Synergy

Synergy is the magic force that allows for enhanced cost efficiencies of the new business. Synergy takes the form of revenue enhancement and cost savings. By merging, the companies hope to benefit from the following:

  • Staff reductions. As every employee knows, mergers tend to mean job losses. Consider all the money saved from reducing the number of staff members from accounting, marketing and other departments. Job cuts will also include the former CEO, who typically leaves with a compensation package.
  • Economies of scale. Size matters. Whether it's purchasing stationery or a new corporate IT system, a bigger company placing the orders can save more on costs. Mergers also translate into improved purchasing power to buy equipment or office supplies - when placing larger orders, companies have a greater ability to negotiate prices with their suppliers.
  • Acquiring new technology. To stay competitive, companies need to stay on top of technological developments and their business applications. By buying a smaller company with unique technologies, a large company can maintain or develop a competitive edge.
  • Improved market reach and industry visibility. Companies buy companies to reach new markets and grow revenues and earnings. A merge may expand two companies' marketing and distribution, giving them new sales opportunities. A merger can also improve a company's standing in the investment community: bigger firms often have an easier time raising capital than smaller ones.

 

Varieties of Mergers

From the perspective of business structures, there is a whole host of different mergers.

Here are a few types, distinguished by the relationship between the two companies that are merging:

o Horizontal merger. Two companies that are in direct competition and share the same product lines and markets.

o Vertical merger. A customer and company or a supplier and company. Think of a cone supplier merging with an ice cream maker.

o Market-extension merger. Two companies that sell the same products in different markets.

o Product-extension merger. Two companies selling different but related products in the same market.

o Conglomeration. Two companies that have no common business areas.