Integration and synergies of operations in horizontal M&A

摘要

This paper discusses the relation between operations management and horizontal mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Of special interest is the possibility for companies to benefit from M&A in the form of cost- and revenue-based synergies. The purpose of the paper is to provide an extensive and focused literature review of this topic, and to assess the importance of these issues in practical situations by illustrating and summarising previous research in the field. Results provide evidence of both synergies types and suggest that successful M&A will often benefit from both whereas an M&A strategy focusing solely on one type may contain drawbacks.