Tips on going through an Acquisition or Merger

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CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
I've been through quite a few. My advice?

Don't fear it. Stay out of the gossip. Keep your head down and do your job. If you get let go you'll have a severance. On the other hand you could get promoted/get a raise. 

I've been on both ends. It's not the end of the world. I think @BigCheese could tell you what recruiters think when they see reps that were downsized. 
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
1
Agency Recruiter
Appreciate the tag @CuriousFox. Personally, I don't have much solid feedback. It totally depends on the companies in question, role, culture, pay packages, etc. I've worked with those who have had both positive and negative experiences.

But yeah I'm with Fox, do what you're there for; it could potentially pay off earlier than it would've otherwise. Also, it's always wise to keep your ear on the wall for other opportunities, especially in this scenario. I always encourage people to keep checking in with their connections, checking job boards, having a good recruiter in their back pocket to do some hunting for you (a lot of recruiters also do a fair amount of consulting - I do this with a lot of people I've placed and just friends, free of charge). 


Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Would definitely recommend at least interviewing elsewhere. You have a great reason to be looking and if you don’t get it not like you don’t have a job right now. 
BCD
Politicker
1
BDR
Hold on tight! What happens next depends on why the company was bought and also which side you're on - buying vs bought company. 

Last company I worked for was bought by a competitor who did what we did way worse, had a horrible reputation and the worst culture alive. Why did they buy us? Save face! I stuck it out for a few months post deal close and getting out was the best decision I ever made. 

That being said, I truly believe you should always be interviewing. So now wouldn't be a bad time to start if you haven't already. 
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Be willing to embrace change and take on new roles / responsibilities. 

Also, be willing to look for something new if things aren’t going very well. 
thegreatestsalesperson
Tycoon
0
AE
What's a good timeline to judge how things are going?
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Totally depends on how things are going.

Most acquisitions I’ve been a part of take a year or two to fully take place but it all depends on what side of the acquisition you are involved in and why the acquisition is happening. 

It’s a hard thing to have a hard and fast rule on. 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Depends on who is acquiring you, but I'd start taking interviews just in case.
thegreatestsalesperson
Tycoon
0
AE
Quality point
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
1
Senior Account Executive
Have a back up plan so be taking interviews 
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
I've done it twice now. Pay attention to what people are saying publicly and when nobody is paying attention. Observe how leadership acts - are they nervous or completely calm? Think about the company that acquired you/merged with you. How redundant are these roles?

I'd start floating to my network that you may be looking to move though. There is always at least some level of discomfort.
Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
1
Director of Business Development
The best way to be in a good position during this is to have made yourself valuable to those above you. The new bosses are going to come in and ask about everyone working there, who is invaluable and who isn't. I've seen this so that when they do start making changes, they get rid of the low performers and the managers (replace with their own or just report to their own now) but keep the middle and top tier people.

If it's already happening:
1. Refresh your resume and put some feelers out just in case
2. Get to know people in the other company to get a chance to show your value
2b. Don't be obnoxious about it, many are going to be obviously sucking up. Just like when selling a prospect, make sure your value prop is clear and important
3. Wait and see what happens or go after a new opportunity if you find one. 
5

My company is acquiring Another company. Any advice going through a merger in sales?

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What is your smoothest way of bringing back a standstill deal? Sharing new developments is not unique or smooth 😉

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