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A Qualitative Analysis of M&A in Sweden - Presenting the CEOs perspective

Bilfeldt, Axel and Taoulaou, Aris LU (2015) BUSN89 20151
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
In this study we present findings related to the most significant characteristics of M&A in Sweden. The research purpose was reached by utilizing a qualitative analysis of eleven semi-structured interviews with nine Swedish CEOs and two representatives of M&A intermediaries. Given the research aim of this study, we choose induction as the most appropriate research method. Our study consists of five main findings. Firstly, we find that according to the interviewees, the majority of M&A in Sweden are characterized by a high degree of success. This is attributed to the fact that most of the M&A deals are done between companies that operate within the same or similar industry. Secondly, we find that most of the Swedish companies develop a... (More)
In this study we present findings related to the most significant characteristics of M&A in Sweden. The research purpose was reached by utilizing a qualitative analysis of eleven semi-structured interviews with nine Swedish CEOs and two representatives of M&A intermediaries. Given the research aim of this study, we choose induction as the most appropriate research method. Our study consists of five main findings. Firstly, we find that according to the interviewees, the majority of M&A in Sweden are characterized by a high degree of success. This is attributed to the fact that most of the M&A deals are done between companies that operate within the same or similar industry. Secondly, we find that most of the Swedish companies develop a long-term interaction with various potential bidders or targets before the actual initiation of the M&A process. Our third finding is that M&A in Sweden take place due to strategic reasons and rarely are a product of opportunistic intentions. The fourth finding is that Swedish companies usually utilize both internal and external resources during the assessment and integration process, whereas particular attention is given to retaining key individuals from the acquired company and achieving a gradual cultural alignment. The final finding consists of key elements that according to the interviewees seem to be present when viewing M&A in a Swedish context. Those elements include a consensus driven corporate culture, a collaborative decision making, as well as an attitude of openness, transparency, modesty and honesty. (Less)
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author
Bilfeldt, Axel and Taoulaou, Aris LU
supervisor
organization
course
BUSN89 20151
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Mergers and Acquisitions, M&A, CEOs, Acquirer, Target, Sweden, Qualitative Research
language
English
id
7448285
date added to LUP
2015-06-29 13:37:06
date last changed
2015-06-29 15:26:12
@misc{7448285,
  abstract     = {{In this study we present findings related to the most significant characteristics of M&A in Sweden. The research purpose was reached by utilizing a qualitative analysis of eleven semi-structured interviews with nine Swedish CEOs and two representatives of M&A intermediaries. Given the research aim of this study, we choose induction as the most appropriate research method. Our study consists of five main findings. Firstly, we find that according to the interviewees, the majority of M&A in Sweden are characterized by a high degree of success. This is attributed to the fact that most of the M&A deals are done between companies that operate within the same or similar industry. Secondly, we find that most of the Swedish companies develop a long-term interaction with various potential bidders or targets before the actual initiation of the M&A process. Our third finding is that M&A in Sweden take place due to strategic reasons and rarely are a product of opportunistic intentions. The fourth finding is that Swedish companies usually utilize both internal and external resources during the assessment and integration process, whereas particular attention is given to retaining key individuals from the acquired company and achieving a gradual cultural alignment. The final finding consists of key elements that according to the interviewees seem to be present when viewing M&A in a Swedish context. Those elements include a consensus driven corporate culture, a collaborative decision making, as well as an attitude of openness, transparency, modesty and honesty.}},
  author       = {{Bilfeldt, Axel and Taoulaou, Aris}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{A Qualitative Analysis of M&A in Sweden - Presenting the CEOs perspective}},
  year         = {{2015}},
}