Why M&A Plays

Executing a Tabletop Exercise to Validate Integration Plans

A tabletop exercise is a great way to stress test processes and plans involving functional leads and domain experts. Use this play to perform a tabletop exercise, and simulate a deal to solidify existing integration plans and identify areas that would break if said integration plans were to be executed.

About the play

This play is designed to help corporate development validate integration plans.

Preparation

Often, people are over-optimistic about their integration plans. Injecting healthy skepticism and questioning the plan's feasibility is always a good idea. A tabletop exercise is a great way to stress test processes and plans involving functional leads and domain experts. 

Execute this play, perform a tabletop exercise, and simulate a deal to solidify existing integration plans and identify areas that would break if said integration plans were to be executed. 

People

Cross-Functional Leads, Domain Experts, Corporate Development

Difficulty

Difficult

Materials

Papers, Visual Aids

Time

1 to 2 hours, 2 to three times meetings in 2 weeks

Running the Play:

01

Set Up the Initial Meeting

Gather all cross-functional leads and domain experts and lay out the scenario. Provide all the facts regarding the deal for evaluation and input for the next meeting.

02

Listen to Feedback

In this second meeting, listen to the cross-functional teams. They will be able to provide good insights into how the integration will affect their respective function. If it’s too complicated, a third meeting might be required.

03

Conclusion

Come up with conclusions on the things that are possible. Everyone should be clear on the things that can be safely integrated, the risks that come with it, and mitigation plans.

04

Document the Process

At the end of these exercises, there should be a new practice, process or function generated. Document them for future reference. 

05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12