Who was the client?

The CEOs/Presidents and executive leadership teams of two merging biotechnology companies with combined annual sales of more than $3 billion, and more than 9,000 employees in 160 countries.   

What did we do?

Blue Beyond Consulting led the team responsible for planning and implementing all merger-related employee, partner and customer communication. We helped facilitate a successful integration by:

• Implementing all internal communications through merger and integration
• Advising on external communications through all phases of the merger process
• Sitting on the cross-functional Executive Integration Team to align, develop and execute on all communications in support of the business, legal and regulatory strategies

Specific activities included:

• Created and implemented a communications strategy and roadmap for every aspect of the merger, including the organizational structure, new leadership, business strategy, vision, mission, values and cultural attributes of the new company
• Created and executed on a comprehensive communications plan to coordinate messages, timing, and channels of communications with all internal and external audiences
• Developed a change management strategy for a significant number of major changes impacting leaders, employees and stakeholders of both companies
• Launched multiple communication venues/forums for employees to clarify business strategy, process, timeline, expectations and future changes
• Designed and implemented leadership communications including managers’ tool kits, executive/employee forums, site visits, and a three-day conference for directors and above
• Partnered with Sales/Marketing Teams to execute a brand communications strategy
• Partnered with HR to provide clear and regular communications to address employee questions and concerns regarding job security, organizational changes, benefits, etc.
• Developed a Leadership Profile, which was rolled out in training/culture workshops, and formed the basis of a new performance management process

What were the results?

• Successful, wide-scale integration of people and cultures of the two companies 
• Employee engagement – employees remained aligned, motivated and productive throughout the process, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations
• Employee retention – company did not lose any employees it did not want to lose
• Positive post-merger climate surveys reflected positive results