Avaloq, headquartered in Switzerland, is a market leader in global digital banking. It was acquired by the leading Japanese IT conglomerate NEC Corporation at the end of 2020, despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges faced during the sale process. The aim of the M&A was to strengthen NEC’s cloud software services in digital finance and government, essential pillars for its smart cities strategy. The case explores the M&A process from the acquiree’s viewpoint. Avaloq’s leadership team were debating which post-merger integration structure to propose to NEC: full merger, partnering or a hybrid approach? To help the protagonist solve this dilemma, the following perspectives and their strategic alignment are analyzed in depth, giving valuable insights into the integration direction: Organizational business models identifying M&A synergies; joint value-creation strategies and integration design ensuring the resulting M&A value is greater than the sum of its parts; industry drivers promoting vertical or horizontal integration; and the role of management/employee preferences in relation to M&A direction within the broader perspective of managing cross-cultural differences.
A new law requires large listed companies in the EU to appoint members of the underrepresented gender (usually women) to 33% of all director roles.
Subsidies of renewables has led to electricity prices frequently falling to less than zero leading to opportunities for consumers
#post_excerptHannele Jakosuo-Jansson of Neste and Finnair shared key insights on board roles in CEO transitions and culture shifts with IMD’s High Performance Boards program.
A relentless focus on accountability and continuous improvement transformed Valmet from an underdog into an industry leader in a decade. Pasi Laine tells Jean-François Manzoni how it was done.
Once corporate activists, today’s CSOs are business integrators. 6 ways the CSO role is evolving: strategist, risk mitigator, innovator, regulator, storyteller, and leader.
An intelligent organizational sensory system detects, processes, and acts on change signals, giving your company a strong competitive edge.
According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in employers is declining for the first time. Here are practical measures to get back on track.
Three Ways to Deal with Your Boss when they act against civility, empathy, and ethics. Discover strategies to handle difficult workplace dynamics effectively.
AI is revolutionising industry by improving efficiency and driving sustainability. Discover how data-driven insights shape a greener future
Six ways leaders can shape corporate reputation building strategies within their organizations, drawing on key insights from a Bloomberg Media study.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications