Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be necessary and beneficial growth strategies for many organisations. However, M&A transactions are complex and require more than just strategic vision and financial acumen; effective contract management is pivotal in ensuring these deals go smoothly. Leveraging robust contract lifecycle management (CLM) software can be a game-changer in the M&A process. To that end, let’s explore how contract management features can help streamline M&A activities
1. Contract repository – a single source of truth
During mergers and acquisitions, organisations must unify many contracts, data, and documents into one central database. Without the right tools, this can be a tedious process prone to errors and oversights. Contracts are often scattered across the two organisations’ departments and users, so it is easy to lose track.
Leading contract management software provides a centralised repository that enables organisations to track contracts, committals, obligations, and more via a robust, web-based solution. Organisations can search for contracts by title, type, department, counterparty and so much more with filterable search options that include saved search, history and ‘Did you mean…?’ functionality. Unlimited user-defined and out-of-the-box fields can be used to track, search and report on contracts. Both organisations’ contracts can be managed in one unified system.
2. Bulk data import for M&A
M&A organisations often require a bulk data migration to unify large volumes of contracts from multiple sources (in this case, two organisations – the acquiring and the acquired). The process of manually entering contract data can be incredibly time-consuming and prone to human error. This delay can slow down the due diligence process, create gaps in contract visibility, and lead to incomplete or inaccurate broad contract analytics and risk assessment.
Trusted contract management software provides a bulk data importing tool for bulk importing and updating of master reference, contract, counterparty, employee and other data. Organisations can easily configure import and update templates in spreadsheet format; there’s also bulk import of electronic files and attachments for contracts in their native format (i.e. MS Word, PDF, etc.). Users can export data into MS Excel, MS Word and/or PDF from search result lists, ad-hoc reports and more. Bulk data imports streamline the unification of large volumes of contract data during M&As and are an indispensable tool.
3. APIs for seamless solutions integrations
Integrating systems during M&A can be challenging, particularly around aligning disparate technology stacks and data formats. Legacy systems may lack APIs or have poorly documented ones, leading to time-consuming and costly custom integrations. Security is another major concern, as combining systems increases the risk of exposing sensitive data. Additionally, managing versions and dependencies can be complex, potentially leading to disruptions in business processes if not handled correctly. Lastly, there is often an organisational barrier, as IT teams from merging companies may have different protocols, tools and practices, making collaboration and alignment difficult.
Robust contract management software applications offer functionality that integrates with outside systems via REST API. Application Program Interface delivers data between devices and programs. A RESTful implementation can be installed as a separate application, side by side with the CLM solution, on the cloud or on-premise. Those who want to retain their current system processes during M&As can keep them while integrating contract lifecycle management software seamlessly.
4. Vendor centralisation for more opportunities
When companies merge or are acquired, one significant challenge is consolidating their vendor management processes. Without centralised control, the newly formed entity often struggles with fragmented vendor relationships, duplicated services and missed opportunities for volume discounts. This decentralisation can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and a lack of visibility into vendor performance and compliance.
Contract lifecycle management software addresses these challenges by enabling the seamless sharing of vendors across the merged entities. It allows for the standardisation of terms, identification of overlapping services, and negotiation of better rates due to increased purchasing power. This results in streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved vendor compliance, all while unlocking upsell and discount opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
Key takeaway
Mergers and acquisitions are inherently complex, but with the right tools, businesses can confidently navigate the process. Contract Insight is an award-winning contract management software solution that’s received acclaim from third-party analysts, legal professionals and many others. Users can successfully oversee amendments and other key contract with comprehensive contract lifecycle management. With a secure and centralised contract database, user permissions oversight, easy searching and electronic signatures, your organisation can seamlessly manage the contract lifecycle and exceed contract management KPIs.
Contract Insight, contract management software from Four empowers organisations to manage the contract-related aspects of M&A more efficiently with the tools mentioned above and many others. For a more thorough look at how you can manage M&As with contract management software, book a free demo of Contract Insight® contract management and eProcurement software today!
Contact John O’Brien, CEO at Four Business Solutions – global business consultants and software integrators specialising in business process improvement.
