What does IBM Merger & Acquisition services offer?
In addition to significant expertise in helping leading organizations successfully complete M&A transactions, IBM offers the M&A Accelerator, a proprietary software product that helps acquiring companies achieve their synergy goals, accelerate deal execution, reduce the risk of making expensive mistakes, and provides boards, CEOs, and CFOs better visibility into acquisition performance. The application helps streamline and accelerate the entire M&A process, from deal-making through integration processes and post-close
measurement.
Is it really possible to turn the art of M&A into software?
IBM's M&A Accelerator combines technology and best practices to aid–not replace–the "art of the deal." We provide a combination of
technology and experienced M&A practitioners to apply solid operating principles required to make any transaction or integration successful. The application is highly configurable by business users, allowing clients to meet its specific business requirements.
How does the tool really work?
IBM's M&A Accelerator is a software application that combines technology and best practices to enable enterprises to gain control of and visibility into the entire M&A process. It is designed to manage and accelerate the cross-functional virtual teams that are commonly the backbone of M&A execution. The on-demand solution includes domain-specific, knowledge-based templates and processes that
are designed to augment the customer's existing M&A practices.
For which industries does IBM support M&A?
The principles of successful acquisition performance transcend industry categories. As evidence of this, our customers include some of the world's most practiced acquirers across a wide range of industries.
How will the tool work from inside my corporate firewalls?
Seamlessly. Our clients include some of the most security-conscious enterprises in the world and our security and access protocols have
been validated thoroughly.
How can I be sure that no one else outside of the deal team has access to the information?
We provide multiple security levels and controls within our system. First, we employ encrypted passwords and granular, role-based permission control structures in the application. This ensures that users see only those elements of the deal they are authorized to see. Secondly, our technology infrastructure includes multiple authentication and access controls as well as continuous monitoring technology to ensure no unauthorized access. Finally, our world-class hosting center provides state-of-the-art physical and data security.
How can companies get the most value from the tool?
Our clients who have reported the most value and impact are using the M&A Accelerator to manage their entire deal process through its cycle, from initial filtering through ongoing measurement and deal-status reporting. The platform supports all of the collaboration,
project management, and document management required for deals.
Is the system available all the time?
Our system is a secure, on-demand system available around-the-clock. One of the benefits our customers have seen is that the Valchemy application accelerates deal speed by providing a communication platform for different players in the deal who are working in far flung global offices in very different time zones. Because our solution is delivered as a secure on-demand service, it is available anywhere in
the world where a browser and adequate bandwidth are available.
Will I need to work with my IT department to set up the system?
Not necessarily. Because the system is Web-based and on-demand, you can use the system without requiring the resources of your IT department.
Can I work with my outside partners, such as lawyers and investment banks?
Yes, our customers have found our system invaluable for integrating the work of their transaction service providers and consultants into their overall deal and integration activities. The Valchemy security architecture supports and controls access from external parties.
