Companies that ignore reputation management during mergers and acquisitions (M&A) do so at their own peril. Any M&A has the possibility to stir up consumers and regulators, so it’s important to have a strategy going into it.
Expert tips for managing brand reputation during M&As include:
• Evaluate how the brands align, identifying potential problems and criticisms so you can address them proactively.
• Focus on open communication and transparency when engaging with stakeholders.
• View the merger from the customer’s perspective, optimizing the experience to prevent disruptions.
• Track online mentions to stay aware of changes in brand perception, so you can make corrections as necessary.