The development industry is in survival mode, and that means mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, could be the key for companies — large and small — to withstand today’s tsunami of aid cuts. But M&A transactions are a complicated affair, and the stars still need to align for all parties to not only survive the storm but thrive once it passes.
A panel of executives representing for-profit implementers recently convened for a Devex Pro briefing to offer tips on various M&A strategies, including — to use a relationship analogy — when companies should stay single, date, or marry.
“Where there is change, there is always opportunity for organizations,” said Christopher Hirst, former CEO of Palladium. “It can help organizations make step changes and get through some of the malaise or bureaucracy that they build up amongst themselves. And so with all the tragedy and disappointment that's going on with the industry … what can you do to come out of this better as an organization?”