to explore the human side of successful deals. With insights drawn from over 30 M&A transactions, Michael highlights the three pillars that often determine success or failure:
Communication – How to avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure transparency across all stakeholders.
Relationship-Building – Why trust between acquirer and seller is the hidden accelerator of smooth integrations.
Cultural Fit – How to assess and align company cultures during due diligence and beyond.
Packed with best practices, real-world examples, and practical tips, this guide is designed to help executives, managers, and teams navigate the hidden complexities of M&A. Whether you’re preparing for your first deal or looking to improve integration outcomes, you’ll find actionable strategies to build trust, minimize risks, and unlock value.
Take soft factors seriously—because they can make or break your deal.