Communication support for an acquisition
The challenge
A major healthcare organisation was preparing to acquire a national consumer health business. The transaction involved significant regulatory and legal milestones, followed by the immediate challenge of bringing two workforces together while maintaining clarity around operational changes.
SenateSHJ was engaged to support communication and change management throughout the acquisition process, with a focus on employees and key stakeholders before and after completion.
The approach
SenateSHJ developed a staged employee and stakeholder communication approach aligned to key transaction milestones. This included advice on when and how to engage employees as regulatory and legal requirements progressed, while ensuring communication remained clear, timely and appropriate.
The team also developed a detailed M&A communication plan for the first 100 days. A central focus was supporting cultural integration before, during and after the acquisition, creating a coordinated experience for employees from both organisations, and providing clear information about changes to teams, operations and ways of working.
SenateSHJ worked closely with the client’s Corporate Affairs team to prepare leadership communication, employee engagement activity and implementation plans, and continued to provide advice as the transaction progressed.
The outcome
The communication strategy and first 100-day plan were endorsed by the acquiring organisation and implemented from completion.
Day-one activity was strongly received, particularly by senior leaders. Employees engaged positively with the program, helping establish early momentum for integration and a clear foundation for ongoing communication through the transition.
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