Case Study

The post-merger dilemma (cartoon case)

5 pages
December 2011
Reference: IMD-3-2252

Two mid-sized oil and gas companies merge. The cultures of these two firms are very different: The acquirer (Dig Deep) is known for its high ethical standards and long-term focus, while the acquired firm (Extract More) is more short-term financially driven. One early challenge is to embed the Dig Deep culture into the Extract More employees. Progress is being made, until a key decision regarding the terms of a supplier’s contract must be made. Participants must unpack the issues involved in balancing short-term financial requirements with decisions that have “long legs” in terms of establishing and managing a new cultural environment.

Learning Objective

To better understand the lasting costs of relatively small and insignificant decisions made while integrating two firms.

Keywords
Post-merger Integration, Oil, General Management, Strategy
Settings
United States of America
2011
Type
Generalized Experience
Copyright
© 2011
Available Languages
English
Case clearing houses
IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

The Case Centre

Cranfield University

Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]

Harvard Business School Publishing

60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]

Asia Pacific Case Center

NUCB Business School

1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Discover our latest research
IMD's faculty and research teams publish articles, case studies, books and reports on a wide range of topics