Title: Managing
Enterprise Systems Integration Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions – A Tentative
Framework and the Case of TIH
Abstract: This article presents a tentative framework
for describing and explaining enterprise systems (ES) integration in the context
of corporate mergers & acquisitions (M&As) and tests it on the real
world case of Trelleborg Industrial Hose. It is argued that empirical data
exists mostly in anecdotal form and theoretical contributions only treats
fragmented pieces of the managerial scope. Therefore, the framework synthesizes
both content- and process-oriented theories that have been suggested essential
to describe and explain ES integration work in M&As and its relation
to the final outcome. The purpose of the framework is to describe and explain
how different aspects of the M&A setting, the ES and the integration
process are related to each other and to the final integration outcome. Using
the framework comparative studies can be made and cumulative knowledge can
be developed. The framework can also be used by companies in their M&A
processes. It highlights through its dimensions IS integration issues, decisions,
and actions a company has to consider in M&A processes. The application
of the framework on the Trelleborg Industrial Hose (TIH) case shows that
the framework is a good starting point to produce a comprehensive managerial
view of ES integration in M&A. However, some adjustments are suggested
based on the results of the case study. It also becomes clear that further
studies in the domain to clarify a number of identified question marks will
enhance the validity of the framework.